Northern Lights in Scotland March 2023 (Loch Lomond & Audi A6 for Car Photography)

Capturing the Northern Lights is a dream of many photographers and nature lovers alike. It's a phenomenon that can be seen only in certain parts of the world and Scotland is lucky enough to be one of them. Loch Lomond with its dark skies and stunning scenery is a popular spot for aurora hunters and as a car photographer I decided to combine my passion for cars with my love for the Northern Lights. In this blog I'll take you through my experience of capturing this magical moment with the help of my trusty Audi A6.

Planning the Shoot

To capture the Northern Lights you need a clear night with no clouds and the aurora forecast should be good. The aurora is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with its gases causing a spectacular light show. To ensure I captured the best possible images I checked the aurora forecast website to know the best time to head out. Since I was incorporating my Audi A6 into the shoot I needed to find a location that would complement the car and the aurora. Loch Lomond is known for its stunning landscapes and I knew that it would be the perfect spot for my shoot. I decided to head to a remote area near the loch where I could capture the aurora without any light pollution. I made sure to carry all the necessary gear including my camera tripod extra batteries and warm clothing is KEY!! ( took 3 jackets and was still freezing :)

The Shoot

I left my house at 11 pm and drove for about an hour to reach my chosen location. It was a clear night with no clouds and I could already see a faint green glow in the sky. As I reached the location I parked my Audi A6 and set up my camera and tripod. I used my Canon EOS R5 camera which has a high ISO range and excellent low-light performance. I attached my 24-70 2.8 RF L Series wide-angle lens to capture as much of the aurora and the landscape as possible.I took some test shots to check the camera settings and made some adjustments based on the light conditions. The aurora was slowly getting brighter and I could see a green and pink hue spreading across the sky. I positioned my Audi A6 in front of the camera using it as a prop to add interest and depth to the shot. The car's sleek lines and elegant design complemented the natural beauty of the aurora. As the aurora became more intense I experimented with different camera settings to capture the movement and colours of the lights. I used a long exposure of around 20 seconds to capture the movement of the lights and bring out the vibrant colours. I also adjusted the aperture to control the depth of field and the ISO to maintain the image's quality.

It was a magical moment standing in the dark with my camera capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights. The aurora was dancing across the sky with shades of green pink and purple blending together in a mesmerizing display. The Audi A6 added a touch of luxury and sophistication to the shot making it stand out from the usual Northern Lights images.

I stayed out until 4 am capturing as many shots as possible before the aurora faded away. As the sun started to rise I packed up my gear and headed back to my car. The Audi A6 had been the perfect partner for this shoot providing me with comfort space and a touch of elegance throughout the long night.

Post-Processing

After the shoot I imported the images into my computer and started to edit them. I used Adobe Lightroom to adjust the exposure contrast and colour balance of each image bringing out the best of the Northern Lights and the Audi A6. I added some sharpening and noise reduction to ensure the images looked crisp and clean. In some images I enhanced the aurora's colours to make them look more vibrant and dynamic while in others I toned down the colours to create a more subtle and moody effect. I also cropped some images to focus on specific details such as the car's headlights or the trees in the background.

Lessons Learned and maybe tips for the future

Capturing the Northern Lights can be challenging but it's also a rewarding experience. Here are some lessons I learned from my shoot:

Check the aurora forecast: To capture the best possible images make sure to check the aurora forecast website beforehand. This will give you an idea of when and where the aurora will be visible. ( I used an app called Aurora Watch)
Bring the right gear: Make sure to bring all the necessary gear including your camera tripod extra batteries and warm clothing. It can get cold and windy out there so it's essential to be prepared.
Experiment with different settings: The Northern Lights are constantly moving and changing so it's important to experiment with different camera settings to capture their movement and colours.
Incorporate props: If you're a car photographer consider incorporating a car into the shoot to add interest and depth to the images. The car can be used as a prop providing a focal point and a touch of luxury.
Be patient: Capturing the Northern Lights can take time so it's important to be patient and wait for the aurora to appear. Don't give up too soon as the best moments can often happen when you least expect them.

