Photographing a car show with the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens

Over the years, I’ve photographed my share of car shows. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things and have developed a much more deliberate process.

At first, I would use my Canon 17-40mm lens and get images of the cars down low and wide. But, I’ve learned that I really enjoy finding and capturing more intimate portraits of cars.

Using a zoom lens such as the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens I have now, has allowed me to take a closer look at what gives these cars character (unlike the cars of today).

Details

There are so many beautiful details on the classic cars, from hood ornaments to taillights and all throughout the vehicle. By using a zoom lens you can easily get as much or as little of those details as you’d like.

There are times when I’ve also just had my 100mm macro lens. It works great for the details as well.

Not overwhelming

I recently mentioned being overwhelmed with our photography in an article. That definitely applies to car shows. So many cars, so many people and always a lot going on. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed in these situations.

At this last car show I attended, I went with a specific goal in mind so I could focus and create better images. I only had my 100-400mm lens and I looked for hood ornaments that were unique or that I have not ever seen before.

I also looked for different types of perspectives than I usually shoot. This image was the result of standing at the front of the car and using the white roof in the foreground to give it that ethereal effect.

Eliminate people

One of the best things about using a zoom lens with all these people around is that you can very effectively not have anyone in your images. Yes, you will have to be patient and wait for them to wander by or move away from the cars. It’s much easier to keep them out of your images by honing in on specific areas of the car.

Watch reflections

Personally, I tend to try to use reflections to my advantage. I do know other car show photographers who use a circular polarizer in order to eliminate reflections on windows and chrome.

Just be aware of what is actually happening in the reflection. Skies, people, other cars and the landscape around the car show all show up. Then decide if it works or doesn’t with the image you’re trying to create. If it doesn’t work, move around and watch the reflection change until you get something that works.

The best parts of the cars

Using the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens allows me to capture what I consider the best parts of the cars. We don’t have this amazing artwork on vehicles today. The hood ornaments themselves are pieces of art. Never mind the details in the graphics, logos, emblems, head and taillights.

Walk around the cars to see what else is worth capturing. Think about the shapes of the lines, the blocks of colors you can find and the interesting small details.

For more tips on photographing car shows, check out these articles.