4 Ways To Incorporate Vehicles Into Your Photography

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple scene into something cinematic? Vehicles add motion, drama, and character to your photos, even when they’re still. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional looking to add a fresh twist to your portfolio, use this guide to discover four ways to incorporate vehicles into your photography. You’ll get real-world inspiration, unique ideas, and practical tips so you can get started on your next photo shoot today.

Use Vehicles To Create a Focal Point

Step outside with your camera, and you’ll notice how a lone vintage car at sunset instantly pulls your gaze. If you want to avoid paying for a professional model, vehicles can serve as the main character in your composition. Whether it’s a bright yellow taxi in a busy city or a rusty pick-up on a quiet country road, use the shape and color of the vehicle to anchor attention.

Try shooting from a low angle, letting the car fill the frame and sky. Or, consider having your subject lean casually against the hood. Remember, the story you tell is about the person and the machine they ride.

Tell a Moving Story With Motion Blur

Motion is a photographer’s best friend, so sometimes, it’s best to show your subject in motion rather than freezing every detail. Picture a motorcycle darting through a neon-lit street at dusk. Lower your shutter speed and pan your camera as the vehicle goes by. The result is blurred backgrounds, streaked lights, and a strong sense of speed.

This technique is applicable to all types of vehicles and provides ample room for experimentation. Whether you follow a classic car in a parade or a cyclist racing down a hill, you’ll be able to convey a level of energy and excitement that invites the viewer to feel the rush. However, keep in mind that some driving habits can damage the windshield and other vital parts of the car. Always drive with caution, no matter what type of shot you’re going for!

Use Vehicles As Supporting Elements

The car doesn’t need to be front and center in every shot. In fact, vehicles work as excellent background players. Use a row of city buses or a couple of parked bikes to frame your portrait subject or hint at a city’s pace. With these extra details, you’ll layer extra meaning, color, and authenticity into your photos. Additionally, you can seek out interesting reflections in side mirrors, windshields, or even the glossy paint of a parked car. This subtle nod is sure to bring a sense of narrative and place into your frame.

Capture a Sense of Adventure

Do you want to inject wanderlust into your photos? Vehicles, especially those set in unique landscapes, symbolize possibility and exploration. Park a van on a cliff’s edge at sunrise, or snap a convertible cruising along an open highway. Capture the dust kicked up by wheels or the soft glow of headlights in the early evening. With a little imagination and a trusty vehicle, the world is your oyster!

The next time you’re planning a photography shoot, consider incorporating a vehicle! Whether you use it as a focal point, experiment with motion blur, or weave it into the backdrop, focus on the story you want to tell. With creativity and practice, your photos will capture hearts and spark imagination long after the engine cools.