If you're a photographer nature lover or car enthusiast I highly recommend heading out to Loch Lomond to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. With a little bit of planning patience and creativity you too can capture this magical moment and create images that will be cherished for years to come!

Cheers,

Kabir

All-new BMW M3 Touring Photographed at Knockhill Race Track. My First time photographing a car on a racetrack.

As an automotive photographer I've always been excited to photograph the latest and greatest cars but when I heard that the all-new BMW M3 Touring was coming out…….. I knew that we had to do something out the box for this car. It’s particularly special because it marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the iconic BMW M3 has been offered as an estate (Touring) car and I wanted to show this evolution by capturing all previous generations of M3s in the same photoshoot.

To make this happen I reached out to my man and BMW enthusiast Omar who was able to source all the previous generations of the M3 for me. This included the E36 Evo, E90, and F80 which we brought to the photoshoot location at Knockhill Racing Circuit. Exciting day let me tell you.

Me showing the guys the shotl list. Omar in the black hat and blue jacket - shoot wouldn’t have happened without him.

As we arrived at the location, I was eager to start shooting the M3 Touring. I had brought along two of my favourite camera bodies, the Canon R5 and the Canon R6 and a bunch of lenses to capture the car from different angles. I also had the new DJI Mavic 3 with me, which I planned to use to capture some aerial shots of the car. (I also crashed this during one of the shots!) We had also enlisted Project21 to detail the cars - I couldn’t trust anyone else but Gav for this shoot.

Gavin from Project21 Detailing working on the cars.

To help me get the perfect shot we had the help of legendary racing driver Gordon Shedden. Shedden is a three-time British Touring Car Champion and I knew that he would be able to drive the M3 Touring in a way that would really show off its capabilities.

Gordon Shedden three-time British Touring Car Champion in the new BMW M3 Touring at Knockhill.

We started off by taking some traditional shots of the M3 Touring from different angles. I wanted to capture the car's sporty design while also showing off its practicality as an estate car. The Canon R5 & R6 were perfect for this - allowing me to get sharp, detailed shots from different focal lengths. (I actually use the R6 for all my video work.)

All-new BMW M3 Touring going round Knockhill race circuit.

Once we had taken some traditional shots, we moved on to more creative shots. I wanted to show the M3 Touring in action so we had Shedden drive the car around the track at high speeds. This allowed me to capture some amazing action shots of the car, with its wheels spinning and the engine roaring. I was particularly happy with the shots that I captured using the Canon R5's awesome high-speed burst mode, which allowed me to capture multiple shots in quick succession.

Thats me Kabir, I look like I’m about to fall.

After we had captured some decent shots of the M3 Touring, we moved on to the previous generations of M3s that Omar had sourced for us. I was excited to have these iconic cars alongside the latest M3 Touring as it would allow me to show how the M3 has evolved over the years. We positioned the cars in a row with the M3 Touring at the front and the previous generations behind it and boom!

I used a variety of techniques to capture the previous generations of M3s. For the E36, I wanted to capture the car's angular lines and aggressive styling so I used a combination of low-angle shots and close-ups to highlight the car's details. For the E90, I focused on capturing the car's boxy lines, using high-angle shots and close-ups to showcase the car's features. For the F80 - I wanted to show the car's modern design, so I used a combination of low-angle shots and wide-angle shots to highlight the car's shape.

As always I was impressed by the capabilities of the Canon R5 and R6. These cameras are some of the best on the market with high resolution, fast autofocus, and excellent image speeds and in challenging lighting conditions. The DJI Mavic 3 was also a great addition to my gear allowing me to capture stunning aerial shots of the M3 Touring and the previous generations of M3s.

As the photoshoot came to an end I was thrilled with the shots that we had captured. I knew that these photos would be a great addition to my portfolio, and I couldn't wait to share them with the world.

Being able to capture the evolution of this iconic car was a real privilege and having Gordon Shedden drive the car for us was the icing on the cake. I hope these photos will be a great addition to my portfolio and I'm excited to see them being shared across social media and other platforms!

