Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic.

Classic Classic

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I like the perspective; the lines of the car are cool. Your treatment is interesting.

I would try to get rid of the windows of the house, and maybe a lot of the other background clutter. Also possibly shoot on a cloudy day, or different time of day, so that front fender doesn't have the reflections we see right now, as well as the lens flare.

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Thanks Linda. It's going on Craig's List so I would like a good one. I looked at some other angles, now see some of the same problems.

Lee

lightchime Loc: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Are you suggesting that the perspective, lines of the car and treatment be kept and most other things should be changed?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I feel like this is a trick question :) What is your advice to OP?

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I would get this car out of the drive way and park it somewhere where there isn't so much distraction, especially for a sales picture.
Set it off by itself somewhere, though we did sell a barn once by having it in the background of a picture of something else we were selling. ;)
For an artistic picture how about parking it in front of a building that makes you think of the 70's.
I think the reflections and shadow across the hood and fender are distracting.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

Did you shoot it through a dirty window?

Nightski

I think that's what's known as lens flare, Rob. Lee, one of those lens hoods may help if you retake the shot.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Lee, if you want to sell that car, you need a clean shot of the car, including removing the tree debris from the hood. If it is drivable, the first thing to do is take it someplace with a clean background and no direct sun. If all you want is the car, a north facing back of a warehouse parking lot will do. North facing means north sky light, no direct sun pretty much all day, so you should have nice long reflections but few or no hotspots. The angle is fine, a classic low, wide angle on a car that's been used to sell cars for years, but the background you have now is hugely distracting, you have bizarre reflections from windows falling on the car, and worse you have flare—honestly it's a mess right now. If you move to an uncluttered spot with a smooth background, even if there's direct sun getting into it you will get a far better result, but the best would be without direct sun.

IF the car is drivable, you could also take it to a park and shoot just after sunset. Gets the golden light and long reflections. But if the car is not drivable, then at the very least dust off the debris and don't shoot it in sunlight. :-)

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Thanks CM. I think what I will do is retake it, then play with backgrounds in the PSE 12 when it comes in. Seems I do better with people and animals than things.

Will repost later,
Lee

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

I have a couple of those Nightski. I'm already planning the retake. Thanks,

Lee

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Thanks Chuck, those are good ideas for me to keep in mind for a retake. My son-in-law and I pulled it over here, backed in there and took some shots for his record. Now it is time to get serious. PSE 12 should be in today or tomorrow. I'll practice with some different backgrounds.
Thanks again,
Lee
PS That is the paint on the hood chipping. I guess I better not correct that. :D

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

I really think you could do a little better selling this classic if was washed, had the front tire aired up. Shot this picture in either sunshine or shade not a combination of both. Use a polarizing filter to reduce some of the reflections. Park it somewhere with out such a distracting background.
Also when you mention any problems with the cars appearance on Craigslist, include some photos of that area so the prospect can get an idea what you are addressing.

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Thanks Bp. Been messing with changing backgrounds in PSE 12 today. Haven't figured it out yet. Good idea about taking the extra ouch photos.
Lee

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

First amateur merge.
Lee

Pasture Car merge PSE12