Digital
Photography Tips
Digital photography has
become an integral part of TopGear. It has given you a very effective
marketing tool and has enhanced the presentation of Customer Brochures,
Auction Brochures and Websites. We at Fasttrac thought it may be a good
idea to let you in on a few quick tips to help enhance the quality of
pictures that you use - another step forward !
Few Simple Tips can make all the difference
Digital photography
has come of age in terms of technology available and a little care can
help you get near-professional results.
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Lighting Conditions
Contrary
to popular belief, a bright sunny day may not be the best to take
pictures of your vehicles. This is due to the fact that the body
paintwork is a high-gloss surface and bright surroundings create
multiple reflections on the body, thereby creating high contrast
differentials on the resulting image.
An
overcast day with sufficient diffused light may be most ideal.
Placement
of the vehicle and the camera angle should also be given due
consideration. Right position and angle can help eliminate reflections.
Low camera positions should be avoided.
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Backdrop
Backdrop
of the picture should be chosen with care. A white wall behind the
vehicle may not be the best choice, as usually thought.
Natural
backdrops add life to your pictures and should be used wherever
possible.
If
there is no option available but a wall, its best if it is painted in a
neutral color in Matt finish (Glossy surface is a BIG NO!)
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How many photos per vehicle ?
Though
it is purely a matter of personal preference and requirement, we feel
that 4 shots per vehicle do normally suffice.
à
Front
à
Rear
à
Interior Dash
à
Engine
Avoid
Dead-Front shots unless the idea is to highlight the unique frontal
features of the vehicle. Usually an angular shot covering the front and
the Right side of the vehicle is a good idea.
An
interior dash shot can be best taken with vehicle parked in shade. Push
the driver seat-back towards the rear, get into the rear left seat and
take an angular shot of the dash with camera flash turned on.
Picture Resolution
Choice
of picture resolution is primarily dependent on end-usage. Recommended
resolution settings for common usage under TopGear are :
a.
800 x 600 for use with Customer Brochures, Auction Catalogues etc
b.
640 x 480 for upload to Websites.
High-resolution
pictures are not recommended for upload to Websites as they would tend
to slow down the browsers of visitors to your site on the web.
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…and More
Subject
Framing is highly critical to achieving good results. The vehicle or the
area being photographed should fill the picture frame as much as
possible and should be centered in the frame. Long shots (pictures taken
from a distance) tend to divert the attention of the viewer from the
main subject to the surroundings.
High and
low angle shots should be avoided. It is best to keep the camera
slightly below the normal line-of-sight.