How to Find the Best Time and Location for Car Photography
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. If you live in a large city, there are locations you recognize from social media and from other photographers, which can be very useful in finding something that works. If you live in a smaller location, you may need to work harder to find a location that works and one you want to return to.
I use a few tools to help find great locations and the best time to be there, but an important note before we get into them. As you probably already know, shooting when the sun is low is better. The advantages of low light cannot be stressed enough - golden light, dramatic skies, and great contrast. If you have the time and can shoot at sunrise or sunset, do it!
Genesis G70 photographed on Lovett Lake Ct. - Halifax.
Chances are you follow several car photographers that you admire on Instagram. Some top photographers are blessed with gorgeous scenery, including beautiful backdrops and amazing year-round weather. Others have big budgets behind them, from advertising firms and car brands. But depending on where you are shooting, you may not have those frequently beautiful landscapes, and your budget may be limited to profit from what you charged the client. Regardless of the situation, Instagram can be an excellent reference for location inspiration. If the exact locations are inaccessible, you can always take inspiration from recreating something with your available locations.
Google Street View
If you are shooting alone and want minimal distractions, I’d recommend looking for areas that include new road construction, residential development, and dead-end roads. You may already have some of these locations in mind from regular travel and commute, but if not, Google Maps and Street View can help you find a great location. Walking down streets virtually is a huge benefit to finding a great spot, although there is a limitation with Google Street View as some areas are updated more frequently than others. This is important if you are looking for new locations and street construction, as the area could be built up and occupied. It’s always a good idea to check the date of the last capture and, if possible, physically visit the location before your shoot. Also, remember that some areas can be private property or if office buildings are complete but not yet occupied, security could be present and ask you not to shoot there.
Google Street View of Lovett Lake Ct.
Photo Ephemeris
Along with finding a location, it’s a great idea to know WHEN to be there. As noted, sunrise and sunset are great times to shoot. Still, if you are shooting around tall buildings, you may want to consider light differently, as the light will peak through tall structures and create good lighting opportunities with interesting shadows.
Photo Ephemeris is a resource that allows you to see the sun’s direction at any particular location at any time of the year. This is a great resource as your window at sunrise or sunset is quite limited, and if you are situating a vehicle, you want to use your time as best as possible. Photo Ephemeris is free to use with a paid subscription option. All you need to do is sign up to start using it.
Photo Ephemeris noting sunset time and direction.
Summary
The best way to find a great location is to visit the spot physically, and inspiration on how and where you want to shoot can start with online inspiration. Finding locations in my city can come down to my knowledge of the city. Although I’m quite aware of what Halifax offers, I don’t know every spot, especially when getting outside of the city proper. Google Street View helps narrow it down without leaving home and wasting time and fuel looking for a spot. Photo Ephemeris is a great complement to Street View as the application gives me a better idea of my optimal shooting window, which works well for shoots where I have the vehicle and when I need to let a client know when to meet me.