A Guide to Automotive Photography - Part 3 - Beauty is in the Story

Storytelling makes a great photo beautiful. It evokes emotion onto an otherwise static image. It gives the viewer a connection to the image beyond something pleasing to their eyes. It makes a photo timeless.

Story telling is easy, but something automotive photographers often forget to apply to their photos. Some photos, like the one above, don't require an explanation of the story, but other photos may. Study the photo below for a second. What does it make you feel? Probably nothing. It is a photo of a really cool F50, but nothing more... Now let me give you some context.

Imagine in the image above that this is a retired man who worked his whole life to acquire the car of his dreams. He finally bought the car and drives it around, living his best life in the peaceful mountains. He stops on the roadside to watch the sunset in his car and takes in the view. Enjoying the reward of his hard work.

What emotions do you feel looking at the image now? Probably more than before, if not, at least you understand the message and purpose of the photo. The photo becomes beautiful.

Here's another example.

What do you see/feel when staring at the image below?

Now this car has been for sale for nearly two years. This room, although quaint and nice, has been the car's prison for that time. The Huayra stares out at the roads, longing to be driven and leave this gloomy grey room.

Although silly, it still may give you an emotion of pity. You may feel like the car should be sold, not cooped up in that room. And furthermore, while the room is dull, the car itself is beautiful. This is the target story and emotion for the buyer.

If you are at a private shoot with the ability to take as many pictures as you want. Take a few photos that tell a story, and the story will bleed over to the other photos in the set.

Stories can be powerful and they hold the attention of your clients. Help them feel something when they see your photos.

Ethanbonow.com