This is How To Shoot Car Driving Videos | From Basic to Pro!

Shooting dynamic car driving videos can be thrilling, but it requires a mix of the right equipment, techniques, and safety precautions to capture fast-moving subjects effectively and artistically. Whether you're shooting for a commercial, YouTube vlog, or just a fun project, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get cinematic car driving footage.

1. Plan Your Shots and Location
Choose the Right Location
Roads & Routes: Pick safe, scenic roads with minimal traffic. Mountain roads, coastal highways, or even open stretches of rural roads can provide cinematic backdrops. Avoid busy streets unless you're prepared for controlled shots (like in a closed-off set or a controlled environment).
Safety First: Always prioritize safety, especially when filming cars in motion. Avoid high-risk situations and get the necessary permits or permissions for filming on public roads if required.
Storyboard Your Shots
Decide on the Story: Will it be an action-packed chase, a smooth cruise, or an introspective solo drive? Understanding the narrative will help determine the type of shots you need.
Shot List: Create a shot list that covers various perspectives—inside the car, on the car, and from the outside. It helps to break the sequence into different scenes or shots that can be edited together smoothly.
2. Use the Right Equipment
Camera Gear
Action Camera (GoPro or similar): These are great for dynamic shots, like mounting on the car’s exterior or capturing from unique angles. A GoPro can be mounted on the car’s hood, side mirror, or rearview mirror for engaging perspectives.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: For higher-quality footage, a camera like a Sony A7 series or Canon EOS R with a gimbal or tripod can capture smooth, cinematic shots, especially in the interior or more stationary scenes.
Smartphone: Modern smartphones (like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy) can shoot in 4K and have built-in stabilization. Use it in conjunction with a gimbal for smooth handheld shots.
Mounting Gear
Car Mounts: Secure camera mounts specifically designed for cars (e.g., Ram Mounts, Manfrotto, or Proaim). These will allow you to attach cameras to the hood, roof, or windows of the car without the risk of the camera falling off.
Suction Cup Mounts: These are perfect for mounting action cameras or smartphones to flat surfaces of the car for external shots. Be sure to check their grip and stability before driving at speed.
Gimbals/Stabilizers: If shooting handheld, a gimbal (e.g., DJI Ronin-S, or the DJI OM 5 for smartphones) will ensure smooth, professional-looking footage when moving inside the car or shooting moving cars from a distance.
Drones
A drone (e.g., DJI Mavic or Phantom series) can add dynamic aerial shots and overhead shots of the car driving. Drones are perfect for following the car from above, capturing sweeping shots, and providing a sense of scale or grandeur.
3. Framing and Composition
Inside the Car Shots
Driver's Perspective: A popular angle is filming from the driver’s point of view. Mount a camera on the dashboard or use a suction mount on the windshield. This gives the viewer a sense of being inside the car, immersed in the action.
Passenger Perspective: Positioning the camera by the passenger seat allows for a clear view of the driver and the road ahead, creating a storytelling dynamic. This angle is perfect for interviews or scenic shots where the environment plays a significant role.
Wide Shots Inside: Use a wide-angle lens or a smartphone with a wide view to capture the entire interior. This is useful for establishing the mood or adding a cinematic feel with close-ups of the driver’s hands on the wheel, their expressions, and the surroundings outside.
Outside the Car Shots
Side Tracking Shots: A shot from another car following closely alongside the vehicle can be an exciting dynamic shot. Mount a camera on a car that follows the driving car from the side for a smooth tracking shot.
Rear Tracking Shots: Filming from the back of the car gives viewers a perspective of the car driving off into the distance or turning corners. This angle emphasizes speed, distance, and movement.
Low Angle Shots: A low-angle shot from the side or front of the car (just above the road) can make the vehicle appear larger and more dramatic, especially when it’s moving fast.
Overhead/Drone Shots: Drones can provide stunning bird's-eye views that capture the car in relation to its surroundings, creating a sense of scale and giving a cinematic grandeur to the shot.
Creative Use of Reflections and Mirrors
Use side mirrors, rearview mirrors, or even windows to capture reflections of the car or the surrounding environment. This can add an artistic element to the footage and give depth to your shots.
4. Camera Movement Techniques
Use Slow Motion
Capture smooth, cinematic slow-motion footage to emphasize key moments, such as the car revving, wheels spinning, or moments of action. iPhones and many cameras offer slow-motion recording options. Slow-mo is effective in creating drama or highlighting specific details.
Tracking Shots with Another Vehicle
Use another car to film from a moving perspective. One person can drive the camera car, while the other films the main car. You can shoot tracking shots where the two vehicles are moving at similar speeds or at different angles to give depth and variety to the shot.
Stabilize Your Footage
If you’re shooting handheld, use a gimbal for smooth, stable footage. The motion from a moving car can make handheld shots shaky, so stabilization is key to getting that professional cinematic look.
For mounted cameras, ensure that mounts are secure and vibration-free to avoid wobbly footage.
5. Lighting and Time of Day
Golden Hour
The best time to shoot car videos is during the Golden Hour (early morning or late afternoon), when the lighting is soft, warm, and cinematic. This helps create a moodier, more atmospheric vibe, especially for sunset or sunrise driving shots.
Night Shots
If you’re shooting at night, pay attention to your car’s headlights and taillights, which can create dramatic effects. Try to use ambient lighting, like city lights or streetlights, to enhance the atmosphere. A well-lit car against dark streets or highways can look striking.
6. Sound Design and Music
Capture Engine Sound
The engine noise and exhaust sound can add a lot to the drama of the scene. A high-quality microphone (e.g., Rode VideoMic Pro or a lavalier mic attached to the car) can help capture these sounds cleanly. You can also use in-car mics to capture the natural sound of the car and its interior.
Use Background Music
Music plays a vital role in setting the mood. Choose a soundtrack that complements the vibe of your driving scene—whether it's fast-paced rock for action, calm acoustic for a scenic drive, or a cinematic score for a more dramatic effect.
7. Safety and Legal Considerations
Permissions: If you’re shooting on public roads, make sure to get any necessary permits. Some places require special permits or insurance for filming.
Safety: Never take unnecessary risks. Always follow traffic laws, have a second person who’s not filming for safety, and ensure all equipment is securely mounted.
Insurance: If you’re using expensive gear, ensure you have proper insurance in case of accidents or damage during filming.
8. Post-Production Editing
Color Grading
Color grading can elevate your footage. Use software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro to apply cinematic LUTs and tweak colors. Brighten up scenes filmed at night or enhance the warmth of golden hour footage to make it pop.
Cutting and Pacing
Cut the video to match the tempo of the music or narrative. For high-speed chases, quick cuts can create tension, while long, slow takes might suit scenic driving sequences. Match the cuts to the beats of the soundtrack for a seamless and dynamic flow.
Add Motion Graphics or Titles
Depending on the style of your video, you may want to add motion graphics, such as text overlays, transitions, or logos, especially if you’re producing commercial content.