Automotive Photography

[lyonsroar]

I love to go to car dealerships on Sunday when they're closed and take shots of the cars. I especially enjoy Woodhouse Porsche's lot as they always have some nice stuff and it's right along the Papio where I cycle. I've posted a few of the shots on their Facebook profile but they never get much interest so I figured I'd post some here!


IMG_8480_bw_wm by Lyonsroar91, on Flickr


IMG_8450_wm by Lyonsroar91, on Flickr


IMG_8344_wm by Lyonsroar91, on Flickr


IMG_8432_bw_wm by Lyonsroar91, on Flickr


I'd love to provide this service for other car enthusiasts but my craigslist ad has garnered no interest. Advice?

Ps: (that's my real name so if you want to add me on facebook be my guest! I love new friends, especially local ones!)

[Brad]

Awesome Photos!

[lyonsroar]

Awesome Photos!

Thanks!
Now how do I start to make money at it?

I've done a few shoots for friends, but never for any money. I would think there'd be some people with car's they are uber-proud of that would like some good shots, but how do I tap into that market?

[Brad]

Thanks!
Now how do I start to make money at it?

I don't think that is going to be easy. I am going to guess that most if not all car dealers use photos and video shot by the manufacturer. They take the shots and pass them on to all the local outlets. If you really want to make money at shooting cars, may be gear it towards collectors, restoration shops, and small mom and pop places. However the small guy isn't going to pay nearly as well as the big manufacturers.

As far as making money at photography. I know a lot of great photographers, most of them work a full time job and shoot photos on the side unless they do weddings and portraits. The few that do shoot commercial shots and make a living at it have done it for a long time and they a large group of regular clients.

I would suggest, get a nice website set up, make some business cards, and hit the streets. Car shows, small second hand auto dealers, etc and see what you can find. It wouldn't hurt to talk to the big guys, you may fine one that wants something a little different.

[the1wags]

A coworker of mine in Omaha suggested I get with car clubs and shoot pictures. The logic being that guys spend 10s of thousands on their hot rods so they would be quick to buy a nice shot of their car. He said that there are a few guys doing that but their shots were |expletive| and someone with quality work could jump right in. I didn't really have any interest in it but it might be an avenue for you to check out. I'd google for Omaha car clubs and figure out when they have cruises and what not and as Brad said, have business cards printed and ready to go. Good luck with it!

[Stargazer]

Be sure to bring a hottie along to offer up to lean against their car.

[Bosco55David]

I wouldn't expect much business from dealerships. They're pretty much just going to snap some pictures with a point and shoot and then post them online with the sales ads. I used to spend alot of time in car clubs and those that recommended going to their shows and events is probably good advice. You might get some decent business there and if you really cultivate a good relationship with a particular club, they might just make you their go-to photographer for events.