How I Shoot Car Events

How do you shoot car events when there are a million people around and you (usually!) don't have the option to reposition the cars to your liking? I'll show you what I do to get interesting photos of cars at events and gatherings.

I recently shot at Luftgekühlt 7 in Indianapolis, and Autopia 2099, which is sort of like Radwood, but for EVs (I helped organize this event). I’m not sure I got any calendar photo hero shots of any cars, but I think I was able to communicate the feeling of these events, and that's what I was aiming for.

Hopefully these simple tips will help you find new ways of looking at shows and car events, and see different photo opportunities that you might have been missing out on.

Some gear I mentioned:

Some photos:

My Luftgekühlt 5 coverage on R&T
My Luftgekühlt 4 coverage on R&T

#Luftgekühlt #porsche #autopia2099
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[minesaver]

I want to see this video remade with a focus on something like a cars and coffee where you're in a Walmart parking lot with nothing but busy busy busy, cars close to each other with the sun coming up right over hoods or trunks, and harsh sun. That's where I'm practicing right now and it's tough for me. The setting you shot here, in my opinion, is still inherently interesting even if every car isn't completely isolated.

[TomBroughtonPhotography]

Some good stuff here! I've definitely tried some of these with varying degrees of success, but I'm definitely guilty of trying to wait for a clear shot instead of embracing the crowd. Will be trying to take this on board next car show I go to.

[jacobli]

Embracing the crowd is definitely something that I struggled with when shooting cars at these large gatherings such as Luft. Thanks for the informative video!

[zahktuthalxalyrion]

Good tips! I was just at my first car show and snapped a lot of pictures, and I definitely followed the “don’t hide from the crowd” tip without realizing it. But I didn’t USE the crowd, and I’m realizing I focused so much on the cars themselves that I didn’t capture the energy and excitement of the people as you said. Instead I got pretty car shots… that I could’ve done anywhere, at any time. They’re not energetic, and don’t truly show that it was a car SHOW. Next time I bring my camera to a car show, I will have to revisit this and keep that in mind!

[johncalberg]

Thanks! I organize large classic car events with +200 cars and take a lot of pictures. You really got me there, I always find it to crowded with the cars standing so close and people walking in front of it when shooting. I totally agree with the dogs and the detailing. I will definetely try shooting with a slow shutterspeed when people walk by

[edwardlthompson]

More excellent advice. Thank you for making these videos. Again, I learned more from you. I have always had the tendency to wait for clean shots of the vehicles but you are right, it is cool to see people admiring a vehicle.

[BOLOGNAINTHEHOUSE]

As an amateur portrait / sports photographer looking to delve into car phtography, your videos have been an excellent resource. Thank you!

[byronjohnson]

LIKE YOUR EXPLANATION ON THE APPROACH. VERY NICE MAGIC SHOTS. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[JulianChein]

How some simple tips will save me for my next car event! Great video!

[kevinb_]

I was at Luft 7 as well and the cars are staged so well that it was hard to not get people-free shots (admittedly I waited places for those moments). Most of my favorite shots are the more unique compositions and how I framed certain cars between people, architecture, and the shadows of the buildings.

Great video, advice, and shots!

[ramonmartinez]

I’m a car photographer and I got sample problem with crowds. I usually go earlier when cars are arriving. I start shooting details of the cars with 50mm. As soon as event is getting crowed I change lenses and shoot with 100-400mm.

[GabriCasas]

Never thought about the existence of this many possibilities when it comes to meetings. The photos you showed in the video are just amazing, love the compositions and how they share a story. Lovely video overall, enjoyed it so much!

[MegaFeldt]

This video helped me alot..I ALWAYS gets frustraided at events with people running in the way. Thank you.

[SpankysHotRodsandCustoms]

Great tips, Thanks for sharing. I’m building a 74 911 on my channel and looking forward to seeing more.
-Spanky

[Mariner]

I know i'm late to the discussion, but this is some great advice. By volume, I'm an event photographer, but I recently "discovered" an interest in car photography. I shot two cars-n-coffee events last week where I mostly tried to get car shots. Now, after watching your video, I went back and reviewed my keepers. I have to say that my favorites nearly all have people (and dogs!) as important elements of the composition. At my next show, I'm going to more deliberately approach it as an event rather than a bunch of cars lined up and see what happens. Thanks!

[andrewdoeshair]

I love it. I've been ALMOST a car guy for most of my life but I don't have the space or budget to really be a car guy. I do still attend car events whenever I can. My "work" with a camera is mostly portraiture with an emphasis on hair, but lately (and especially since finding your channel and instagram) I've been itching to shoot cars. I have tickets to a track event next month and I think I'm finally actually going to bring my camera. I have a few short telephoto fast primes but I might buy or rent a super telephoto for the day. Thanks for the inspiration and education. It's been a beacon of hope for an increasingly jaded portrait photographer looking for new thrills with a camera.

[heymikeriley]

Some great ideas! I feel like I was a pretty good wildlife photographer but I’m transitioning over to cars and feel like it’s my first day of high school. Loving some of the ideas on your channel

[deuslodus]

Dude im loving all of your videos, theyre well thought out and I love the natural way of how you go about speaking about your topics. I hope these types of videos never stop!

[Torquestable]

Your videos are amazing, and I love your style since it represents what I want to do with photos too. I’m saving up for a 70-200GM2 and I’m really looking forward to be shooting at 200mm mostly

[philiphomburger]

wow i dont mean to be *that* guy, but this is awesome and 100% deservers more traction. This is fascinating and I wish more people could see this!