Capturing the Automotive Soul with Aurora HDR

Capturing the “soul” of sexy automobiles truly drives photographer Joel Chan (pun intended!). His photos of some of the world’s legendary supercars, muscle cars and everything in-between can bring a tear to anyone who digs fast objects with motors. 

Joel works as the Creative Photographer for American Force Wheels, a premium manufacturer of custom modified wheels for trucks and muscle cars. Which basically means he gets the keys, takes off and creates the magic you see here.

Back to Joel’s work. When we caught up with him, he was learning the use of Aurora HDR Pro on his automotive photography, exploring it with several shoots for American Force. We would say that “school’s out” and he’s already perfected his look!

Using Aurora HDR software on the images of the off-road buggies, he was able to selectively add details and denoise areas as needed, using minute adjustments to accentuate every curve and edge in these incredible machines. He noted that having a way to compare “before/after” on a slider allowed him to review and perfect the tweaks that Aurora provides.

Another favorite subject of Joel’s is this highly customized Ford Mustang, the metallic matte blue wrap gleaming in the sun like an alien skin featuring the latest American Force Muscle wheels. Joel says, “The amazing thing about Aurora HDR is the ability to enhance and bring out a totally unique look compared to a traditional photo, even using a single image. It really made this American Force Muscle Mustang look awesome!”

Joel continues, “Used right, Aurora HDR really can make images look very commercial, with a sweet style in-between a realistic & a graphic rendering of the image. And, when HDR helps bring details and dynamic range back into the image, it’s literally a ‘cherry on top’ of a delicious sundae!”

Joel told us he thinks that the public often has a different mentality of how HDR works and the reason photographers take multiple exposures. In automotive photography, the benefit of using HDR to bring back rich details in colors and shadows, without getting too crazy, is unquestionable. Car paint is a “subtle yet fickle mistress” and, by using latest version of Aurora HDR, Joel is able to show off the unique tones that set his images apart.

Joel Chan: “Overall, I think HDR is an avenue, a tool that all Pro photographers should explore and exploit. Whether they go in liking the technique or not, with Aurora HDR I can vouch that their eyes will be opened to the possibilities.”

We couldn’t agree more: Keep that amazing automobile art coming, Joel! Download Aurora HDR and share YOUR best auto images on our Facebook Photo Group.