Customer Reviews

How to Digitally Photograph Cars (Performance How-to)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a beginner to the DSLR world of photography, I wanted to find a guide out there that would point me in the right direction towards becoming a better photographer with my recently-acquired Nikon DSLR. I'd been taking pictures of the cars I've owned with point-and-shoots for almost a decade now so I had a good idea of how to go about composing a shot, but I had no clue how shutter speed, aperature, and ISO sensitivities all came together to get those great shots you'd see in magazines or online publications. I feel that this book is a great guide on how to get started in the automotive branch of photography; after reading this book I could walk away feeling much more confident that I at least had an idea of how to go about setting up the different modes on my camera. I also loved the fact that there was an even mix of shots from both authors, and it was very interesting to see the comparisons between Siu's and Mackey's photos, especially since Mackey's were post-processed and Siu's were not (for the most part). Speaking of post-processing, they have an entire chapter devoted to just that. I at first figured I could skip this since I had a good understanding of how Photoshop works, but after reading that chapter I picked up plenty of helpful tips that will make using that program even easier in the future. If I had to say something negative about the book, it would probably be that it's a little on the short side--I would loved to have been able to read even more. However, it was an informative book and I learned a lot from it.

This really is a book for those that are just starting out in this interesting field of photography.
At no stage does it go really into details, for instance they talk a lot about using flashes and strobes ... but nowhere do they mention the power setting of the strobe, probably the most important thing. The exif data is nice, but if extra lights are used you really need to know the power.

They really go into detail (with lots of samples) when it comes to interiors and engine bays ... but when they turn to indoor and outdoor events (probably the place where most people reading this will be able to shoot cars) they only spend a few paragraphs and next to no pictures ... a missed opportunity I think.

Apparently they are big on rig shots, which are nice, but there is so much more to getting these done perfectly, also keep in mind that suction cups leave marks, make sure the owner of the car knows about this, an exotic car owner will not take it kindly having his car returned with several round marks on his 10K paintjob.

I'm a professional automotive photographer, and because a lot of hype was created around this book on various forums around I pre-ordered it a long time ago, when it finally arrived I actually red it from cover to cover in a few days ... and felt it didn't add anything I didn't know already.

It is a great book when you have no or very little experience photographing cars, but don't expect to become a specialist from this book alone ... it's a basis that will allow you to get started, but that's about it.

If you have a passion for photography and for cars this is a must read. The authors go over everything when it comes to photographing cars. They have lots examples and ideas to explore. I'm sure you will love the book.

How to Digitally Photograph Cars offers a range of details on equipment, lighting, location and more for any who would photography cars. It's the first book on digitally photographing a vehicle, offering post-processing techniques and tips on planning, controlling lighting, and more. Any who would photograph cars, races, and more needs this specific guide, packed with ideas and examples.

Good ideas about how to improve your camera work. It is a very good thing to show treated and non-treated pictures.

This is the best book available on automotive photography. In fact, it's the only book that discusses digital photography specifically, and also dedicates a chapter to post processing your digital photos. The authors do a fantastic job of clearly explaining everything and use a high level of detail, and there is excellent photography throughout, each provided with valuable exif data. Also helpful is that one author uses a Cannon, and the other author uses Nikon. Quite simply, there is no better book on the subject.

I needed a book that explained photographing cars in clear and simple terms. I don't agree with everything presented in the book, but the concepts are clear and easily used. I'm free to try them and accept or adapt them to my particular situation.

I wish all the 'how-to' books on my shelf were this good!

The book basically is badly organized and written, and the photos used are mediocre. I bought it last year as a reference book,but quickly relegated it to the back bookshelf.

I'm happy with this book. It's a nice guide for starters, but I'm not a starter in photography not even a professional, however sometimes its anoying to read several times the same things. Concerning car photography this bok is a nice way to start, anyway I miss several things. Giving EXIF data can help but keep in mind those specifications are for that specific spot and time... as a beginer in car photography it gives light to some aspects you wouldn't see after taking shoots which will help you improve your results and start in a better way.
It's a nice book for the price. Nice pictures and clear explanations with easy vocabulary even for non native english speakers as it is my case.

Informative, descriptive, and very helpful! The pictures with the EXIF information are very cool and will definitely aid in my practicing after I finish reading the book! I'm glad I picked this up.

The book is definitely well worth the money. Mountains of information and pictures. Well done.