Did you try taking any pics with the headlights on. It could make it look more dramatic. A single light source will usually make the final composite look flat, so better lighting is needed like you said.

Which lens did you use and what settings? The image info is usually stamped on the image file in case you didn't know.

I used the stock lens at 18mm. I took the pic at different exposures, but any brighter and the bumper was too bright. And no, didnt take any with the headlights on. Should have though.

For those of you who have done shoots using models with the cars, what kind of tips can you give for proper composition, lighting, background, poses, etc? My fiancee and I are going to do a shoot together real soon, maybe this weekend, but I must say I am lacking in the model photography skills department.

Have a look at this.

Motorcar Photography Tips... Condensed for Printout

Just remember to give her exact directions on how you want to compose the shot. It's one of those things that you really have to try a lot of different compositions to get a few good ones. The technical stuff is easier, just remember the car is the subject, not the girl. Unless of course that was your intent. Bounce the light as much as you can to get softer shadows. Night shots are cool, but a lot tougher when people are involved. Long exposure shots with someone standing perfectly still is a challenge if you want to give that a shot. Before setting out, it would be advisable to scope out possible locations before hand to get a feel for the type of emotion you want to convey. That way you don't waste your time if in the end you aren't satisfied with the results.

Next time take a couple of steps back and go for more zoom. Especially with a model, or she will not like the proportions.. :)

Hmm...like everyone is saying you probable should look into off camera lighting if you really want to get into night shots. Personally I like them better then day shots, but that is me, they also end up costing more interms of gear, but even during day shots you might need some extra light.

I would look at trying to do a setup of Alienbees.com the b800 lights, i havnt used these yet but have seen amazing photos come out with the use of them. You can get the triggers there also.

Currently I use
Canon 50D
Canon 28-105mm IS
Canon EF 50mm 1.4 Prime(~88mm on crop sensor a little deep for car photos imo)
2x 430EXII(lighting)
Pocket Wizards wireless triggering system (2x Flex, 1x Mini)

I also am planning on swaping some of my lighting set to get up on the Alienbees lights if I cant start producing what i want with the 430EXII's.

All in all lighting gets expensive, and hurts the mod fund. Also maybe if you pick up a lens with a lower f-stop value it might help... i usually shoot the 50mm at 1.8-2.2 unless the setting is pitch black then might bump it down. This also creates the DOF effect of having your subject on lock and the backgound blurred. Also, might want to try and keep your ISO down to 100 or close to it, usually helps if you dont already do that.

hope this helps.

Thanks, but that doesnt help with the model part. good info though.
i appreciate the good advise:tiphat:
for those shots, i was up against a wall, literally, i couldnt move back at all. the idea was good, but the execution and space were not.

i would love to get some good external lighting, but i cant invest that large sum of money in one specific thing right now. i'll probably just get a better lens for now and deal with the lighting later. im just going to stick with the kind of shots im good at for now instead of getting in over my head.

Best way to do it! Take your time. Learn the gear then expand.

No problem. I'm sure you can find a lot of photography info on the web, but I use to go to the Nikon website's Learn & Explore section to freshen up on the basics. Camera Technology and Photography Education Information from Nikon

The advanced stuff likt the video on color control was really helpful.
Control of Color - Part 1 from Nikon

shot the Z1 Motorsports shop cars today, the widebody Z32 and the 370z... look for a thread next week when i get home lol :woot:

awesome!

Alienbees FTW! They are here in Nashville. They make great products.

been lookin for a decent p&s for the times where lugging around my d90 isn't feasible...just picked up a canon s95, should get to my place in a few days.

everyone i know that has a canon p&s has been pretty happy with theirs', so im expecting good things. fast lens (f/2.0 @ 28mm), shoots in raw, good low light images, so im a happy camper. its a little more than what i wanted to pay for a p&s, but i figure this one should last me awhile and i won't feel have the feeling of regret when i take photos with my current p&s and wish that i had my dslr.