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There are few better ways of exploring the vastness of our great country than behind the wheel of a vehicle like the Tata Safari. It can take you to all corners of the country and make some incredible memories along the way. As the saying goes, time moves in one direction, while memories move in the other. Capturing these fleeting moments is essential, and with just a smartphone and a Safari, you can create memories that last a lifetime.
In this tutorial, we are delving into the art of automotive photography. From perfecting car positioning and composition to mastering static and dynamic shots, this guide has you covered. In the past, car photography required specialised equipment. But today, the camera in your smartphone can be just as effective, especially with manual or pro modes that allow you to take stunning shots. Here’s how to get started.
The first step in capturing a great shot is proper positioning and composition. Simply parking the car by the side of the road and snapping a photo will often result in mediocre images, regardless of the equipment used. Instead, take the time to position the car and compose the frame properly, and you could end up with something extraordinary.
Begin by walking around the car to find the best angle. The three-quarter angle — where both the front and side of the car are visible — is a classic shot that showcases the Safari’s muscular lines and profile. Pay attention to the background as well; it should complement the car without distractions. An SUV like the Safari looks particularly impressive in a natural, rugged environment, while a sedan may appear out of place in such a setting.
Lighting is another critical factor. Position the car so that light hits it at an angle, creating highlights and shadows that add depth. Avoid shooting directly into the sun; side or backlighting often works best. Small adjustments, such as turning the front wheels slightly towards the camera, can add a dynamic element to the shot. Always ensure the car is clean and dust-free for that perfect image.
When composing your shot, consider the rule of thirds. Placing the car slightly off-centre, where the grid lines intersect, creates a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition.
Static shots are a fundamental part of automotive photography, especially for a vehicle as imposing as the Tata Safari. The key to capturing the Safari’s presence lies in using the right focal length. A wide-angle lens can distort the car, so it’s better to step back and use a telephoto lens to provide a more accurate representation of the car’s shape. This approach also compresses the background, adding drama to the image. A focal length of 2x is ideal for capturing the car with a natural perspective, free from distortion.
Additionally, consider shooting from a low angle to accentuate the scale of the vehicle, highlighting the Safari’s powerful and dominant stance. Experiment with different angles, but always ensure the car’s details are sharp and the lighting is balanced.
Cars are meant to be driven, and capturing that motion is a thrilling aspect of automotive photography. Panning and cornering shots require a combination of skill and patience but can produce stunning results.
When shooting a moving car, it’s important to avoid harsh light. Use manual mode on your phone and set the shutter speed to around 1/25. Smoothly pan with the car as it passes by, pressing the shutter button to capture the motion. For cornering shots, position yourself on the outside of the turn to capture the car as it leans into the corner. Use a fast shutter speed — between 1/200 to 1/160, depending on the car’s speed — to freeze the motion. Continuous autofocus and burst mode can help you capture the perfect shot as the car attacks the corner.
The interior of the Tata Safari is as impressive as its exterior, with luxurious features that deserve to be captured with care. When shooting interiors, select a low ISO between 100-400 to maintain image quality and avoid noise, especially in low-light conditions. Avoid using portrait mode, as it can blur the edges of the image and reduce clarity.
Lighting is crucial, and the Safari’s panoramic sunroof can be opened with a voice command to allow more light into the cabin. However, avoid harsh sunlight that might create unwanted shadows. Use a wide-angle lens (0.5x) to capture the entire interior, but be cautious of distortion along the edges. For detailed shots of specific features, switch to a standard lens (1x or 2x) to maintain accuracy.
Experiment with different perspectives, shooting from various positions within the car to highlight its design and functionality. Pay attention to details like the steering wheel, dashboard trim, and infotainment system, ensuring they are well-lit and sharply focused.
Automotive photography isn’t just about capturing the car as a whole; it’s also about showcasing the finer details that make each vehicle unique. Start by selecting the right lens. A 1x or 2x lens is perfect for capturing sharp details without distortion. For very fine details, such as seat stitching or the car’s easter eggs, use macro mode.
Good lighting is essential for detail shots. Use natural light or a small LED to highlight emblems, badges, and textures. Experiment with portrait mode to blur the background and draw attention to the subject. Try different angles — low, high, and close-up — to capture unique aspects of the car, such as the wheels, grille, audio system, and other standout features.
Once you’ve captured your images, a little post-processing can go a long way in enhancing the final product. Start by adjusting the exposure to ensure the image is well-lit. Increase or decrease as necessary, but be careful not to overexpose and lose details. Adjust the contrast to add depth and make the details pop. Fine-tune the highlights and shadows to balance the light across the image.
Next, enhance the colours using the White Balance tool to correct any colour casts. Boost the vibrance and saturation carefully to enrich the overall colour scheme. Apply sharpening to make textures stand out, but avoid over-sharpening, as this can introduce noise. Finally, export your images in high resolution, ensuring they’re ready for any platform, whether print or digital.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of automotive photography, it’s time to put your skills to the test. evo India and Tata Motors invite you to submit your best photos of a Tata Safari. The top five entries will win a Tata Safari scale model and the winner gets an opportunity to intern at evo India. Keep an eye on our social media handles for details on how to enter.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and angles. With these tips and a bit of creativity, you’ll soon be capturing stunning, poster-worthy shots of your car.
