This shot was directly inspired by my brother Tom, who recently got a D200 + 35mm f/1.8 lens and has been using it in all sorts of interesting and creative ways. The other day he send me a picture he took of his Kawasaki motorcycle wherein he focused on the logo and let the body of the bike sort of fade into the background. It was a beautiful shot, and I thought to myself, “I should try something like that.” So I went out and tried to find a motorcycle to photograph, but came back empty-handed, as there were none to be found in the particular parking lot I was visiting. So I wandered around a bit more looking for something I could use for a similar type of shot and came across this Wolkswagen Beetle.
To be clear: There is a lot wrong with this photo. The smooth red finish of the car is marred by all manner of scratches and imperfections, none of which show up unless you get really close and shoot kind of into the sun from a really low angle. You’d never see these scratches just by looking casually, but they sure did show up here. Major bummer.
Also, the sticker is horribly tacky (imho) but hey, it’s not my car so who am I to complain?
Finally…I really had no idea what I was doing here. I shot at f/8, ISO 400 in order to get a bit of that star pattern I’m so fond of, and did move myself around a bit in order to get the starburst positioned on the lower-left of the logo, but other than that I was shooting in the dark. Well, in broad daylight, but you get the idea.
I suppose a good deal of Photoshop work would have cleaned up a ton of the imperfections with this picture, but as it stands I’m just leaving it and chalking the experience up to another learning opportunity. Because really, that’s what this whole blog is all supposed to be about in the first place :)
Francisco says
Nice photo indeed. The “model” is irrelevant.
Simon says
Thank you, Francisco! That’s very kind of you to say :)
Catarina says
I rely like the stars (light) n the logo they rely make the photo pop (if I can say so).
Simon says
Thank you, Catarina! I was hoping for that sort of effect (and yes, go right ahead and say so!) and I’m glad it worked :)
Catarina says
And thanks for the tip to pixelpeeper I didn’t know that site. :-D
Simon says
I like using that site whenever I’m feeling like I’m in a rut. I like to look at the kinds of photos other people are shooting with the gear I have, and it helps inspire me a bit :)
Tom says
Thanks for the shout out. I had no idea my motorcycle picture would lead you to take one of your own.
Simon says
No problem, dude!