OT: Take digital pics of a white car?

[A Quiet Boom]

I've been trying to get some good pics of my car to show exhaust mods etc. but whenever the white paint is in the picture it screws up the pic and either its washed out or way to dark. I know cars not photography can anyone help?

[cstreit]

Take them in the morning or on a cloudy day... If you have a higher-end camera, use a different metering point.

[A Quiet Boom]

Let's just say my taste in cameras isn't on the same level as my taste in cars but thanks for the suggestions

[Jack Olsen]

Chris is right. Wait for an overcast day.

[Adam]

I just took this shot after washing the car. It's quite overcast today and the paint is new, but it's in the shade...



Good moody light though

[911pcars]

I learned the following in an Ansel Adams Zone IV class (or was that VI?).

Light meters are calibrated to display the proper exposure when it senses an 18% gray reflective surface. Thus, if your meter sees a primarily dark area in the scene, the meter thinks "ahh, it's gotta be 18% gray", it's too dark and thus sets the camera to allow more light to expose the film or CCD (overexposure; the dark area is gray). On the other hand, when a meter is looking predominantly at a light object (your white car), the meter also looks for the same "18% gray" but thinks there's too much light. This results in a setting that allows less light for proper exposure (underexposure; the light area is gray). If you realize this and your camera has manual controls, you can compensate for the type of subject or scenary or maybe move the subject (if moveable).

On an overcast day, the light source is less directional and more diffused. The lighting ratio (difference between shadows and highlights) isn't as extreme, thus the film or CCD has a better chance to capture the more limited tonal values. Even then, the meter is always looking for 18% gray. To get closer to the correct exposure, point the camera at an area with mixed tones, both light and dark, so the meter can give you an average setting; meter a patch of grass (approx. 18% gray) and hold the exposure setting (if possible), or open the lens a stop or two (more light) when the subject is standing in front of a bright background (e.g. sky). You can also bracket the exposures (+1, +2, normal, -1, -2 stops) if the subject is worth it. Digital cameras, like video, are great for getting instant feedback.

I suppose manual photography is a lot like golf; lot's of things to consider but only a few milliseconds to actually do it. Automation makes photography somewhat easier for the majority of pictures. If only Callaway can do that with a golf club.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[A Quiet Boom]

Thanks guys,

Jack I saw this same advice from you over at rennlist and managed to get two decent pics of my car on a rainy day, the picts I'm trying to take now are close ups inside my shop with HPS lighting, I've tried both with and without lights, with and without flash to know avail. The inside of my shop seems to be terrible for picture taking for some reason. I guess I could jack it up outside on an overcast day and try that but I think the white body is throwing the exposure part of the car off regardless of ambient light. What about "fooling" the camera with some spot lights or putting a dark towel over the paint? Or getting somebody who knows how to use a camera? LOL It's funny I can do learn complex things with relative ease but I can't take a picture with a modern technology camera

[Glasgow 911SC]

Grass generally has the same reflective property as 18% "neutral" gray. Take a reading from your lawn.

[Glasgow 911SC]

But a light meter gets it right everytime unless your using a large format (5X4 or 10X8) bellows camera.

[curtisaa]

Originally posted by 911pcars
[).

I suppose manual photography is a lot like golf; lot's of things to consider but only a few milliseconds to actually do it. Automation makes photography somewhat easier for the majority of pictures. If only Callaway can do that with a golf club.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars [/B]

..ain't that right !!