[KrisMas]

Hey Jessie, getting a bit OT here. But, here what I'd do:

- Get an after market nuts set with an adapter, best is something like that picture there that uses Socket Drive as oppose to the normal Hex nut so that the pneumatic wrench's socket won't be anywhere near the bolt holes on your wheels.

- Courteously but STERNLY tell them "PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO SCRATCH MY WHEELS OR I'M NOT GOING TO PAY A SEN...."

[vr2turbo]

Hi cashloke,

Not a "master" la. That's a bit self-indulgent! The thing with life is that you're always learning. Even right up till now I'm discovering new perspectives in detailing and improved processes. We're able to achieve the kind of finish that is on a class of it's own because every year we task upon ourselves to reinvent and take on new challenges. Whatever accolades previously earned is quickly put aside in order to re-evolve into something even better. The moment you stop, you've set and reached your limit.

Interestingly the same principle works for photography as well. That aside, I'll see how I can chime in on your questions...
1) Len use - You what you have. It's all about the shooter not the tool. Even bog-standard kit lenses can churn out amazing photos. For aperture, anything 5.6 and above is fine. You're looking for details in an automotive shot unless you're going for bokeh effects. Shutter speed is mostly dialed in for motorsports i.e. panning and for static shots usually dependent on lighting conditions. Lighting means everything in photography. Everything. Start with that. Oh and get rid of that huge flash on your camera. Big no no for automotive shoots.
2) what to look for( angle) that shows the great shine. - I usually feel my way through a shoot not specifically looking for angles with pronounced shine. All my commercial shoots have one pre-requisite, that it has to be detailed by us so on that factor I can dependably expect the best shine in any shot.
3) how many soft box use - You can create lighting effects with harsh or diffused(softboxes). It can begin with one or twelve lighting sources. It's all up to you. Give it your flavour.
4) fave background setup. - None. As long as the object you're shooting is clearly distinguished from a clean background it's good.

Honestly, the more you shoot the better you get at it. Experience counts.

As usual great advice. For me too, as I am a photograph also, but those days mostly into wedding photo shoot....

And yes, Practice makes perfect whether detailing, photography or otherwise......

[cashloke]

As usual great advice. For me too, as I am a photograph also, but those days mostly into wedding photo shoot....

And yes, Practice makes perfect whether detailing, photography or otherwise......

Unker Vr is jack of all trade.Wedding photograhy some more in the resume.I work for Kodak close to 10 years so get to know some photograhy tips and tricks lo.Learning curve is a never ending story!One of the hardest is taking fish picture!feel like giving the fish some sleeping pill.
Sorry hor, Sifu Macdude for hijacking and ot abit.

[vr2turbo]

Unker Vr is jack of all trade.Wedding photograhy some more in the resume.I work for Kodak close to 10 years so get to know some photograhy tips and tricks lo.Learning curve is a never ending story!One of the hardest is taking fish picture!feel like giving the fish some sleeping pill.
Sorry hor, Sifu Macdude for hijacking and ot abit.

Yup, if got further questions, can ask. If not, then we just wait & see the wonderful stuffs coming from there....

[macdude]

Here we are detailing the rear valance and diffuser of the track-bred, ultra-lightweight Ferrari 430 Scuderia!

[junbecks]

you got mail darren!

[macdude]

you got mail darren!

Gotcha!

[macdude]

Wheels have a special place at the batcave. Depending on wear conditions, we can customize a detailing program suited for restoring even the toughest requirements.

Here's a couple of shots of a bespoke set of Koenigg Specials on a Ferrari 575 Maranello used heavily for track days.


Even the inner wheel core has severe rust...


Brake-dust have bedded into the original chrome finish...


The photos are self-explanatory:

[macdude]

Watch how it transforms after two-weeks under a specialized detailing regiment:


Absolutely perfect!


A peek at the core of the wheel

[vr2turbo]

...... Amazing work.........