throwing light at a car isnt how youre supposed to light it. the correct way is to think of it as a mirror and use the right reflectors/light source to get the proper reflections off the car. Thats why professional car photographers use large light boxes, or panels.




if you do not have access to a studio, then you need to look at your surrounding and see how you can use it to your advantage. rule of thumb is that if you want to use something as a reflector, it must be twice the size of the subject, especially a curved object like car panels.

I shot this with two flashes, none of which were pointed at the car.

 

Stupid question alert

I just picked up a 580 EX II last week cuz of the new rebate that pushed me over the edge to pick one up.

Anyways, is a remote the only way to fire this thing manually?

If so, whats a reasonably priced solution to one? I've heard great things about cybersyncs and pocket wizards. Just not sure what to look for. (I'm not looking for anything super professional quality)

 

Depends on what sync speed you want, there are different options but the PW will give you 1/500th. there are also radio poppers and there is canon's own ST-E2 and there are also Ebay specials but they will not go to 1/500th.

Than again your body comes into play for that speed if I remember correctly.

I use my ST-E2 or my Quantum Radio Slaves most often. I think I have a pair of Pw's some wheres in the studio but I rarely if ever use them.

 

car to share that setup. amazing shot for not point the flashes at the car.

 

^ its pretty simple, look at the shot posted with it. Overhead light see that huge softbox up there? Look at your shadow lines, notice the location of the shadows? Back of the rear spoiler, top of the bumper, tips of the wing, edges of the rear quarters. This tells you the light was above and aft of the subject.

 

thanks i am going to have to give that a try. now to find a place with a lower ceiling

 

It's a big reflector..

 

Details pwn me.