Achieving good photographs of your Jaguar is not difficult. The difference between good photographs and plain photographs is knowing a few simple tricks and techniques but above all else, taking the time to prepare yourself and the car is very important.

• CLEAN YOUR CAR
  A clean car looks far better in a picture than a dirty one. Take the time to clean and dry the car, clean the windows, & dress the tyres. Make sure that there aren't any water spots.
• CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION
  The location you choose in which to photograph your car has a bigger impact than most people realise. Try to find a location that shows your car off at its best. Avoid visually noisy locations that will detract from your subject. Areas where there are telegraph poles or street lamps should be avoided to prevent your car having appendages that are not meant to be there Think about colours, if you have a white car don’t shoot it near bright walls instead go for darker colour surroundings. A blue car won’t look good with lots of sky in the shot, red cars look good in green areas and will jump out at the viewer.
• ANGLES
  Don’t be tempted to just stand near the car and photograph down on it as this gives the impression the car is cowering and is submissive instead try low angles or very high angles. When shooting low be careful not to turn your car into a three wheeler by have the front wheel covering the rear. Don’t get close as this distorts the shape, use your telephoto zoom and stand back from the car as this has the effect of flattening the body shape out and showing its designed lines. XJ-S’s and XK’s do not photograph well close up due to their accentuated curves – a common mistake.
• FILTERS
  If you are using a SLR digital or a compact that allows filters, get a polarising filter as this will allow you to control reflections better and increases colour saturation, making for a much better more dramatic look. Colour filters are useful if you know how to use them correctly. These filters allow you to dramatise the surrounding area and enhance the colour balance. Graduated filters are a little retro looking now but can be used to brighten a skyline or improve a sunset.
• TIME AND DIRECTION
  You can photograph your car at any time of the day but the best time is before 10am and after 2pm when the sun is at a lower angle and the colour temperature is at its best, this is known as the golden hours. For best results make sure the sun is behind you or just over your shoulder. Shadows on the side of the car as viewed make it look dull whereas a well lit angle will enhance the cars shape. Sun light is best but look out for external things causing dark shadows in your pictures, such as when shooting the engine bay - is the bonnet overhanging your shot causing half the engine to be in shadow.