Fancy yourself as a smartphone snapper? Want to attempt more than selfies and pictures of your breakfast? Here’s how to take your Instagram car photography to the next level.
By teaming up with pro photographer Julian Calverley, Skoda has offered tips on how to get the best out of whatever photo equipment you have.
The shot begins before you’ve even opened the camera app, preferably with a good-looking car in some stunning scenery. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions about the Skoda Octavia (above), but a moody morning in Wales seems a good place to start.
Below are five steps that Calverley insists will improve your Instagram photography. Like and follow, etc…
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1. See the bigger picture: Make sure your shoot is suitable as a thumbnail. Use dramatic locations if possible and apply the rule of thirds, mentally dividing the photo into nine equal squares (helpfully, most phone cameras do this for you).
2. Start early and follow the sun: They don’t call it ‘golden hour’ for no reason. Dawn and dusk provide the most photographically sympathetic light levels. The middle of the day is often too harsh and bright.
3. Perfect weather isn’t always perfect: Equally, clear skies can make for bad photos. The calmness of a cool overcast or rainy day is the smartphone photographer’s friend.
4. Find the best angle: Move around the car, don’t zoom in. Once you’ve set the scene, you’re free to shoot from whatever angle you like. Tiny changes make a difference.
5. Cars have eyes, too: The headlights are a nice point of focus, like eyes on a person. If you’re shooting the front of the car, use sidelights only – no main beams. If you’re shooting from the rear, switch the lights on.
Add it all up and Julian reckons you have the makings of some great Instagram photography. Good luck!
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