Vivid Auto Photography | How to get into car photography 2021 Edition | Part 1
How do I get into car photography? Great question - Keep reading to find out what equipment I used when I got into photographing cars.
What equipment do I need?
When your starting car photography, you only need your phone or tablet. Over the last few years, smartphone photography progressed very well. I'd say pocket cameras and bridge cameras are redundant.
Under £100
All you need is a smartphone camera, whether that's your Apple or Android device. If you want to keep your level - I recommend getting an Everesta 42' inch phone tripod.
You can also a great variety of free Photo Editing software from Photoshop Express to Snapseed. You won't be disappointed with the results.
Under £500
If you're ready to step up your car photography equipment game, I recommend getting a Nikon D3300. It's a phenomenal value camera that punches above its weight.
I like the D3300's ergonomic package, fairly durable design when I'm photographing dogs running or cars in dealerships.
After you've got the camera body, I recommend getting a Nikkor f1.8l 35mm prime lens. So you challenge yourself by photographing your subject. It's worth it!
To protect the lens cover and remove reflections from the picture, I recommend getting a 52mm circular polarising lens litre. I improved my pictures exponentially.
Under £1000
Suppose you're ready for an upgrade, I recommend you consider getting a re-conditioned Nikon D610. It's a tremendous Full-Frame starter camera.
You can efficiently change the ISO, shutter speed and aperture when you're in demanding situations. I.e. at a busy car showroom. I captured my favourite car pictures on the D610.
The lenses I recommend for D610 will be a Samyang 85mm f1.4l lens if you've got time and a quality tripod to shoot your subject. It's bokeh-licious. Otherwise, stick to a quality 50mm autofocus lens with a circular polarising filter.
Under £5000
What equipment do I use? iPhone 6. I wish - Nonetheless, I currently use a Nikon D850. With its customisable button mapping, high pixel count and weatherproofing.
I use this camera when I'm shooting cars at dealerships or car meets. I use a Sigma Art 50mm f1.4l and Nikkor 85mm f1.4l lens. To keep the camera still for long periods at a time, I have a Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Aluminium Tripod. It's worth its weight in aluminium.
If you're looking for track day shots, I'd advise you to get a Nikon D5. Or, Nikon D500. The D850's built for photographing landscapes.
Conclusion
You don't need the sun and moon to take great pictures of cars. I'd advise you on using a smartphone - you can edit amazing photographs on free apps like Snapseed.
As an entry-point camera, I recommend you to use a Nikon D3300 with a 35mm lens. For its fantastic value and intuitive menus.
Once you've mastered using the D3300, I'd step up and consider a D610 with a 50mm lens. The camera feels well built, and you can capture more bokeh with the camera. Its full-frame.
I use a Nikon D850 with a 50mm f1.4l and 85mm f1.4l lens. I also have a sturdy Manfrotto tripod when I've got the time to photograph cars with Godox off-camera flashes. I've forgotten the Manfrotto camera bag.
How did you get into car photography? Let me know in the comments below and share my video if you've found it helpful. Please check out my member's club if you want to improve your car photography workflow.
Member's Club https://www.vividauto.photography/membersclub
Affiliate Links: Nikon D850 https://amzn.to/3pzYPXN
Sigma 50mm Lens https://amzn.to/37wtLCi
Samyang 85mm lens https://amzn.to/3qAzhuR
Hoya 77mm Pro 1 Circular Polariser lens filter https://amzn.to/3sbCKAO