How to take decent pics with an SLR?

[Misc]

I'm a newbie to photography & need some help with my Nikon D40.

I want my photos (of my car) to come out like the one i found below, it's got a much more soft look to it & doesn't seem to catch every piece of light like the one i took, the first one also captures the red nicely where as mine doesn't.

https://i38.tinypic.com/w817wx.jpg
My photo
https://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/12/f_1m_ab7d43c.jpg

I've been using the stock settings.


Thanks.

[UrbanRacer]

top photo looks like it been taken when it was cloudy, bottom one when it was sunny

Only way to learn is to use it in Manual Mode

[rc211v]

notice the soft shadows on the car above. photo was taken on a cloudy day giving it a soft look.

yours was taken on a sunny day, you get hard lighting and sharp shadows.
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VFR400 (NC30)

[Misc]

Already helped my lots, cheers guys.

Also, with the different settings on top night mode/sports/portrait etc, what would be best for photos of a car?

[map]

First I'd sort out the colour of your car. Red has a habit of fading to pinkish. Use T-cut or similar and a colour restore wax to bring it back. I did that to one of my old red cars and the effect was outstanding. For that reason I'll never get a red car again!

Next tip is do as the photo you've found and park the car in the open to reduce reflections.

As regard camera settings I'd advise switching to Aperture Priority mode and picking a low aperture (large opening). Focus on the car, use manual if possible. Then the car will be sharp and the background blurred.

Others may have other tips.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Fawbish]

https://www.slrphotographyguide.com/camera/settings/fully-manual.shtml


This helped me a lot. From there, its really a case of messing about, and just enjoy taking the photos.

Dont let it get frustrating, the results will come eventually.
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[Misc]

[Feasty]

I don't take photo's with my SLR, I just ride it!!





Sorry, couldn't resist...
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

You could trying using a polarising filter, it'll increase the saturation of the red, and will cut down slightly on the reflections. Lots of people that shoot a lot of close up car shots tend to use them.

+1 for fully manual mode though, never used full auto on mine.
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