How to snap pictures of SWIRLS?

[zeefauna]

How to capture pictures of swirls in your car's paint (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13318)

This may sound stupid.... How do you take a picture of the swirls on a car?

I tried on my black car, and i am sure there are swirls in there, but it just won't show on the photo.

I'd like to take a before and after shoot before trying the G100A.

[sneek]

take the car out into the sun and set your camera into "P" i have no clue what that is but i know if you want to capture swirls you have to put it in that mode

i have a canon S50

[Mike Phillips]

Besides figuring out the right camera setting for your specific camera, I often times place my finger on the finish as though I'm pointing to the swirls, (which I am), but the main purpose of my finger is to give the camera something to focus on so the surface, (where the swirls are), is in focus.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2LimoSwirls007.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2VolvoHorrificSwirlsCrop.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2VolvoHorrificSwirls.jpg




Another way is to place something on the surface of the paint, for example in the below picture we placed a small piece of detailing clay on the paint, then let the camera auto focus and wa-la, perfectly captured swirls, scratches and a bird dropping etching in the paint.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/650/MarconiDayJag002Captions.JPG

[zeefauna]

Yeah!!! :D Got it now....

Look at the SHIIIINE to that SWIIIIIRLS!!! :wall:

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134Swirl4-med.JPG

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134Swirl3-med.JPG

My fingers almost got burnt...
http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134Swirl2-med.JPG

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134Swirl1-med.JPG

It's amazing how a 3 month old car got these swirls.... :confused:

[justin30513]

Originally posted by zeefauna

It's amazing how a 3 month old car got these swirls.... :confused:

Thank your dealership for washing it for you!

[zeefauna]

The next time i get a new car, i will inspect the paint under the sun... :cool:

[Wingsof66]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Besides figuring out the right camera setting for your specific camera, I often times place my finger on the finish as though I'm pointing to the swirls, (which I am), but the main purpose of my finger is to give the camera something to focus on so the surface, (where the swirls are), is in focus.

That was one amazing tip. I've always have problems getting the camera focused on a glossy and "swirly" surface.
Great idea to give the camera something "solid" to focus on..

Thanks.

[Wingsof66]

Originally posted by zeefauna
The next time i get a new car, i will inspect the paint under the sun... :cool:

... and if the sun is not there, use a xenon light...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/184fsb1.jpg

This is a Brinkmann Dual Xenon, portable and rechargeable.

[zeefauna]

I will be getting my DA polisher soon with some other supplies.

Will post the "after" shots... if it turns out well. :)

[zeefauna]

I was looking around for the Dual Xenon by Brinnkmann and came across this cheap xenon flashlight on eBay for $10 with shipping.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134Police_Tactical_Flashlight.jpg

Tried it just now with these results...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134IMG_1927-med.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/8134IMG_1928-med.jpg

You're right... it's swirl city down there... :(

[Pasqualy]

Originally posted by sneek
take the car out into the sun and set your camera into "P" i have no clue what that is but i know if you want to capture swirls you have to put it in that mode

i have a canon S50

The "P" is Program mode. I use the Auto and it comes out just fine.

[Mike Phillips]

***Bump***

Added a new picture showing another way to capture swirls and other defects in the paint. The technique is to place something onto the surface to enable your camera's auto focus to focus on the surface of the paint and thus capture the swirls and other defects in the paint.


http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/650/MarconiDayJag002Captions.JPG

[J. A. Michaels]

I remember about 2 years ago. I think, Mike showed the tip about using your finger to make the swirls appear in the photo. It has always worked well. I guess the secret so to speak is to direct the auto focus of the camera on something else. This way the swirls appear in the background. Thanks again for the tip.

[Jossy92]

I I guess the secret so to speak is to direct the auto focus of the camera on something else. ...Thanks again for the tip.
:xyxthumbs

I agree, I have beem searching for these little pearls since I joined. (Especially those regarding technigue.) Also want to shoot some pictures so I can get good feedback.

As for now, I am learning from the mistakes of others and hope to contribute by sharing my own. Where's my brillow pad...?