Written by Jefri Stanley Mejia & Salvindra Singh
Edited by Orlando Cabrera.

If you’re looking to get into filming local car meets, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get started. First, you’ll need to find a meet to film– or at the least have an accessible car to practice with.

There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is probably to get a few recommendations from friends and search online for local groups. Once you’ve found a meet (that’s welcoming), you’ll need to contact the organizer to let them know you’d like to film. It’s better to ask prior than start off on the wrong foot. Show organizers generally have some rules or guidelines for filming, so be sure to ask. Please be respectful of their rules or be prepared to be kicked out.

Once you’ve got the go-ahead to film, you’ll need to set up your equipment. If you’re using a DSLR, you’ll want to put it in video mode and set up a tripod or on a steadicam. If you’re using a smartphone, you can just prop it up on something or hold it in your hand. Once you’re all set up, you can start filming! Just be sure to be respectful of the cars and the people at the meet, and you’ll most likely get their contact info. It takes very little effort to show respect for the car owners and jot down some details about their car. This is a community and you should be making these connections.

To film and photograph cars, you will need a camera, tripod, and a variety of lenses. Depending on the type of film you want to capture, you might need a car mount for your camera, as well as a variety of filters and other accessories. If you plan on photographing cars in low light or at night, you will need a flash for on the go shots or studio lights if you have the means for that type of travel setup. Remember, while having a lot of gear is great it’s also a double-edge sword. Don’t overdo the spending and realize you bought way too much gear for convenient travel recording. The point here is to want to use your gear.

Budget camera equipment can range in cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The cost of the equipment will depend on the quality of the equipment and the brand. Generally, the higher the quality of the equipment, the higher the cost. However, there are some lower cost options that can still provide good quality results. It is important to do your research when purchasing budget camera equipment to ensure that you are getting the best possible value for your money.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for a big car show. First, find out if there are any local car meets happening in the lead up to the show. If there are no local car meets, you can still practice by taking your car out or asks your friends to let you practice on their cars. You can practice your editing skills once you feel comfortable with your gear. Finally, make sure your gear is in tip-top shape before the big day. This means giving it a clean, having the batteries charged, and making sure all the lights and electronics are working properly. By taking the time to prepare, you’ll be able to focus on capturing the show the way you want it rather than fumbling on settings and different gear.

In summary, “You Will Need:”
Camera
Camera Tripod
Camera Lens
Smart phone with apps to capture moments
Remote Trigger
External Microphone
3-5 Cameras
Car to Film
Car to Photograph
Lights
Props
Models (?)