Thanks to the team on the day:

Omar – BMW F80

John – BMW E36

Lucas – BMW E90

John – BMW M3 Touring

Neil - Assistant & BTS photographer

Gav - Project21 Detailing

You can see the full set of images here - https://www.kabizzz.com/#/2023-bmw-m3touring-car-photography-at-knockhill/

Photographing Ultrafabrics Interior in the 2023 Range Rover for Land Rover UK.

As a car photographer taking on a project for an incredible brand like Land Rover is both exciting and challenging. For my first photography project for Land Rover UK I was tasked with photographing the Ultrafabrics interiors in the 2023 Range Rover SV. The goal was to showcase the high quality materials and craftsmanship that went into the design and production of the vehicle. To ensure that I captured the best possible images I decided to rent a studio that would provide the ideal setting for the photoshoot. The studio I chose was equipped with high-quality lighting and background options giving me the flexibility to create the desired look and feel for each shot. Once the studio was set up I started to plan out the photoshoot and how I was going to light up the interior shots. I knew that lighting was going to play a critical role in bringing out the beauty and detail of the Ultrafabrics interiors. So I decided to use multiple lights to create the perfect lighting scenario. For the main light source, I used a large softboxx that provided a broad even light. This was positioned overhead and slightly angled down to provide a soft and flattering light on the interior. I then used two additional lights to fill in any shadows and add depth to the images. These lights were positioned on either side of the vehicle and aimed inward to provide a soft, warm glow that brought out the textures and details of the Ultrafabrics.

I also used a fourth light to highlight specific areas of the interior that I wanted to draw the viewer's attention to. This light was positioned at a lower angle and aimed upwards providing a more dramatic and directional light. This helped to create a sense of depth and add a dramatic feel to the shots. Once the lighting was set up I began shooting the interiors of the Range Rover. We started with the front seats capturing different angles and perspectives to showcase the luxurious feel of the Ultrafabrics. We then moved to the back seats and repeated the process making sure to capture the same level of detail and quality in each shot.

2023 Range Rover BTS image taken with iPhone.

Throughout the photoshoot I made sure to keep a close eye on the lighting and adjust it as needed to ensure that the images captured the beauty and quality of the Ultrafabrics interiors. I also made sure to adjust the camera settings to get the best possible exposure paying attention to things like shutter speed aperture and ISO. After the photoshoot was complete I selected the best images and started the post-production process. This involved adjusting the colour brightness and contrast of each image to ensure that they looked their best. I also did some minor retouching, removing any distracting elements and sharpening the images to bring out the detail and texture of the Ultrafabrics interiors. I must admit photographing the Ultrafabrics interiors in the 2023 Range Rover for Land Rover UK was a challenge but incredibly rewarding project. By renting a studio and using multiple lights to light up the interior shots - I was able to capture images that showcased the high quality materials and craftsmanship that went into the design and production of the vehicle. I am super proud of the final images and am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a well-known and respected brand.

Big thanks to everyone who helped with the project:

Project Leads : Sara Lagerman & Steven Watters

Content Creators: Phoebe Rennie & Lisa Jaffray

Assistant: Neil Edmiston aka The Wee Legend

Check out the project in full resolution on Behance - www.behance.net/gallery/162986613/Range-Rover-x-Ultrafabrics-Sustainability-Project

How to Become a Car Photographer 8 Top Tips in 2023.

As a car photographer, you have the opportunity to capture the beauty of the world's most impressive vehicles. Whether you're shooting a classic Ferrari or a new Tesla car photography is a challenging and rewarding field that requires a combination of technical skill, creativity, and passion. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips and advice on how to become a successful car photographer.

1. Develop your technical skills

The first step in becoming a car photographer is to develop a strong understanding of photography techniques. This includes learning about composition, lighting, and camera settings. Start by experimenting with different angles, lighting setups, and camera settings to see what works best for different types of vehicles. As you gain more experience, you'll learn how to capture the unique characteristics of different cars and make them look their best in your photos.

