Slot Car Photography

[Ember]

Sorry Peter, I've not looked at one. Because I'm not in the position to buy one, I haven't really kept up with what's out there.

[whitworthnut]

[dreinecke]

Peter, I think you just convinced me to wire my poles when PDR is reborn...

[whitworthnut]

There I go adding to your work load. FYI, I used jewellery/bracelet stringing wire available at Michael's (in Canada) or any other craft store I imagine. It has the right colour and sheen with no ragged edges.

[DaveKennedy]

Very nice photos there. I prefer the shot with the light only coming from inside the garage. The other shots the light on the car outside the garage isn't from a light source that would exist in nature. I suggest putting a overhead light source directly on the front of the building to illuminate the front of the building rather than a light source that's over your shoulder when you're shooting the photos.

[whitworthnut]

Thanks Dave. Yes I normally set up my lighting quite meticulously and usually do it at night to avoid unwanted light. I was just taking a couple of quick shots and actually started shooting in the other direction (away from the door), but couldn't get the angle I wanted. By changing directions I got the angle I wanted, but the primary subject was slightly under exposed, while the track ahead was slightly over exposed with the added disadvantage of having an unnatural flow of light. I think it's all a perfect example of how not to get a good picture.

[Ember]

You have a fab ability to set and capture a mood. I love the glint on the power lines.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I have to say, I have been wibbling for days about getting Dave Kennedy in on this one. I mean, how often can you call in a friendly pro to to comment on something like this? HA! Never should have told us you were a pro news photographer! We gotcha now!

[Ember]

I haven't felt the urge to get my camera and cars out for ages. Hopefully that'll change a bit when I finish the diorama I'm working on currently.

This is still one of my all-time favourites.


And from inside on the track.

[whitworthnut]

Both excellent shots, but the shed gets my vote. Everyone must keep in mind that not only is the photography great, but everything about it is sculpted by your own hands. Your work is always an inspiration to me.

[Ember]

(blush) Thanks Peter. I assure you the feeling is mutual.

A funny story (probably not haha funny to others). I have long had an image of your garage stuck in my mind. I even wrote about it in a SlotCar MAG article last year (or was it the one before?). Check out the leading paragraphs of "A brick in the wall Part 1" if you have doubts. I've been trying to create a good looking brick wall ever since. And then suddenly you turned up with almost exactly the image that was in mind.

When I got asked to build an old "factory/warehouse" diorama there is an awful lot of the feeling and atmosphere in your garage that I'd like to capture.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I have always loved that shed. We all watched her progress as she crafted it.

[whitworthnut]

I'm not subscribed to it Ember. Where do I find the article?

[Ember]

I'll dig out an electronic copy of the article and email it to you.

[Ember]