Sleaford Classic Car Show 2012

[muzza]

Hello thanks for looking, please feel free to comment and add tips. So had my Helios 44-2 58mm for a few weeks now and took it on it's first proper outing. At first I thought the lens was rubbish as I could not focus on anything over 2 foot away. Then I found that it had an extra "spacing???" collar on it - once removed it worked a lot better. Please feel free to laugh at that bit - NOOB ALERT!!!

So anyway onto the pics - Shot today with Panasonic DMC-GF3 boiling hot day and could hardly see any of the pictures on the screen with the sunlight. Didn't manage to get too many side profiles because of the layout of the car park that this was staged in. Most of the shots were with me practically leaning on the car behind me..... need a wide angle lens any suggestions????

Also please excuse the no names for the cars - not much of a car fan just wanted to get out and shoot something!!!

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[rbelyell]

i love classic car shows muzza. and ive often had what seems like the issue here, which is glaring sun. it creates a 'haze' effect that mimics a lack of clarity and contrast. i think the last one is taken at a very interesting angle, but i think there is a need for a much more extreme focus on say the emblem in the steering wheel. i think all the photos would benefit from post processing.
tony

[muzza]

Yeah I know what you mean but am trying to work on my skills with the camera not my editing.... I can edit (major geek - I own 12 yes twelve computers). I also try and get tips from others like yourself about differing angles or styles, so your tip about focussing on the emblem is invaluable thank you. Trying to enhance my "EYE".

Thank you for your comments most helpful.

Muzza

[Nikon75-150E]

Nice pics Muzza. And awesome cars. Yes the contrast and saturation is a bit low, but that makes the photos look old. Perfect for the subject matter.

[muzza]

Thank you I try at the moment anyway to show a true representation of what I see. These were the colours that were on display and exactly as you would have seen too..

[martinsmith99]

Again, the images look rather poor.

Some tips:
get a hood for the lens to boost contrast as the Helios doesn't have great coatings on it. Just a 52mm screw-in from ebay will be fine
focus with the lens at F2, then stopdown to F5.6-F8 without moving camera position (preset lenses are great for this)
you images are a little over exposed, so wath this as detail will be lost
boost the contrast when editing, paying attention to the blacks

[martinsmith99]

Here's a quick tweak of one. Adjusted contrast, a little burning and high pass sharpen.

[muzza]

That's nice, what software did you use???

[muzza]

My attempt at editing with your advice, anywhere near????

[muzza]

Done two more

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Number 2 was a b*tch to do must remember not to shoot something that bright fully open.....

Also maybe a bit too much black level on the edit????

If anyone wants a challenge, please edit this pic and then tell me what to do....

Thanks

Muzza

[patrickh]

Love these old brit cars, they remind me of early adult hood.


patrickh

[muzza]

You would have loved the show. They have a website. Only shot maybe 10-20% of what was there. Google Sleaford historic motorcars.

[Jon E]

Very nice series, love the old classics, but we really don't get any Euro Classics here where I live unless someone drives one down from Canada.

[poilu]

very nice series !

[muzza]

Woo hoo got my first +1

[martinsmith99]

Sorry to come back late.

I think your later attempt is fine. I used Photoshop CS5, but I think any basic editor can boost contrast and sharpness.