2. Invest in high-quality equipment

To take great car photos, you'll need high-quality equipment. This includes a camera, lenses, and accessories like tripods and reflectors. While you don't need the most expensive equipment to get started, it's important to invest in gear that will give you the best results. Look for cameras that offer high resolution and fast shutter speeds, as well as lenses that are designed for shooting fast-moving subjects.

3. Practice, practice, practice

The best way to improve your car photography skills is to practice as much as possible. This means shooting in different environments, with different types of vehicles, and under various lighting conditions. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to see what works best for different cars. The more you practice, the more you'll learn about how to capture the perfect shot.

4. Study the work of established car photographers

One of the best ways to learn about car photography is to study the work of established photographers in the field. Look at their portfolios, read their interviews, and learn about their techniques. Pay attention to how they compose their shots, light their subjects, and post-process their images. By studying the work of others, you'll learn new techniques and get inspiration for your own work.

5. Build a portfolio

As you develop your skills and create new images, it's important to build a portfolio of your best work. This portfolio should showcase your best car photos and demonstrate your ability to capture the beauty and power of different types of vehicles. Your portfolio is an essential tool for finding new clients and getting your work seen by a wider audience.

6. Network and find opportunities

To succeed as a car photographer, you'll need to find opportunities to shoot different types of vehicles. This may involve working with car manufacturers, dealerships, and publications to get access to the cars you want to shoot. Networking is key, and you should make sure to attend car shows, meet-ups, and other events where you can connect with other car enthusiasts and photographers.

7. Learn post-processing techniques

Post-processing is an essential part of car photography. Whether you're using Lightroom, Photoshop, or another software, you'll need to learn how to edit and enhance your photos to make them look their best. This may involve adjusting the brightness, contrast, and colour of your images, as well as removing any blemishes or unwanted elements.

8. Take time to understand the cars

As a car photographer, it's important to take the time to understand the cars you're shooting. This means learning about the different models, makes, and years of the vehicles, as well as their unique features and characteristics. By understanding the cars you're shooting, you'll be able to capture their beauty and power in a way that resonates with your audience.

Let me know if any of that made sense! And if you need anymore information - just drop a comment below! Cheers for reading all the way down to here. Kabir :)

How to Become a Commercial Car Photographer in 2023 - 6 Top Tips

As a car enthusiast and photographer, combining your two passions into a career as a commercial car photographer can be a rewarding and exciting opportunity. Whether you want to photograph new car releases for a automotive magazine, capture stunning images of classic cars for a dealership, or shoot ads for car companies, there are a variety of paths you can take to become a successful commercial car photographer.

2022 Audi E-tron GT photographed in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1 - Develop your photography skills and style

First and foremost, it’s important to have a strong foundation in photography. This includes understanding the technical aspects of your camera, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as composition and lighting.

In addition to technical skills, developing your own unique style and vision is crucial for standing out in the crowded world of car photography. Experiment with different shooting angles, compositions, and post-processing techniques to find your signature look.

2- Build a strong portfolio

As a commercial photographer, your portfolio is your calling card and will be the first thing potential clients and employers see. It’s important to have a diverse range of high-quality car photos that showcase your skills and style.

To build a strong portfolio, start by practicing on your own vehicles or those of friends and family. You can also reach out to local car clubs or car shows and offer to photograph their events or member’s cars. As you build your portfolio, be sure to include a variety of shots, such as detail shots of car features, action shots of the car in motion, and environmental shots that place the car in a context or setting.

3 - Network and market yourself

Networking and marketing yourself is crucial for getting your foot in the door as a commercial car photographer. Attend industry events, join photography groups and forums, and engage with other photographers and car enthusiasts online.

In addition, create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work and make it easy for potential clients to contact you. Use social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, to share your photos and interact with your audience.

4 - Learn about the car industry

As a commercial car photographer, it’s important to have a good understanding of the car industry and the specific needs of your clients. This includes staying up to date on the latest car models and trends, as well as understanding the different types of car photography and their intended use (e.g. advertising, editorial, etc.).

You can learn about the car industry by reading relevant magazines and websites, attending car shows and events, and talking to industry professionals.

Porsche Cayman GT4 Photographed on a runway in Scotland.

