Eurotuner's Mini Guideline To Help Capture Your Car
Don't be intimidated about submitting your car to the eurotuner Readers' Rides pages. We accept all reader's submissions and try our best to put every single one of them in the mag and online. If you don't see your car in the mag it's probably because of the following:
A.You submitted pictures that were too small and we couldn't contact you again
B.You didn't state your full name and we couldn't contact you
C.You didn't state your location and we couldn't contact you
D.You didn't submit anything at all
We always try to contact our readers if there are problems. So we encourage you to write your contact info on the email when submitting to Readers' Rides. Please write your email address and phone number because our storage system can't be relied upon to give us the address you sent it from. Please send us one good photo. You choose the best. Our system can't handle lots of large files so just send one please.
Photo Size
This is a bit tricky if you're not computer or photo savvy.
Don't edit your photos. We've seen people blur their backgrounds or even cutout the photo and place it on white backgrounds but they only made the photos worse. We like unedited photos. Make sure the photo is in jpeg format. The ideal size of the photo is 6x4" at 300dpi. If you're not sure about the size, here are simple steps to check if it's up to par. 1. Open Photoshop and the photo
2. If the ruler is not turned on, do so by pressing Ctrl+R
3. Click on the Image tab
4. Scroll down to Image Size and click it or press Alt+Ctrl+I
5. Go down to the document size and make sure the dimensions are in inches, not pixels. Make sure the Resample Image box is unchecked
6. Make sure the Resolution is measured in pixel/inch. Type 300 in the Resolution slot.
Once you punch in the number, you'll see the dimensions change. If the dimensions are at 4x6" or 6x4"or greater, you're good to go. Don't save the file just press cancel and email it in.
If your photo is too small, that means you didn't have the right setting on your camera when you took that photo. Read "For The Average Joe" section to fix this problem.
*note, when using a free public email service such as hotmail, attach the photo as a file and not a picture. When you attach it as a picture, the email service will automatically shrink the image down rendering it useless.
Again, the ideal size of the photo is 6x4" at 300dpi. To most of you, this parameter will sound like gibberish. However, you don't have to know the lingo to achieve your goal. There are so many cameras and processors with different photo size options to choose from on the camera.
If you have a 4 mega pixels or more On your camera, set your photo size at 1600x1200 or higher. Remember these are measured in pixels and not inches. At 4 mega pixels this size should roughly translate to 5.5x4" at 300dpi. Sure it's half an inch smaller than the ideal size, but it'll work.
If you have a 1 to 3 mega pixels I don't know what to tell you. Set your photo size to the highest setting and send them in anyways. Remember to leave your contact info because if it doesn't work, we'll be in touch. If you're unsure, send in a printed photo on good quality paper. Also, photos from camera phones unusable, as they are too small.
*note, when using a free public email service such as hotmail, attach the photo as a file and not a picture. When you attach it as a picture, the email service will automatically shrink the image down rendering it useless.
If you're reading this, then it means you are most comfortable with film or disposable cameras. For you the instructions are simple. Mail in a printed photo to:
Eurotuner magazine
Reader's Rides
6420 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
CA 90048
Use commonsense and en sure the whole car fits the frame. Try not to send photos where part of the car is cut off. Also, make sure there's reasonable space between the car and the frame. Examples:
Beetle1.jpgIncorrect. There's too much space between the car and the frame
Beetle2.jpgIncorrect. Part of the car is cut off
Beetle3.jpgCorrect. Car fits within the frame with reasonable space around the frame
BackgroundsAgain use commonsense. You want to bring out the beauty in your ride and not hide it.
1.Makes sure there's nothing casting a shadow on your car, especially yourself. Also, make sure it's not between shade and sun.
2.Try and stay away from poles and trees. When there is a tree right behind the car, it looks as if it's growing from the car.
3.Don't shoot your car alongside another. You want to draw attention to your car. The other car is only a distraction.
Lighting is important because overexposure or underexposure can ruin the photo.
1.The best time to photograph your car is an hour before sunset. This is because the light is less intense and brings out the color of your car. If it's overcast, shoot at noon.
2.Avoid night shots. Unless you really know what you're doing, when we shrink it down to the size we need, you won't see the car very well.
3.Make sure the angle you shoot your car from is well lit. For example, if you're shooting the front of your car, make the sun is ideally behind you.
One simple rule, if you don't like the photo, don't send it in. Snap a few more photos until you're satisfied. Remember, this is your baby and you want everybody to see it in all its glory.
We hope these guidelines help you capture the car. And now that you know the basics, go out there and shoot away and remember to send one to us. Don't forget:
Email us one high-resolution (4x6" at 300dpi) photo in jpeg format or mail a printed film photo along with your name, location, contact details and a list of mods to:
Eurotuner magazine
Readers' Rides
6420 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
CA 90048
eurotuner@primedia.com
*Note, when using a free public email service such as hotmail, attach the photo as a file and not a picture. When you attach It as a picture, the email service will automatically shrink the image down rendering it useless.