Raise your hand – or honk your horn – if you are the proud owner of a classic or collector car.
Classic cars are a huge source of pride for their owners. Showing them off in car clubs and shows, shining them up and, of course, taking them out on the road are all part of the fun. And you don’t have to own a classic car to love them. Auto enthusiasts can spend hours admiring the details and craftmanship of these vehicles.
We asked you to submit your best car photos and you delivered. Browse through our virtual car show in the slideshow below, and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be sharing some of our favorites. Some photos may also be featured in an upcoming issue of Your AAA magazine.
1970 TVR. Owned for 49 years. (Rolf Buettenmuller)
3 Simple Tips for Better Car Photos
Classic and collector cars are a thing of beauty and your pictures should accurately reflect that. These simple car photography tips will help you make your car and photos shine.
Try Different Heights and Angles
Eye-level shots are actually the least flattering to cars. Try getting down low and shooting up at the car. You can achieve ground-level shots by placing your camera directly on the ground and using the LCD screen to compose your shot. If you don’t have an LCD screen, try lying flat on your stomach and taking shots that way. Once you have captured ground-level shots, move on to crouching or kneeling shots. From there, try to add some height by using a step ladder. If you want a completely original viewpoint, use a drone to capture the birds-eye view of your car.
While you are changing up your height, you should also vary your angle. I recommend doing a complete 360-degree walk around the car and stopping every foot or so, snapping a few shots of every height and angle.
Bring Out the Details
What makes classic and collector cars shine are all the thoughtful details. They are a work of art. Zoom in on the details of the car. On the outside you can capture the grill, wheels, hood ornaments, curves in the fender and hood, headlights, etc. Make sure to hop inside and capture the interior details as well. The steering wheel, upholstery and dials are the can’t-miss shots. You can get creative by placing something visually interesting in the side or rear-view mirrors.
Show Them in Their Element
The best car photos are those that show the car in its natural environment. Trying staging a shot on an open road. You can do this by finding a less-traveled road and having a spotter look for oncoming cars. Park the car and have someone hop in to pose as the driver.
Let AAA help you to protect your classic car with a specialty insurance policy.
Check out past AAA Photo Sessions and get more photography tips.
Beth Mancuso is a professional landscape and travel photographer.
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When will alll the phots be available to see?
Hi Matthias – Right above “3 Simple Tips for Better Car Photos” there is a slideshow. Use the arrows on the bottom right corner to flip through all the photos. Thank you!
Looking for confirmation my entry for photo session of flowers was received. Thank you!
Hi Rebecca – We received your photo for the flowers photo session. Thank you!
I SAW THE PHOTO GALLERY IN THE PRINTED AAA NEWSLETTER AND FOUND THES GREAT WEBSITE GALLERIES YOU’VE CREATED. BUT HOW DO WE ACTUALLY ENTER/POST OUR IMAGES?
BTW THE LANDSCAPES HAVE INSPIRED ME TO LOOK FOR SHOTS NEAR HOME (NY, CT, MA)
Hi Matt – Thank you! Every month, we post a new Photo Session with a new topic. Members usually have about three weeks to submit their photo, which is done through a form in the post. May’s theme is going to be published next Thursday, 5/6. Keep an eye out! We look forward to seeing your photos. – MP
Hi Beth I will send you some photos of my 1972 GMC Jimmy. Please send me the information. Thank you Joe Fallon
Hi Joe – Sorry, the submission period for the “Show Us Your Wheels” Photo Session is now closed. Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for the next topic, coming out next week! 🙂
Did you receive my entry
Hi Joanne – Yes, we got it. Stay tuned for the roundup on Thursday, 4/29. Thanks for participating! -Marisa
I would like to see a copy of the Photo Release Form before I sign it. Where can I see a copy?
And, what rights (one-time?) are offered if the photo is selected for publication?
Hi Frank – if you put your name and email in this form, it will give you access to the release but it won’t sign it until you give permission. Thank you! – Marisa
Hi,
Wondering if you received my entry?
Hi Caroline – Yes, we did. Thank you for participating! -Marisa
Hi Marisa I uploaded a photo and release also requested to be request that name remains anonymous let me know if you get it
Thaks BW
Yes, we received your photo, release and request. Thank you! -Marisa
Hi is this the –(Agreement to do business with AAA Northeast Insurance Agency, Inc.-Sub Account)–the permission that is to be signed, and is it just for this photo
Thanks
BW
Hi Brain – This is the release form. And yes, it is just for the photo submitted for this Photo Session. Thank you! -Marisa
Please acknowledge receipt
Hi Fred – got it! Thank you 🙂
I uploaded a photo—did you receive it?
Hi Evelyn – I’m not seeing it. Please try again. Thank you! -Marisa
Thanks Marisa. I just uploaded it again. Let me know if you received it, ok? Thanks very much.
Ev
Got it! Thank you! 🙂
Hi can a photo be published with signed permission, but the name not published with the picture?
Absolutely! In order for us to match up the photo with the release we need your full name on both, but you can leave a note in the caption field to request that your name remains anonymous or tell us a nickname or initials you would like us to publish instead. Thank you 🙂 Marisa
Please confirm your receipt
Hi Janis – we got your photo. Thanks for participating!
Not sure if everything went thru
Got it! Thanks, Diane!
Let me know if you received this
Hi Charles – We received your comments, but it doesn’t look like your photo was submitted. Scroll down towards the end of post and please use the form provided. Make sure to click “submit” when you are done. Also, make sure to sign the photo release via the link directly above the form. Thanks for participating. Looking forward to seeing your pic! -Marisa
Pls tell me if you received my photo.
Hi Grace – Yes, we did! Great shot. Thank you for participating! Stay tuned for the end of the month when we will post all of the cool car photos we’ve received. -Marisa
Can seem to ‘send’ the form, even after docusign.
Hi Marcelo, we received your submission. Cool car! Thank you for participating. Keep an eye out at the end of the month to check out all the cars in our virtual car show. -Marisa
Hi Marisa, where can I see if the car photo was ever published?
-Marcelo
Hi Marcelo, right above “3 Tips for Better Car Photos” is a slideshow. To flip through, hover over and you’ll see arrows show up on the bottom left. Your “black beauty” is in there. Lookin good! Thank you! 🙂
Freedom Trail Boston
Wish I could have left a better photo but limited in file size. 🙁