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:

1. 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)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

BMW M3 Saloons.

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!

The guys chatting while I shoot.

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.

Safety harness was off for this shot!

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.

2023 Range Rover BTS image taken with iPhone.

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 :)

Photographed the all new Volkswagen ID Buzz Van in Scotland 2023.

Last week, my dad and I had the opportunity to photograph the brand new Volkswagen ID.Buzz in the picturesque Scottish countryside. As a car photographer & enthusiast, we were excited to get our hands on this futuristic electric vehicle and capture its sleek and modern design in the natural beauty of Scotland.

We began our day by scouting out the perfect location for the shoot. We wanted to find a spot that would showcase the ID.Buzz's unique design and futuristic features, while also highlighting the stunning Scottish landscape. After some searching, we settled on a winding country road with rolling hills and a picturesque loch in the background.

Once we had our location, we set up our equipment and began the photoshoot. The ID.Buzz was an absolute pleasure to photograph, with its sleek lines and futuristic design. The electric blue color of the vehicle really popped against the natural greens and blues of the Scottish landscape, making for some truly striking images.

One of the things that makes the ID.Buzz so unique is its fully electric powertrain, so we made sure to capture the car's clean and eco-friendly design in our shots. We photographed the car from a variety of angles, highlighting the smooth lines of the body and the unique LED lights.

We also made sure to capture the car in motion, to show off its powerful acceleration and smooth handling. My dad and I set up a tracking shot, following the ID.Buzz as it drove down the winding country road, giving a sense of the car's speed and agility.

As the day went on, we continued to experiment with different lighting and compositions to capture the ID.Buzz in the most dynamic way possible. We used a variety of lenses and camera settings to capture different perspectives and make the most of the natural light.

One of the highlights of the day was capturing the car at sunset, with the warm golden light casting a beautiful glow on the ID.Buzz's electric blue body. The reflections of the sunset on the car's bodywork and the loch in the background made for some truly breathtaking shots.

Overall, it was an incredible experience to photograph the new Volkswagen ID.Buzz in the beautiful Scottish countryside. The car's futuristic design and clean powertrain were a perfect match for the natural beauty of Scotland, and we couldn't be happier with the results of the photoshoot.

As car photography enthusiasts, we always strive to capture the essence of a car in the photographs. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was a car with unique features and design, and the Scottish landscape was the perfect backdrop to highlight the car's futuristic design and powertrain.

We hope that these photographs will give car enthusiasts and Volkswagen fans a sense of the ID.Buzz's unique design and capabilities, and inspire them to experience the car for themselves. We can't wait to see what other exciting vehicles we will have the opportunity to photograph in the future.

Tt was a great experience to photograph the new Volkswagen ID.Buzz with my dad in Scotland the car's design and powertrain matched perfectly with the natural beauty of Scotland, and we couldn't be happier with the results of the photoshoot. We hope that these photographs will give car enthusiasts and Volkswagen fans a sense of the ID.Buzz's unique design and capabilities.

You can view the full set of image here: www.kabizzz.com/#/volkswagen-buzz-id-van-photography/

Let me know what you think in the comment section below. :)

Why the Canon R5 and Canon EF Lenses are The Best Option for Car Photography in 2023

The Canon R5 and Canon EF lens are widely considered to be some of the best options for car photography, and it's easy to see why. With their advanced features and high-quality optics, these tools are capable of capturing stunning images of vehicles that are crisp, clear, and full of detail.

One of the key features of the Canon R5 is its high megapixel count. With 45 megapixels, this camera is capable of capturing incredibly detailed images that are perfect for showcasing the intricate details of a car. The camera's advanced autofocus system is also a major advantage for car photography, as it can quickly and accurately focus on fast-moving vehicles and capture sharp images even at high speeds.

2022 BMW M4 Competition on Airport Runway in Scotland.

The Canon R5 also has impressive video capabilities, making it a great option for photographers who want to capture dynamic moving shots of cars. The camera is capable of recording 8K video at up to 29.97 fps, providing ultra-high definition footage that is perfect for showcasing the sleek lines and curves of a vehicle.

In addition to the Canon R5, the Canon EF lens is another excellent choice for car photography. The EF lens is a versatile and durable lens that is compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras, including the R5. With a fast aperture and sharp optics, the EF lens is capable of capturing stunning images of cars with a shallow depth of field, which can help to draw attention to the vehicle and separate it from the background.

One of the major benefits of the Canon EF lens is its wide focal range, which allows photographers to capture a variety of different shots of cars. From wide-angle shots that showcase the overall shape of a vehicle to telephoto shots that focus on specific details, the EF lens can handle it all.

Overall, the Canon R5 and Canon EF lens are an excellent combination for car photographers who want to capture stunning images of vehicles. With their advanced features and high-quality optics, these tools are capable of delivering beautiful, detailed shots that are sure to impress. These are the reasons why the Canon R5 and Canon EF lens are the best for car photography! Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S automotive photography for Porsche Centre Perth, Scotland.

I photographed this beautiful Approved Used Porsche 911 finished in Blue in Autumn 2018. I loved the interior and exterior colours. I had help from Tomaz who used a blower to give me the effect of leaves blowing - what a guy.

Equipment used:

• Canon 5D Mark ii

• Canon 70-20mm 2.8 USM ii L

• Leaf blower :)

More powerful engine with better efficiency, all-wheel-drive system and an innovative infotainment system with online navigation are the key ingredients that lead to even greater driving pleasure in the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4S. The 2017 911 Carrera 4 features recently developed, powerful and fuel-efficient three-litre twin-turbo flat-six engines that can also be found in the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera models. Power distribution to all four wheels is now handled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with electro-hydraulic control, adopted from the 911 Turbo. The 911 models feature a sharpened exterior design and the new Porsche Communication Management system with online navigation and glass-covered touchscreen. - Porsche

2019 Mclaren 540C red Automotive Photography in Scotland

Photographed the new Mclaren 540C this weekend around Dunfermline area in Scotland. The aim was to get 5 or 6 rollers but I ended up taking over 1800 photos as the roads were seriously bumpy - meaning the rolling shots were blurred…..some shots have come out surprisingly nice and the weather helped!

Equipment used -

• Canon 5D Mark IV

• Canon 70-200mm 2.8 L USM ii

• Canon 24-105mm 4 L IS

• Canon 50mm 1.2 L