Photography 101 - The low down front grill shot

Mike Phillips · 07-03-2012, 06:26 AM

Photography 101 - The low down front grill shot

I've never taken any photography lessons nor read any photography magazines, books or website, just try to hold the camera still and level.

I'm not sure what to call this style of shot except the low down, front grill shot as some cars have very beautiful designs to the front clip and grill area. I try to get this type of shot for all the cars we work on here at the Autogeek's Show Car Garage. Another favorite of mine is the overhead hood shot...

I could have been a little lower for this shot...

Feel free to tag-on with your best low down, front grill shots...

**addysdaddy** · 07-03-2012, 07:07 AM

are current cars allowed?

**wgilles** · 07-03-2012, 07:30 AM

Great shots Mike. I'm glad you nailed the Shelby Cobra like you did. If you shoot it any lower it looks like a gasping fish. I would say it is one of the most difficult cars to nail when it comes to photography.

I don't think you needed to be any lower. The lowest you ever want to get with this car is level with the hood scoop.

Mike Phillips · 07-03-2012, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by addysdaddy

are current cars allowed?

Sure!

Nice picture by the way!

**derek0609** · 07-03-2012, 08:51 AM

At first I was like....

And then I LOL'd!

**brentech** · 07-03-2012, 09:12 AM

I've always considered that the 'dog's perspective' or baby's, whatever.
Always enjoy taking pictures with the camera on or near the ground. Gives good bokeh of the floor surface and focus on the subject if you keep your aperture big.

**07gtcs** · 07-03-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by brentech

I've always considered that the 'dog's perspective' or baby's, whatever.
Always enjoy taking pictures with the camera on or near the ground. Gives good bokeh of the floor surface and focus on the subject if you keep your aperture big.

Which for you ametures means that the f-stop markings on your camera need to be the smallest number on the dial.....ie: 1.8. 2.8, 3.5 etc....

My idea for a good shot is one that is not an agle that you see from everyone. Anyone can take a "snapshot" but a photograph has to have some thought behind it.

**wgilles** · 07-03-2012, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by 07gtcs

Which for you ametures means that the f-stop markings on your camera need to be the smallest number on the dial.....ie: 1.8. 2.8, 3.5 etc....

My idea for a good shot is one that is not an agle that you see from everyone. Anyone can take a "snapshot" but a photograph has to have some thought behind it.

Good advice. But keep in mind with those large apertures, you should use a tripod. The focus is so precise at those numbers that the smallest movement forward or back can throw off the focus and lead to a soft image.

**07gtcs** · 07-03-2012, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by wgilles

Good advice. But keep in mind with those large apertures, you should use a tripod. The focus is so precise at those numbers that the smallest movement forward or back can throw off the focus and lead to a soft image.

Also depends on Shutter speed, ISO, inside lighting, outside lighting...etc...etc. I don't use a tripod or monopod unless Im shooting at 2.8 with a shutter speed under 1/60th. You should be able to hand hold a camera and get a sharp image with a 1/60th and faster shutter speed.