Finding great photography locations and shooting at optimal times can be the difference between a good picture and a great one, and if you are like me, one of the most time-consuming aspects of planning a shoot is finding that great location. Although you will be limited to where you live, you want a location that works for you and the client and complements the subject you are shooting.

Light painting, in general, takes planning and visualization. Photographing a car's exterior usually requires combining multiple exposures to get a photo that illuminates all of what is intended. When light painting interiors, the same care and planning need to be considered, but usually, a car interior does not require as many exposures as an exterior shot would demand.

Earlier this year, I worked with Steele Mitsubishi in Halifax to photograph the current model of their flagship SUV, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander is Mitsubishi’s highest-selling model, and the 2023 Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) improves over the 2022 model with a new design, improved interior, a 2.4L engine delivering more power, and a larger capacity battery, to name a few.

In early January, I photographed the flagship Genesis G90 for Genesis Halifax, and two weeks later, I returned to photograph the new G80, the Genesis sibling and one of the latest additions to the Genesis electric lineup. The Genesis Electrified G80 (yes, that’s what it’s technically called) is the latest electric offering from Genesis, as the 2023 model takes the mid-size sedan into the electric market.

The F82 BMW M4 debuted for the 2015 model year and replaced the E9* series of the M3. With the introduction of the 4-series in 2014, a shift in nomenclature was needed, and the new M equivalent of the 4-series took the name of M4, with the M3 name reserved for the four-door model only. This new series was also the first to introduce turbocharging to the M3/M4 line-up, replacing the V8 in the E9* series with a 3-litre, twin-turbocharged straight-six that developed 425bhp.

Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph the 2023 Genesis G90 for Genesis Halifax. The newest G90 includes the recent design language that Genesis calls “athletic elegance,” which, amongst other features, includes the now recognizable crest grille and the ultra-thin, two-line headlamps. The design overall is not unlike the 2023 G80 besides the size, and without having both the G80 and G90 side-by-side, one could be mistaken for the other.

Lens filters have multiple purposes in photography as they can enhance colours, reduce reflections, and assist in proper exposure. In addition, some lens filters are designed to add visual interest to photos using special effects. That is where Prism FX comes in. Prism FX is a company founded in 2018 and based in Arizona in the United States.

It’s not always about the camera, lenses, filters, and other tech-related items that make an automotive photo shoot successful. When it comes to preparing for a photo shoot, numerous accessories can help your shoot be more comfortable and, in addition, provide more options for composition.

When light painting a car, multiple exposures that light different portions of the car are needed. The number of exposures will vary depending on the desired look. Still, you usually look at five to six exposures as a minimum, including the side, front (or back), and top. It would be best to capture separate exposures of the wheels, headlights (or tail lights), and the interior. Again, this all comes down to what look you are going for.

A car dealership needs to have photos of the cars they sell. They need to advertise what they offer and want their customers to see what they are shopping for in detail. If you are interested in working with car dealerships, you have probably noticed that they already have plenty of photos. These are usually standard photos of the same angles with the same backgrounds (sometimes poorly Photoshopped) and repeated for every car they have in stock.

Car light painting can seem like a very involved process with significant investments in equipment, and it can be! No matter what type of photography you are into, you can spend considerable money on your gear. But the truth is, you can start your light painting journey with probably the camera you have, a tripod, and a light source. However, investing in a quality tripod and separate ball head is recommended.

You are tasked with photographing a vehicle and have either been given specific direction from the client, or they have allowed you to do what you think "will look the best." It's common for clients to leave it up to you to capture their car because, after all, they like what you do. They got in touch with you for a reason. My car photography shoots are conducted by myself, so the recommendations below focus on solo photo shoots only.