5 - Specialise in a specific niche

While it’s important to have a diverse portfolio, specialising in a specific niche within car photography can help you stand out and attract a particular type of client. Some examples of niches within car photography include classic cars, racing cars, modified cars, or a particular brand or make of car.

By focusing on a specific niche, you can become an expert in that area and build a reputation as the go-to photographer for that type of car.

6 - Stay up to date with new technology and techniques

The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. To stay competitive and on top of your game as a commercial car photographer, it’s important to continually learn and adapt to new technologies and techniques. This might include learning about new camera equipment and software, as well as staying up to date on the latest editing and post-processing techniques.

Hope that has been helpful, leave a comment below if you have any questions! Thank you.

First Time Ever My Images Have Been Featured in a Car Magazine (Total BMW)

I am beyond excited to share that my images have been featured in Total BMW Magazine for the first time in my career! This has been a dream come true and a goal that I have been working towards for years. To give some background, I have always been passionate about photography, especially when it comes to cars. There is just something about the sleek lines and powerful engines of BMWs that really speaks to me and inspires me to capture the essence of the brand through my lens. I first became interested in car photography a few years ago, when I started attending car shows and events in my local area. I was drawn in by the beauty of the cars and the camaraderie of the car enthusiasts who attended these events. I started bringing my camera along and taking photos of the various models on display (first ever car I photographed was a Honda Civic Jordan at a car show in Scotland!). As I continued to develop my skills and build my portfolio, I began to look for opportunities to showcase my work. I submitted some of my photos to various online galleries and forums, and even entered a few contests. But despite my efforts, I never seemed to hit the mark that was required. That is, until I received an email from the editor of Total BMW Magazine and were interested in featuring a very well known BMW 740i Schnitzer for an upcoming issue. I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity and immediately accepted. The process of getting my images published in the magazine was a bit of a whirlwind. The editor sent me a list of specific photos that they wanted to use, and I had to make sure that I had the high resolution versions of those images ready to go. I also had to sign a contract and release form, giving the magazine permission to use my photos. Once all of the paperwork was taken care of, it was time to prepare for the photo shoot. The photo shoot was a lot of fun, and I was able to get some great shots of the truly stunning car. I couldn't wait to see my images in print, and I was thrilled when the issue finally hit newsstands. Seeing my photos in Total BMW Magazine was a huge milestone for me, and it was a validation of all the hard work and dedication that I had put into my photography. It was also an incredible feeling to know that my images were being seen by such a large and passionate audience. Since my images were featured in the magazine, I have received a lot of positive feedback and support from the automotive community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have my images featured in Total BMW Magazine, and I am excited to see what the future holds for my photography career. I will continue to work hard and pursue my passions, and I hope to have many more opportunities like this in the future.

Massive thank you to - Elizabeth - Amjad & Omar.

Top 10 Car Photography Tips in 2023

Car photography has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the rise of social media and the abundance of high-quality camera phones. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking to add car photography to your portfolio or an enthusiast looking to take better photos of your own ride, there are a few key tips and techniques that can help you take stunning car photos in 2023.

1 - Choose the right location

The location of your shoot can have a big impact on the final result of your car photos. A beautiful, natural setting can add a sense of drama and depth to your photos, while a plain or uninteresting background can make your photos look flat and uninspiring. When choosing a location for your shoot, consider the lighting, the time of day, and the overall aesthetic of the area. Look for a location that complements the style and design of the car you’re photographing.

2 - Experiment with different angles

Car photography is all about showing off the design and features of a vehicle, so it’s important to experiment with different angles to highlight different aspects of the car. Try shooting from high above the car to get a bird’s eye view, or get down low to the ground to emphasize the car’s curves and lines. You can also try shooting from the side or the back of the car to show off its unique silhouette.

Benro Mach 3 tripod being used on 2023 Range Rover Sport

3 - Use a tripod

Using a tripod can help you get sharp, clear photos, especially if you’re shooting in low light conditions or using a longer lens. A tripod will also allow you to take your time composing your shots and make fine adjustments to your camera settings.

