By promotional I meant promoting OUR CARS. It would be selfish to hide our calendar where no one else could see it...I prefer to show them off where others can enjoy as well. This is, as far as I know, the first FGF calendar created for distribution. It can only get better with practice.

I will also submit photos of non-member cars if they are incredible representations of the model. Why? Because it's about the cars.

For instance:

Gorgeous car, but the photo is overexposed, and the background and sides are cluttered. Failed to make the cut.


Same car as above, because of the rare option I would put extra effort into cleaning the image up with Photoshop but a clean background would be preferred, along with a wider field of view.


Gorgeous car, great flash fill without overexposure, but that RV and dead tree in the background just spoils the photo. Move the car, wait until the car moves, move the RV, or move the camera to a different angle. Cropping could help composition. Photoshop may save it.


Failed. Besides the subject being a 'vette, the background is, at best, ugly. How hard would it be to move the car to a more scenic spot?


If this was a 'bird it would make the cut. Although the background is busy, it's automotive themed. A little Photoshop enhancement will brighten the subject and make it stand out.


This shot has the angle, but as it was taken while cruising Woodward it is not composed as well as I would like. A bit of space below the nose would improve the photo greatly. Place this same car on a winding road with a scenic backdrop and it would be a prizewinner.

Here is a collage idea:


The owner documented his before and after on his car at the show. He also had "during" photos. Very cool.

Every car has a best angle. Sometimes you have to work to find it. Try while standing on a roof or ladder or looking out a second floor window. Take photos from another car while driving. Be creative. And as far as Photoshop...even the top models get a little touchup, our cars are older than them so I don't mind giving them a light digital facelift when it helps.

Hint: cars drive on roads, they look more at home on a road or driveway or parking lot than they do on the lawn.


Since members will be submitting their own photos, presumably the car can be situated wherever the owner wants to place it. So pick a nice backdrop, shoot a lot of angles (high, low, left, right, front, back, all corners), shoot in different lighting and with and without filters. Use flash in the daytime. Compare all your images, choose a few, ask family members for opinions, and shoot more if you aren't 100% happy with the results.

Anyone can make a calendar, have at it. Make an online account at Wal-Mart, upload your photos, and you'll have your calendars in a couple of weeks.

Jim, PM me regarding your photos.