More and more websites are offering galleries of show cars and race cars, many of those are right on your track's website and on general racing sites. A killer photograph presented to a possible sponsor may just be what leverages the scales on your side. And last, but not least, you have a sizable dollar and time investment in your vehicle, so why not show it off whenever you can!

You don't go to have your family photograph taken without a haircut and a little primping first. These tips will ensure that your vehicle gets the some beauty treatments too!

Many photographers use film that has a high saturation, so we can get the deepest most true colors possible- candy colors, some call it. Perfect for vehicles, but only if they're impeccably groomed. Tires that aren't jet black, will actually be dark grey- OK to the human eye... But will appear to be a light, icky grey in pictures. Don't ever forget tire dressing!

#1- Make sure your car is sparkling clean. Flecks of rubber on the rear quarters can be downright disgusting looking in the final pictures. Sooo remove the rubber on the rear quarter, wax it, and....

#2- Clean the windows- inside AND out.

More clients, and websites, are requesting human interest pictures. The driver in his car putting on his helmet, slipping on gloves, safety procedures, etc. Most spectators, and even family and friends, aren't aware of what goes on in pre-race preparation. The race is *it* to you, the rest is all taken for granted- to you anyway. A webmaster recently contacted me requesting these types of pictures- so *no* scummy windows please! It may just be me taking your picture next time (grin)

#3- Unless someone asks, don't pose. Standing/kneeling by your car smiling, is for family/friend snapshots. You'll look much better in casual, candid shots. And if a photographer does catch you with your eyes closed or your tongue sticking out, we won't us it (well maybe show it to your friends J/K!). Keep working and doing what you were doing and you'll look absolutely fab dahling.

#4- Want a picture for a sponsor? Make sure that your photographer is doing it the old-fashion way- with film. Digital prints are fast, cheap and great for some circumstances. But, if you think your sponsor (or someone else important) deserves excellent quality, a print that won't fade in a short amount of time, make sure you're going to have prints and the photographer will use negatives for enlargements. Should you need it digitized, the film or print will be easy enough to scan.

#5- Same reference as above- if you want to use the final prints for anything but your own album, don't have family/friends use disposable cameras, APS, point & shoot, what-have-you. For anything other than close up pit action, a specific lens and film type is needed- *especially* if you want those wheels-up action type shots. You'll be disappointed when you find that the picture you took from the stands to the line looks as though you're looking through the wrong end of binoculars.

#6- Respect the photographer's copyright please. Legally, the photographer owns the pictures and negatives- no matter what the subject is. If you're using a quickie machine to make pictures from pictures, you're not only committing copyright infringement- you're cheating the photographer out of profit from his/her work. If you want to copy the pictures, use them on t-shirts etc., scan them, use them on websites, or alter them in any way- please ask the photographer first. A photographer will likely promote you better than can promote yourself, because they want their work to be seen by as many people as possible. Work with your photographer!

#7-If you're happy with the pictures the photographer took, tell everyone! Show 'em too! Photographers get little-to-no promotion and recognition at some tracks. You likely didn't pay much for something you'll enjoy for years- a little word of mouth advertising would be appreciated by those baking in the sun next to the track every weekend. (grin). And keep in mind, a photographer is ensuring your lil place in history!

Reprinted with permission by Zongoo Sports