Reflective surfaces: Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't...

Shutterbug305 Loc: Iowa

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

You don't...

You will need a circular polarizing filter that fits your camera.

Or only shoot in dark places like tunnels where there is no light to reflect off the surface.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Early morning or last evening. A CP will not help to much. It will reduce the glare, but you will still have the reflections.
Erv

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Forgot to add, if you need to shoot in the mid day. try to get the cars under a tree in a local park. The shade does pretty good and the colors look good.
Erv

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Shutterbug305 wrote:

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

Your only other solution is controlling the light. You need to stop the glare, by using a different angle and dissipating the light.

This is what a polarizer filter does

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

The CP will work fairly well with the glare from the glass, but you will still see the reflections on the paint and the chrome.
Erv

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Shutterbug305 wrote:

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

you need to spend some time walking around the car - checking different camera angles and such - walking around one's subject (where practical) is always a good idea

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I shoot a lot of hotrods and show cars. Most are just the guys around here in car clubs. Just for an example, I take right around 250-300 shoots of each car. Outside, inside, trunk, under the hood and if I can under the car. They love them. I charge $200 or so a car. I have a barn setup that they can pull it into. All setup with lights. I put sheareded straw on the floor. Looks great in the pictures. I just got into this by chance. Was up town taking pictures of my truck(78 Ford F250 4x4). We have an old school looking center of town. A few guys walked over and ask if I would do theirs. So far I have done about 45 cars and trucks this year.
Erv

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

A polarizer may help with the reflections from the windows if you are at the right angle. It may also help with large painted surfaces such as the hood. Again, depends upon the angle of the subject, light and camera. The light has to be strong and direct like the sun.

To control the spectral reflections from metallic surfaces, try scrims. This may be impractical on location. Otherwise, choose compositions that minimizes such objects or shoot close ups showing interesting reflections.

BOB Loc: Texas

Erv wrote:

I shoot a lot of hotrods and show cars. Most are j... (show quote)

BOB Loc: Texas

Erv wrote:

I shoot a lot of hotrods and show cars. Most are j... (show quote)

BOB Loc: Texas

Shutterbug305 wrote:

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

HI, Interested is see some of you photos but cannot open you website ? Thanks ,Have a great day.
Bob

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Sure Bob, But right now I am out of town for work. All my pictures are on hard drives at home. As soon as I get back I will put a few on and let you know.
Erv

BOB wrote:

quote=Erv I shoot a lot of hotrods and show cars.... (show quote)

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Shutterbug305 wrote:

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

You don't. Take the plunge, skip a single fast food dinner for the family, or half a carton of cigarettes, and use the money to get a circular polarizing filter - probably available at your local Best Buy store.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

marcomarks wrote:

Shutterbug305 wrote:

Could anyone here help me to take better shots of cars for example that are shiny but without having so much reflected in the car's surface or the windows. I don't have a polarized filter so how do I do that without one? Thanks!

You don't. Take the plunge, skip a single fast food dinner for the family, or half a carton of cigarettes, and use the money to get a circular polarizing filter - probably available at your local Best Buy store.

I would try B&H Photo instead. Been using them since the '70's. Bigger selection, better price. Call them to suggest a brand if you are overwhelmed by the choices.