2018 BMW M4 Photo Shoot
2018 BMW M4
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. The initial reviews of the F82 M4 were mostly positive, with excellent power delivery and styling, but some criticism was aimed towards the firm ride and steering feel.
Before the second generation of the F82 M4 was replaced in 2021, it was available in several packages and special editions. This particular M4 is a 2018 model year finished in a special BMW blue with Merino/Sakhir-orange interior and is equipped with the competition package and a custom exhaust that is substantially louder than any stock M4. The competition package aims to correct the shortcomings of the M4 and includes stiffer springs, recalibrated adaptive dampers, a remapped rear differential, and an increase in power to 444bhp. The result of the upgrades seems to have mostly worked, allowing the M4 to be a more engaging and confident ride.
In terms of looks, the F82 M4 is an attractive car. Lately, BMW has been criticized heavily for its designs, with particular attention paid to the huge noses of its new vehicles. Currently, BMW designs seem to be all over the place with no real concise design language, but back when the M4 was introduced in 2015, it fit perfectly into the current line-up and looking back on it today, it’s subdued and muscular, and overall a handsome design that is aging very well in 2023.
The Photos
I worked in the service bay for these photos, which I prefer in the winter because it’s warm and private, and I can somewhat control the light. Dealership service bays always seem to have one light that can never be turned off, but walking around in a service bay in almost complete darkness wouldn't be a good idea. This particular location got quite dark, and it was also quite spacious. I could position the car and have much space to work with. I also got to work with some elements in the foreground, with one photo incorporating a stack of tires in the frame.
As a side note, I’m pretty good with using my 5D Mark II in the dark and knowing where the buttons for the options I need are, such as reviewing photos for proper lighting, zooming to check focus, and being able to change f-stop and exposure timing along with using the two and 10-second timer. For initial focusing, I left the lights on and focused on the car, then switched to manual focus to not refocus at any time between the multiple exposures.
Here is a summary of the gear I worked with for this shoot:
Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105L
Tripod for camera
Ice Light 2 with barn doors
Ulanzi 10cm Handheld Light Wand (for background light)
Monopod for Ice Light 2 and light wand
