Whether you’re an enthusiast, a blogger, a reporter, or a combination of the three, photographing vehicles can be both exciting and challenging.  The quest to take great photos at car shows isn’t as difficult as you may think.  With a little time, practice, and the useful tips below, you will be amazed at the cool and creative car show photos you’ll be snapping this season.

• Lighting – Dusk and dawn are the best times of the day to take car photographs. In the morning hours, the light is cool and has a good shadow angle.  Later in the day, the warm light will illuminate the surface of the car.  Be sure to keep the sun to your back, so you photograph the sunlit side, not the shadowed side.  Also, beware of reflections on the car’s surface.  Night shots can add a little drama to your photographs, so ask the owner if he/she could turn on the parking or headlights of the car.
• Flash – Most people do not think of using their flash when taking outdoor/bright sunlit photographs; however, the flash will eliminate the shadows from overhead sunshine and it is also important for all color photography.  Most built-in flashes work fine for indoor photography, but they are not powerful enough for outdoor shots.  Switch your camera to the “forced-flash” feature (also known as “Automatic Flash”) and you will see much better results from your photographs.
• Wide Angle Lenses – An important part of car photography is the use of wide angle lenses or wide angle zooms.  They help eliminate distractions of people or objects around the vehicle which is really useful when there is a lack of space or crowds.  They work by filling the frame of the photo with what you are shooting - a car part or the entire car.  They also enable you to catch an interesting angle of the car and can make the car leap out of the frame.  Experiment by focusing on small details in a photograph, such as unique fender curves, mirror reflections or shiny chrome.  These all help create a dramatic look.  
• Polarizer – This tool is a must because it is used to control reflections.  It allows you to reduce glare, add contrast and enhance colors.  You can eliminate reflections or use them for creative effects.
• Unusual Angles – Explore different angles to make your photos more interesting. Try a front or rear three-quarter view.  Crouch down at one of the corners and frame your shot, so the car fills it entirely.  Also, shooting a little higher off the ground will add a different perspective and shooting up at a low angle will amplify the proportions.  If you’re feeling daring, tilt the camera and make a real artistic statement.
• Saving Digital Images – Once you have uploaded your images onto your computer, you should save them on your hard drive in a “TIFF” format.  This preserves the quality of the image for editing purposes.  Saving images in a “JPEG” file each time you edit or resave will diminish the resolution of the image.  Use a “JPEG” file to copy your edited images from one disc to another or to email your images over the Internet.
• Keep Notes – Remember to take along a notebook to jot down the car’s make model and other details to add to your photos.

Most importantly, experiment and have fun!  To find car shows in your area, visit our event locator, check event calendars, car clubs, newspaper/magazine listings and local advertisements.

Sources:

http://www.cobracountry.com/fototips

http://www.connectedphotographer.com/issues/issue200710/00002065001.html