Great work Jamie! Thank you but all the credit is really for our photogs! I will pass along the compliment!
Lets talk about what you've got and what your changing and why your changing it. Camera is a Nikon D5000 with an 18-55mm lens. We are more updating the studio than completely changing things. So fresh coats of paint, and updated lighting (not sure which direction just yet, possibly LED, HMI, or even strobe).
#1). Lighting.
Love your overhead lighting on the Toyota. As compared to the Jeep below it, the Jeep has "hot spots" from the overhead lighting. Was there any change between the two cars? If so, what was done? "Hot Spots" is definitely key, or lack thereof. I gotta be honest, that particular Camry was before my time here but I can tell you that we will be utilizing a Butterfly Nylon sheet hanging just under our lighting for softening.
#2). Backdrop.
IMO, You hit the wall when you use an all white backdrop. White cars "vanish" and dark cars compete with the super strong all-white. What are your plans here?
We use a cream colored tarp and I want to upgrade to a neutral backdrop with a goal to add some "depth" to the shot. IMO, the human eye hunts for a reference to give it "scale". Cars floating in an all-white cloud (white floor & white back drop) lack this "visual reference". You're absolutely right here. White can definitely pose a challenge. We are going to be experimenting with some different paint/textures and lighting for this. When we get it right I will let you know!
#3). Interior Shots.
This is a real problem for me. Indirect light is what I want (no shadows or hot spots). I am thinking that a 2nd lighting system is needed for interior shots. I haven't solved this puzzle yet, any ideas? I do not believe we were using anything other than reflecting light from outside the vehicles. If this isn't available maybe a flash with a softbox would work?
Great work! If you have some interior shots, or, post your site's web address here, I'd love to see your work. When the studio is back up and running I will be more than happy to share but at the moment vehicles are simply being staged outside (which is driving us nuts!) so I don't think there's much to see in terms of lighting and such. I will get some interior shots up for you.
Thnx!