Well, it looks like the 12,000 mile journey to Flint for this year's 100th birthday celebrations is not going to be possible for me this year. So, I'm looking for people with digital cameras to take some shots for a page(s) I'll build that will appear on BuickStreet.com specifically for this important event. If you have a digital camera and are willing to take some decent shots and sent them to me here are some hints that might help you to take a good car shot: 1) Shots should be 1024x768 or larger. 2) Take the whole car if possible and get up close. Fill the viewfinder with the car and try not to chop off any bits unless you are taking a close up shot of a particular feature. 3) Try to get down to eye (hood) level with the car. The camera should be slightly higher than the hood. 4) Try to take what I call "front (or rear) 3/4 shots". That is; stand to one side of the car so that you can see the full front (or back) and down one side. The corner of the car should be about a third the way in from the left or the right. 5) Try to avoid having anything "growing" from the roof of the car such as light poles or trees. This will be impossible in most cases but if you can manage, it makes for a far superior photo. 6) Make sure the car is parallel with the horizon. Try not to use fancy angles - they rarely look effective. If, on the other hand, you already have a good series of shots of the car by all means try to your hand at "artsy" shots. Don't waste too much time on this though. 7) Keep still. If you are standing (see hint 3) stand with your feet slightly apart and your elbows tucked in. It's all about stability. Use a pole and lean against it if you can. There is a tendency to hold a digital camera out in front of you so you can see the viewfinder. Try to avoid this temptation. My favourite stance is down on my left knee using my right knee as a rest for my right elbow. Try it and see if it works for you. 8) Use the sun to your advantage. The old "stand with the sun to your back" rule is always a good idea and works well. Don't forget to use the flash (even on a sunny day) to fill in any shadows. It works wonders and you'll be surprised at the results. 9) Be patient and wait for people to get out of the way. Aside from the legal issue, people rarely look good in car shots. Try this cheeky tip: Asume the "photographer's stance" and wait...people will soon see that you are taking a photo and will stand to one side while you take the shot. Always thank your audience for their patience. 10) Don't be shy to ask the owner for their name and tell them that you are an 'official photgrapher' for BuickStreet.com website. Don't worry about getting too many details though because 1- it's a hassle and takes too much of your precious time and 2- I probably won't be posting details. Just masses of photos (hopefully). 11) If you think you've done a good job. Ask me for a BuickStreet T-Shirt. You never know...you might just get one. If needed I will also compensate you for batteries (and/or burgers). 12) Do not compress (or lower the quality of) the photos or adjust them in any way. I have my tricks afor improvong the quality of digital images and those of you who have been to BuickStreet.com will hopefully agree - they work. 13) Take some display and or people/crowd/candid photos as well. They are always fun and capture the atmosphere of the event. Don't forget that I'll need at least one banner or official poster shot as well. 14) Take a photo of every Nailhead powered Hotrod you see. I love 'em. 15) Enjoy yourself first. Take photos for me second. If you are going to send through a lot of pictures, send them in lots of emails. One at a time is fine. I would much rather get 100 emails than 100 photos in one email. In the subject line write "Flint Photos by (your name) 1 of 25, 2 of 25, 3 of 25...etc. That way I know who's they are and how many to expect. I have a 512kb broadband account and can (and will) gladly accept any amount of photos you want to/can send. You will get credit for every photo I use.
BuickStreet T-Shirt?? Hey Bill, I can't make it to Flint either. :ball: But I'll still ask you for a BuickStreet T-Shirt. :laugh: I didn't know that they existed, what do they look like? o No:
I'll be taking a load of pics with the digital camera. Resolution of 1200x1600. I've been experimenting with some views of shots when I shoot cars. I like the way the cars are shot on your website, so I am mimicking some of them:grin: I'll try to find a couple examples here somewhwere...................................................... THere are a couple sohts on here that I am referring to: http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crestwood.htm One of the 70 GS and a couple of the 58 Roadmaster. The quality of photo will be much better as I will be using a 3mp camera instead of a 2.1mp. :bglasses:
Bill, the camera will be running, and maybe I might buy a new one before then, but pictures will come your way definitely! Wish you could be here, as this will be a once in a lifetime Buick experience! RV
BuickStreet Tshirts are not currently for sale as I am still working on the Artwork. I am yet to decide on a design (I suck at design) and so for the time being are just a plain black Polo shirt with the BuickStreet logo at the top left at the front and BuickStreet.com plastered across the back in large letters. I had some made quickly for my visit to the States last year. Some of you may remember them. I wore one every day (don't worry - I had three). They where basically just a promotional shirt for myself. You can see a pic here. but like I said, they are nothing fancy...yet. If someone would like to work on a design I'd be glad to consider all entries. Winner gets a free shirt (or two). If the design is good I'll be selling them on the site. Roberta, no one is more upset at my not being able to attend Flint than I am. Looking forward to all the pics though. Adam. I saw those pics. The quality is good. I think you'll like the result when you lower the height of the camera like I suggested in Hint #3. I remember reading a few of these hints in an old HotRod magazine article and have used them with good success at the B.O.P. Nats (Bristol) and the Hot Rod Re-Union in Bakersfield...sigh. I want to come back so bad.... Anyone want to adopt an Aussie?
Sure thing Bill, you're welcome to come over and stay anytime. :beer I aint got no spare bedroom or nuthin' but you can just sleep in my car. :sleep: I'll even let you pick which one! :laugh:
