The Real Guide to Car Photography & Videography in the Pacific Northwest
What I've learned shooting automotive content from Weber Canyon to Seattle's industrial districts
After two years of chasing perfect shots across Washington, Oregon, and beyond, I've learned that great automotive content isn't just about having the right gear—it's about understanding your environment, respecting the craft, and never compromising safety for a shot.
Whether you're capturing a classic muscle car against the dramatic rock formations of Weber Canyon or filming a supercar navigating Seattle's urban canyons, the Pacific Northwest offers incredible opportunities for automotive content creators. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I started.
The Gear That Actually Matters
Let me be straight with you—expensive equipment doesn't make you a better photographer, but the right tools definitely make the job easier. After trying various setups, here's what actually lives in my kit:
Sony a7S III: The Low-Light Champion
This camera changed everything for my automotive work. The Pacific Northwest isn't exactly known for its abundant sunshine, and the Sony a7S III handles our moody, overcast conditions like nothing else. I regularly shoot at ISO 6400 with clean results, and I've pushed it to ISO 25,600 when capturing cars in dimly lit garages or during blue hour.
The 4K 120fps capability is a game-changer for automotive videography. That slow-motion reveal as a car emerges from shadow, or the dramatic wheel spin footage—this camera delivers cinematic quality that makes clients' jaws drop.
Sony FX6: When You Need That Cinema Look
For higher-end commercial work, the Sony FX6 brings professional video features that the a7S III can't match. The S-Cinetone color science is specifically designed for this type of work, and the 15+ stops of dynamic range mean I can recover details in highlights and shadows that would be lost with other cameras.
The compact design is crucial when you're shooting in tight spaces or mounting it on car rigs. Unlike bulkier cinema cameras, the FX6 doesn't draw unwanted attention when shooting in public locations.
Sony 24-70mm GM II: The Do-Everything Lens
This Sony 24-70mm GM II lens lives on my camera 90% of the time. At 695 grams, it's significantly lighter than its predecessor, which matters when you're handholding shots for hours. The constant f/2.8 aperture gives me that beautiful background separation that makes cars pop from their environment.
From wide establishing shots showing a vehicle in its environment to detailed close-ups of badges and interior elements, this lens handles it all without me needing to change glass and potentially miss the shot.
MōVI MX Car Gimbal: Smooth Moves
This MōVI MX car gimbal investment transformed my automotive videography. Before the MōVI MX, my car-to-car shots looked amateurish. Now I can deliver Hollywood-level tracking shots that flow seamlessly with the vehicle's movement.
Setting it up takes practice, and you need a solid understanding of vehicle dynamics and safety protocols. But when you nail that perfect following shot through a mountain pass, it's worth every hour spent learning the system.
ND Filters: Control the Light
In the Pacific Northwest's bright summer days, ND filters are essential. They let me maintain that cinematic shallow depth of field even in harsh midday sun. For rolling shots, they're crucial for achieving proper motion blur on wheels while keeping the vehicle sharp.
I carry 3, 6, and 10-stop ND filters. The 3-stop lives on my lens most of the time during outdoor shoots.
Location Scouting: Where the Magic Happens
Weber Canyon: My Secret Weapon
Weber Canyon isn't technically in the Pacific Northwest, but it's become my go-to location for dramatic automotive content. The drive is worth it for the incredible natural lighting and rock formations that create perfect backdrops.
What makes Weber Canyon special:
- Natural light that rakes across rock faces during golden hour
- Multiple shooting positions for different vehicle types
- Relatively quiet—you won't fight crowds for the perfect shot
- Dramatic elevation changes that add depth to compositions
Practical tips from experience:
- Bring extra batteries—there's no power for miles
- Scout locations during different times of day before your shoot
- Weather changes fast in canyon environments
- Always inform someone of your shooting location and timeline
Urban Opportunities I've Discovered
Seattle's Industrial South:The areas south of downtown offer gritty, urban backdrops perfect for modern vehicles. Empty warehouse districts provide clean backgrounds, and the industrial architecture complements aggressive car designs.
Spokane's Riverfront Park:The modern architectural elements here create striking contrasts with classic vehicles. The park's clean lines and geometric forms work particularly well for luxury and electric vehicles.
Tri-Cities Industrial Areas:Wide open spaces and interesting industrial structures provide unique backdrops you won't find in more populated areas. The expansive skies and clean horizons let vehicles dominate the frame.
Lighting: Working with What We Have
Embracing Overcast Conditions
Most photographers curse cloudy skies, but in automotive work, overcast conditions are a gift. The entire sky becomes a massive softbox, providing even, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows and hot spots on vehicle surfaces.
I've shot some of my best automotive content on overcast days. The even lighting lets details shine without fighting extreme contrast, and the moody atmosphere adds character to the images.
Golden Hour in the PNW
When the sun does appear, Pacific Northwest golden hour is magical. The low angle light rakes across vehicle surfaces, emphasizing every curve and design element. But our golden hour can be brief, so preparation is crucial.
I always arrive at locations an hour early to set up and test shots. When that perfect light hits, I want to be ready to capture it, not still figuring out my composition.
Artificial Lighting When Needed
For controlled environments or specific creative looks, I use LED panels and RGB lighting. But honestly, natural light in the Pacific Northwest is so good that I rely on artificial lighting less than photographers in other regions.
Composition: Making Cars Look Heroic
The Low Angle Advantage
Position your camera low to emphasize the vehicle's presence and power. The a7S III's articulating screen makes low-angle shots comfortable to frame. This perspective makes even modest vehicles look imposing and dramatic.
The 3/4 Front View
This classic automotive angle shows both the front design and side profile. It's become a standard because it works—the viewer gets a complete sense of the vehicle's proportions and character.
Environmental Context
Don't just photograph the car—photograph the car in its environment. Show how it relates to the landscape, how it fits into urban settings, or how it contrasts with industrial backdrops.
Videography: Bringing Cars to Life
Frame Rate Strategy
- 24fps: My standard for cinematic automotive films
- 60fps: For smooth panning shots and tracking sequences
- 120fps: Slow-motion reveals and detail shots that add drama
Essential Camera Movements
The FX6's stabilization combined with the MōVI MX creates incredibly smooth footage. The a7S III's articulating screen makes low-angle automotive shots comfortable to frame. Here are the moves I use most:
Push-ins: Start wide to establish environment, slowly move closer to create intimacy with the vehicleReveals: Use foreground elements to hide then reveal the vehicle for dramatic impactParallax movements: Move the camera to show depth and dimension in the scene
Sound Matters
Don't ignore audio in automotive videography. Engine sounds, ambient noise, and even wind can enhance the viewing experience. I record separate audio tracks and blend them in post for the best results.
Post-Processing: Enhancing Without Overdoing
Color Grading Philosophy
I start with S-Log3 footage from the FX6 and apply subtle color grades that enhance the vehicle's natural colors without creating an artificial look. The goal is to make viewers say "wow, that car looks amazing" not "wow, that's heavily processed."
Workflow Efficiency
For 4K footage, I use proxy workflows to maintain smooth editing performance. This is crucial when working with multiple camera angles and high frame rate footage.
The Editing Balance
Quick cuts work for action sequences, but don't rush beauty shots. Let viewers appreciate the vehicle's design and the quality of your cinematography.
What I've Learned the Hard Way
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
I've seen photographers take dangerous risks for shots. It's never worth it. No image is worth someone getting hurt. Plan your shoots carefully, communicate with all participants, and always have safety protocols in place.
Weather Preparedness
Pacific Northwest weather changes fast. I always pack rain protection for my gear and have backup plans for indoor or covered locations. Some of my best shots have come from adapting to unexpected weather conditions.
Client Communication
Different clients want different things. Classic car owners often prefer elegant, timeless imagery. Supercar owners might want aggressive, dynamic content. Performance car enthusiasts love technical detail shots. Understanding your client's vision is crucial.
Over-editing Kills Good Work
I've seen great automotive footage ruined by excessive color grading and effects. The vehicle should be the star, not your post-processing skills.
Building Your Automotive Portfolio
Variety Shows Skill
Document different types of vehicles in various settings:
- Classic cars against period-appropriate backdrops
- Modern supercars in contemporary urban environments
- Off-road vehicles in rugged terrain
- Electric vehicles with clean, minimalist styling
Seasonal Opportunities
Each Pacific Northwest season offers unique opportunities:
- Spring: Fresh green landscapes and blooming trees
- Summer: Extended daylight hours and clear mountain vistas
- Fall: Dramatic colors in the Cascade foothills
- Winter: Moody, dramatic skies (when it's not actively raining)
Advanced Techniques That Set You Apart
Multi-Camera Coverage
Using both the a7S III and FX6 simultaneously provides different perspectives and ensures I capture every important moment. This approach also gives clients more options in the final edit.
Drone Integration
Aerial footage adds significant production value, showing vehicles in their broader environment. Always follow FAA regulations and respect local restrictions. Get proper permits for commercial work.
Time-lapse and Hyperlapse
These techniques can show vehicle preparation, environmental changes, or the passage of time around a static subject. They add production value and keep viewers engaged.
The Business Side
Pricing Your Work
Don't undervalue your services. Quality automotive content requires significant investment in equipment, time for location scouting, and years of experience. Price accordingly.
Building Client Relationships
Automotive enthusiasts are passionate about their vehicles. Respect that passion, listen to their vision, and deliver work that captures not just the car, but their emotional connection to it.
Networking in the Car Community
Attend local car shows, Cars & Coffee events, and automotive gatherings. The car community is tight-knit, and word-of-mouth referrals are incredibly valuable.
Looking Forward
The automotive content creation industry continues evolving. Electric vehicles present new aesthetic challenges and opportunities. Autonomous vehicles will change how we think about automotive storytelling. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt your techniques as the industry changes.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your existing work, remember that great automotive content tells a story. It's not just about documenting a vehicle—it's about capturing the passion, craftsmanship, and emotional connection that makes cars more than just transportation.
The Pacific Northwest provides an incredible backdrop for this storytelling. From dramatic natural landscapes to diverse urban environments, we have everything needed to create compelling automotive content. The key is preparation, respect for safety, and never losing sight of the story you're trying to tell.
Ready to capture your vehicle's story? Whether it's a weekend project car or a multi-million dollar hypercar, every vehicle has a story worth telling. Contact us to discuss your automotive photography and videography needs throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Based in Tri-Cities, we specialize in automotive photography and videography throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our work combines technical excellence with creative storytelling to capture the passion and craftsmanship behind every vehicle.