HOW TO GET NOTICED AT YOUR NEXT CAR SHOW

With so many great cars to see, how do you make yours stand out? We give you a few tips and tricks to do just that.

Generally speaking, car shows are a difficult place to shoot cars. Foot traffic, harsh lighting, close quarters etc make most anything other than general shots a realistic expectation. That doesn’t mean however that taking a little time to prepare prior to the event (and even when you're there) won’t increase your chances of finding your ride in print, and quite possibly the opportunity for a closer look!

Here are a few tips (and tricks) to help your car stand out.

DO: Clean and detail your car. This should be a given but you’d be surprised how many really great cars get passed by because someone didn’t invest a little elbow grease into cleaning it.

Don’t: Forget the inside of the car. Look, we get it, most cars are driven to the event. Debris, grass, gravel, dust etc are to be expected. Know this and prepare for it. It only takes a few minutes once you’ve arrived.

The car has to be clean inside and out. Wear and tear is to be expected because these cars are meant to be driven, but there is no excuse for a dirty car.

DO: Speaking of interiors, open your windows! Anyone who is interested in your car will make the interior their second stop when checking it out. Let them see what’s inside!

Don’t: Ignore people who take a closer look.

DO: Raise the hood. This is the eye candy. A clean, well maintained engine compartment is a must. Unless the event is closed hood only, lift’em up!

This is the number one stop when checking out cars on the show field. The chances of someone proceeding to any other part of your ride decrease nearly 70% if your hood is closed.

This car had eye appeal, a coveted end spot and and a jaw dropping engine compartment. Unfortunately it's what we couldn't see, including its owner, that forced us to walk on.

Don’t: Confront people who may have a different opinion about your car. Bite your tongue if you need to and let them be on their way. Trust me.

Do: Bring documentation. This is a tricky one. If your claiming a special edition, low mileage or anything “above the norm” be able to back it up.

Don’t: Giant binders of photos documenting the restoration are great, just not sitting inside the engine compartment.

Do: Signs. A small professional sign is a great way to capture a passerby’s attention. 55% of people will read only the “headline” or top “fact”. This is prime real estate so make it count!

This fiesty Cobra had virtually everything we were looking for. Hood up, interior availability, professional signage and owner accessibility.

Don’t: Giant poster board or obnoxious signs leaning on your car.

Bonus Don’t: Banners, flags, stuffed animals etc: Don’t! Save that stuff for your garage.

Do: Consider first impressions: Not every car is a trailer queen, but every car can make a great first impression. What is your car saying?

Don’t: forget to periodically dust off your car during the show. Remember, not everyone was able to see it an hour ago.

Remember, not all spectators had the opportunity to see your car when you first arrived. Don't forget to give it a light wipedown periodically through the day.

DO: Be available. Look, we’re not saying sit by your car all day, but your cars chances of a possible feature improve greatly if we have the opportunity to speak with you.

Don’t: Spend all day sitting behind your car or under a tent with a large group of club members. Get up, mingle and talk with those who care enough to take a longer look at your ride.

DO: Check out your surroundings. Is there trash, leaves, debris on the ground around your car? Pick it up.

Bonus Do: If at all possible, park your car on the end of a row.

Location, Location, Location! You've got prime real estate, don't be afraid to ensure your area is clear of distracting objects and debris.

Secret Do: Discretely pull your car up a foot after other cars around you have parked. Subtle, but effective.

Half a car length is a bit much, but a foot is barely noticable and says "here I am" in a row of great cars vying for attention.

Do: drop the top if you can.

Some cars like this 'Vette look great just as they are, but can't you imagine cruising top down in this gem?

Don’t: Forget to straighten you steering wheel.

Call it a pet peeve, but interior shots just look better with the wheel pointing forward.

Do: Remember that shows are supposed to be fun.

Copyright © 2020 JP Emerson All Rights Reserved.