Tips On Creating A Personalized Show Board, Great Pictures – Part 2

In part one of this series we discussed how to create a show board that will be unique, and be an extension of your personality. In this article we will provide you with some tips on taking great photographs for display on your show board, or for wall hangings. The evolution of computer graphics has been carried into the automotive photography industry making car art explode. However, in order to get a high quality print, the photographs which are the foundation must meet minimum quality standards. Computer graphics can correct for some photography errors, but not all, and often these corrections take time, and time is money, your money.

This article will focus on photography tips that I have learned over the years which have been helpful. When displaying your vehicle at a show, enthusiasts like yourself pay close attention to every detail down to the shine on the bolts to ensure that the car is perfect. The end quality of your display is dependent upon your attention to details. Whenever I take a photograph or create art I do exactly the same. Starting with the right photographs is key.

Before taking your pictures keep in mind the following suggestions so you will get the best possible results.

1. So many of your vehicles shine like a mirror, so it is important not to have it directly in bright sun to minimize the glare. Graphic tools can remove some of this from the picture, but often specific details such as emblems will be washed out and can not be restored. Pay attention to any reflections and shadowing that could make body panels look like a poor paint job or in need of body work. Also make sure that your reflection is not visible.

2. Often there are small replica cars in the rear window or on display elsewhere in the car. If you have tinted windows often the replica will not be clear. I suggest that you take pictures both with the model showing, and with it removed.

3. Remove any window plaques, displays or show stickers or items hanging from your mirror that you do not want to be in the photograph. They look great at a show, but could detract from the final photograph.

4. Background selection is key. Unless you want the background where you are taking the photographs to be included in the final work, it is best to park the vehicle in front of a plain background such as a building or where there are no cars in the background. This will help with the editing for the fantasy graphics work.

5. Take a series of photographs with all doors, hood, trunk are completely closed. This series should include the following shots.
- Straight on from the front
- Straight on from the back
- Left front quarter to side panel shot
- Right front quarter to side panel shot
- Straight on left/right side
- Real quarter panel shot.

Many of you will have areas that are special to you, such as an emblem, gas cap, dash board, steering wheel, or even a specific body part. Take a photograph of each of these areas and incorporate them into the art work.

For some examples of the views above, refer to www.PalmieriConcepts.com in the "Photo Tips" Section.