Civic L4-1.3L Hybrid (2008)
TIPS FOR TAKING HIGH-QUALITY PAINT DEFECT PHOTOS
Automotive paint has evolved into an elaborate combination of color pigments, solid metallic flakes, pearl (coated mica), and transparent toners in the
clear coat that give the paint its depth, color, and gloss.
As a result, some paint defects photograph better outdoors, while others do so indoors. To help decide where to photograph the defect, first determine
whether the customer complaint is for a surface paint defect, or if the defect is below the paint's surface. As a general rule:
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Surface paint defects photograph better inside a shop with artificial light, such as that produced by overhead fluorescent tubes. While viewing the
vehicle through the camera's viewfinder or LCD screen, move the camera to position the fluorescent light's reflections over and around the defect,
carefully watching for distortions in the light that best reveal the surface defect.
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Most paint defects photograph better with the flash off, the exception being dirt or fingerprints embedded in the paint, which may be highlighted by
the flash's reflection. To determine which method will provide the best shots, take one shot with the flash on, and another with it off, then compare
the two.
NOTE:
Photographing with the flash off might extend the shutter time, and may require the camera to be stabilized by mounting it on a tripod, or by holding
it against something rigid.
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Paint defects under the clear coat surface photograph better outside in natural light, with the sun low in the sky, behind the photographer, and facing
the defect. The hours between 8-11 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. usually provide the best light to photograph defects within the paint, as the sunlight at these
times allows you to see through the clear coat into the paint.
