F stop for auto shows (Page 4): I generally shoot a 35mm at f4-5.6, or a 24-105 at f4-5.6.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

gvarner wrote:

The challenge at auto shows or in outdoor auto photos is to have the subject sharp and the background blurry. I know that a wide open aperture would do the trick but runs the hazard of not having the entire length of the auto in focus if it’s at an angle to the camera. Is there one f-stop recommended or would it be better to do a few bursts at various stops to get a blurry background? Or would a short tele help to add to bokeh?

I generally shoot a 35mm at f4-5.6, or a 24-105 at f4-5.6.

EJMcD

gvarner wrote:

The challenge at auto shows or in outdoor auto photos is to have the subject sharp and the background blurry. I know that a wide open aperture would do the trick but runs the hazard of not having the entire length of the auto in focus if it’s at an angle to the camera. Is there one f-stop recommended or would it be better to do a few bursts at various stops to get a blurry background? Or would a short tele help to add to bokeh?

For me, it's more important to get the complete vehicle in sharp focus and don't really care about the background. The car is most important and I like to see all of it. For outdoor shows, I get there an hour before start time thereby avoiding the wandering crowds in the frame and compose as tightly as possible. This, of course, is just my opinion. Everyone can and should do whatever works for them.

BebuLamar

Of course one should do whatever works for them but the OP asked how to get the car sharp (I guess he meant the entire car) but the background blur. I don't think any lens or aperture choice would give him that. If a lens or aperture choice that would render the entire car sharp then the background would also in focus. There isn't much distance from the car to the background in a car show. Of course the suggestion of focus stacking is a good one but I doubt that the OP can pull that off.

EJMcD

BebuLamar wrote:

Of course one should do whatever works for them but the OP asked how to get the car sharp (I guess he meant the entire car) but the background blur. I don't think any lens or aperture choice would give him that. If a lens or aperture choice that would render the entire car sharp then the background would also in focus. There isn't much distance from the car to the background in a car show. Of course the suggestion of focus stacking is a good one but I doubt that the OP can pull that off.

Was your final "but" really necessary?

BebuLamar

EJMcD wrote:

Was your final "but" really necessary?

Yes if you are just an attendee to the show it's not possible to do the focus stacking in a car show.

EJMcD

BebuLamar wrote:

Yes if you are just an attendee to the show it's not possible to do the focus stacking in a car show.

Thanks for clarifying.

BobPeterson Loc: Massachusetts

rcarol wrote:

I don't understand how focus stacking is going to help blur the background.

Focus stacking will help keep the whole car in focus at wide open apertures.

photoman43

gvarner wrote:

The challenge at auto shows or in outdoor auto photos is to have the subject sharp and the background blurry. I know that a wide open aperture would do the trick but runs the hazard of not having the entire length of the auto in focus if it’s at an angle to the camera. Is there one f-stop recommended or would it be better to do a few bursts at various stops to get a blurry background? Or would a short tele help to add to bokeh?

What I have done is to choose the lens carefully (wide angle might be better like 20mm), know its minimum focus distance, and vary my f stop n Aperture priority mode. I try and get close to the car and shoot at the minimum focus distance at various f stops. Then I move back a little and repeat the same set of images. How close you are to the car has a big impact on depth of field/background rendering.

Just realize that you might get some distortion/perspective issues some of which your post processing software might fix. You have to allow for these adjustments when you plan your shot.

The bottom line is that there is a lot of trial and error involved.

Remember to set your white balance carefully.

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

Hard to answer this one not knowing the lighting situation. I try to shoot at f8 or f11 if there is enough light. You can jack with the ISO and shutter speed to see if you can get either depending on your camera. I shoot Sony so I am comfortable with higher ISO's. I can get more in focus that way but if you want parts to be out of focus go with lower f stops. Ya just gotta play with it.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

gvarner wrote:

The challenge at auto shows or in outdoor auto photos is to have the subject sharp and the background blurry. I know that a wide open aperture would do the trick but runs the hazard of not having the entire length of the auto in focus if it’s at an angle to the camera. Is there one f-stop recommended or would it be better to do a few bursts at various stops to get a blurry background? Or would a short tele help to add to bokeh?

The whole car in focus yet a blurred background is interesting but often impossible the way they stack cars in an auto show. Parked against a curb with coin meter and a store front and people. Maybe the shows you go to have the cars singled out.

I'd find of DOF tool and plug in the f/stop, distance from a car, and find the setting that holds DOF to end of the car. In a jammed show I have my doubts you will get much bokeh. Let's not forget, shooting just the front and the rest of thr car blurred is equally provocative.

I know with LrC they have added a blurr feature, to enhance the blurr in post.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

gvarner wrote:

The challenge at auto shows or in outdoor auto photos is to have the subject sharp and the background blurry. I know that a wide open aperture would do the trick but runs the hazard of not having the entire length of the auto in focus if it’s at an angle to the camera. Is there one f-stop recommended or would it be better to do a few bursts at various stops to get a blurry background? Or would a short tele help to add to bokeh?

The "tilt/shift" lenses were made for just such a challenge. There are some bargains to be had in vintage gear for use on mirrorless bodies with adapters.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

FlaGator wrote:

Just practice by taking photos of your own car with various settings and at different viewpoints. Make note of the ones that work well for you and use those at the shows.

Great advice!

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Better to make sure the entire car is in focus and then add some bokeh in post processing. Pretty easy to do.

Flyhigh Loc: Seattle, Palm Desert

I would start with F8 at your desired and the move down to F5.6 and then to F3. Look and compare the 3 and choose your best

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

OK, just shoot for maximum depth of field, so everything is sharp, then blur what you want blurred in post-processing.

Save time not having to calculate etc. in the field and you have something to do if the TV shows are all duds some nights.