4 - Pay attention to lighting

Lighting is one of the most important factors in car photography, and it’s essential to get it right in order to capture the details and features of the car. Natural light is often the best choice for car photography, as it can create a warm, flattering glow on the car’s surface. Look for an overcast day or shoot in the golden hour – the hour just before sunset – for soft, diffused light that will highlight the car’s curves and lines. If you’re shooting indoors, use studio lights or continuous lighting to get a consistent, even light on the car.

5 - Use a wide aperture

Using a wide aperture – a low f-stop number – can help you create a shallow depth of field in your car photos. This means that the car will be in focus, while the background will be blurred, creating a more dramatic and attention-grabbing image. A wide aperture can also help you capture more light, which can be especially useful in low light conditions.

6 - Edit your photos

Editing your car photos can help you fine-tune the colors, contrast, and overall look of your images. There are many different photo editing software options available, ranging from free programs like GIMP or Pixlr to more advanced options like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Experiment with different editing techniques to find a style that works for you, and don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new ideas.

7 - Take multiple shots

Car photography can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to encounter unexpected issues or problems during a shoot. To increase your chances of getting the perfect shot, take multiple shots of the car from different angles and under different lighting conditions. This will give you more options to choose from when you’re editing your photos and help ensure that you get a great shot no matter what challenges you face.

8 - Capture details

Pay attention to the small details of the car, such as the wheels, badges, and headlights. These details can add character and interest to the photo.

9 - Get creative

Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and perspectives. Use leading lines, framing, and other compositional elements to create visually appealing images.

10 - Have fun

Above all, the most important tip for car photography is to have fun and enjoy the process. Experiment with different techniques and settings, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you'll become.

I hope these tips help you take better car photos! Do you have any other questions about car photography?

Car Photography in Scotland

Car photography in Scotland is a challenging but rewarding pursuit for any photographer. From the rugged and picturesque landscapes to the iconic and diverse range of vehicles available, Scotland is a paradise for car photographers. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the key considerations for car photography in Scotland, as well as showcasing some of the top car brands that can be found in the region.

First and foremost, location is key when it comes to car photography in Scotland. With its stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and towering mountains, Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world. These landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for car photography, and can add an extra level of drama and impact to your images.

When it comes to choosing a location, it's important to consider the type of car you're shooting, as well as the style of photography you're aiming for. For example, if you're shooting a sleek and sporty BMW or a MINI, you might want to look for winding roads or sleek cityscapes to match the dynamic feel of the car. On the other hand, if you're shooting a rugged and capable Land Rover or Jaguar, you might want to look for more rugged, off-road locations to match the car's tough and durable persona.

In terms of car brands, Scotland is home to a wide range of top-quality vehicles. Some of the most popular brands in the region include BMW, MINI, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Vauxhall, Skoda, and Nissan. Each of these brands has a unique style and personality, which can be reflected in the way you photograph them.

For example, BMW is known for its sleek and sporty designs, so you might want to shoot the car in a way that highlights these features. This could involve using a wide angle lens to capture the car's lines and curves, or shooting from a low angle to give the car a sense of power and speed. On the other hand, Land Rover and Jaguar are known for their rugged and capable designs, so you might want to shoot them in more natural and off-road locations to showcase their durability and versatility.

In terms of lighting and composition, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when shooting car photography in Scotland. First and foremost, it's important to think about the time of day and the direction of the light. For example, shooting early in the morning or late in the evening can provide a beautiful, soft light that can really bring out the details and texture of the car's bodywork. On the other hand, shooting in the middle of the day can create harsh shadows and highlight any imperfections in the car's finish.

In terms of composition, it's important to think about the background and how it relates to the car. A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus away from the car, so it's important to choose a background that complements the car and helps to highlight its features. This could be a sweeping landscape, a dramatic cityscape, or even just a simple, solid-colored wall.

Finally, it's worth considering the use of post-processing techniques when it comes to car photography in Scotland. While it's always important to get the exposure and composition right in-camera, post-processing can be a powerful tool for enhancing the final image and bringing out the best in the car. This could involve adjusting the color balance, increasing the contrast, or even adding special effects like lens flares or bokeh.