Muscle Cars Illustrated is dedicated to classic American Muscle Cars and was created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.
One of the greatest privileges of running this online magazine is being able to share stories and photos of our Readers’ Rides.
Each week we’re honored and excited to receive submissions from places near and far. One day we hope to feature Muscle Cars from every continent on our site.
We require a minimum of three photos for each submission:
- Exterior – Showing the frontend all the way down one side of the car.
- Interior – Showing the entire “business” end of the interior.
- Engine Compartment – Showing everything under the hood.
However, the most common issue that prevents a submission from being accepted is the photos provided just aren’t useable—especially the exterior photos we receive.
While we don’t require professionally taken photos, we do need them to be in focus, well lit, and of high enough resolution—not to mention properly framed and formatted—in order to use them.
Here are some quick and simple tips to increase your chances of getting your beloved Classic Muscle Car published in our Readers’ Rides.
General Photo Submission Tips
Following are our best photography tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes we see that can prevent your submission from being published.
DO THIS
- DO submit HORIZONTALLY oriented photographs as they work best online.
- DO upload high-resolution digital photos that are at least 1024 x 768 pixels in size.
- DO provide photos that were taken during the daytime with good natural light.
NOT THIS
- DON’T send digital photos of your printed photos (unless they are historical photos).
- DON’T upload small low-resolution photos that we can’t use.
- DON’T share photos that crop off sections of your car.
- DON’T submit photos where your shadow is visible in the photo.
- DON’T submit photos with any date and/or time stamps.
1. Exterior Photo Submission Tips
From our perspective, your exterior photo is the most important photo you submit to us because it will be used in many places on our website and social media.
DO THIS
- DO send photos where your car is centered in the camera’s frame.
- DO upload photos where shadows are beneath your car and not on top of it.
- DO share photos taken at interesting locations (e.g. park, beach or farm).
NOT THIS
- DON’T share photos where your car isn’t the main focus of the photograph.
- DON’T upload photos where your car is covered in uneven environmental shadows.
- DON’T send photos taken in your garage, crowded driveway, or parked on a busy street.
2. Interior Photo Submission Tips
Next, we need a photo of the interior. The person looking at these photos should be able to visualize they’re about to slide in and get behind the wheel.
The primary goal of this photos is to show the front of the interior including the dash, gauges, steering wheel, front seats, floor, and shifter across to the other side of the opposite door panel.
DO THIS
- Do upload photos that capture the entire “business” end of the cabin.
- DO submit photos that make everything easy to see in great detail.
NOT THIS
- DON’T provide photos with clutter or unnecessary items in the frame.
- DON’T share interior photos that are blurry, dark or with uneven shadows.
3. Engine Compartment Photo Submission Tips
Finally, we want to see the engine compartment. These photos are meant to showcase the power plant, options, and how clean the engine compartment is under the hood.
DO THIS
- DO upload photos that show as much of the engine compartment as possible.
- DO submit photos taken from the front area of the engine compartment.
NOT THIS
- DON’T share photos that show more hood than the engine compartment.
- DON’T provide photos that were taken from the side of the vehicle.
4. Portrait Photo Submission Tips (Optional)
Finally, we’d love to see you together with your pride and joy.
While optional, this photo is meant to showcase you and your car together. Your Readers’ Rides story is just as much about you as it is your Muscle Car.
DO THIS
- DO upload at least one photo of you and your car together.
- DO follow all the general photography tips and exterior tips above.
NOT THIS
- DON’T pass up the opportunity to be in featured in a photo with your car!
There you have our best tips when submitting photos for your Readers’ Rides story. We look forward to featuring your story and seeing your high-quality digital photos to publish.
Ready to submit digital photos of your classic American Muscle Car to be featured in our Readers Rides’ column? Click here to share your ride!
Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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