OK, we've had it with images of cool trucks that we can't run because we can hardly tell what we're looking at. The Readers' Rides segment in Sport Truck receives lots of entries, but a large number of them are unusable because the photography sucks. Don't take it personally; the photo bug doesn't usually bite truck enthusiasts (unless you happen to be at a bikini contest, then everyone seems to be a photojournalist).
In the March issue of Sport Truck, we challenged the readers to get their photography skills together. We've had little response to the challenge, so we figure we'd better try harder. If you're going to spend the time to shoot your truck and submit it to the Readers' Rides section of any magazine, it would be in your best interest to make the image appealing. In an effort to support our readers, we've decided that it's in our best interest to show you the basics when it comes to photography.
Keep your assembled presentation simple, clean, and cool. Bullet-point the products you want listed. If you have a cool story, make it short and sweet. Be prepared not to get your images back. Spend the extra cash and get your prints in 5x7-inch so the resolution will be good for print. If you have a computer, give not only a hard copy of the text but also a disk containing the text and possibly the digital image (when applicable).
When you read Readers' Rides, look at how much text is used in the edit. If your truck has a ton of modifications, make your list of mods in order of priority (put the important stuff first). Make sure you supply your name and where you live, and the vehicle's year, make, and model. These instructions will help you get your truck listed in our Readers' Rides section of the book. And who knows? It may even turn into a feature.
Focus, focus, focus. Make...
Focus, focus, focus. Make sure the image is sharp. A tripod will pretty much eliminate motion blur, but the focal area of the camera is all in your hands.
Try not to park the truck...
Try not to park the truck around other vehicles or obstacles that will be in the background or in the reflection of the paint.
Remove anything from the truck...
Remove anything from the truck that will add confusion to the image or clutter the truck or background.
Steer clear of poles, trees,...
Steer clear of poles, trees, and any other obstructions that may mystically protrude from the truck. These items will draw attention away from the truck.
Don't cut portions of the...
Don't cut portions of the truck off. When you're looking through the camera, compose the image so the entire truck is centered in the viewfinder.
Light the truck evenly. Don't...
Light the truck evenly. Don't park your truck around anything that will cast a shadow on it. Shoot the image during morning or late afternoon. This will light the side of the truck, which will allow even light across the visible portion of the truck. Position yourself so the sunlight is at your back. Make sure there is no one in our around the truck. Remember this is a picture of your ride.
Make sure you clean the truck,...
Make sure you clean the truck, including the rims. This is your chance to have your truck in a magazine. Spend some time and make sure it's the best submission you can create.