Capturing the thrill of high-speed automotive footage isn’t just about pressing record. It requires the right equipment, techniques, and a creative approach to capture the intensity, power, and motion of the vehicle. At MB Video, we specialise in automotive videography and know how to create stunning visuals that resonate with car enthusiasts and brands alike. In this blog, we’ll share our top tips for filming high-speed vehicles, ensuring your footage is dynamic, professional, and truly impactful.
1. Use Stabilisation Equipment for Smooth Shots
One of the biggest challenges in capturing fast-moving vehicles is stabilising the camera to prevent shaky footage. Even the slightest bump or movement can disrupt the shot, making the footage look amateur. To overcome this, we recommend investing in stabilisation equipment such as gimbals, steadicams, or stabilised camera mounts. At MB Video, we use advanced gimbal systems and vehicle-mounted rigs to keep shots smooth, even at high speeds. These tools allow us to follow vehicles closely, capturing every twist and turn with cinematic clarity.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different stabilisation tools to find the one that best suits your shooting style and vehicle setup.
2. Plan Your Shots for Maximum Impact
High-speed filming demands a well-thought-out shot list. Planning each shot helps ensure you capture the vehicle’s speed, power, and agility. Some angles work better for showing acceleration, while others highlight cornering or braking precision. Common automotive shots include tracking shots (following the vehicle), head-on shots (showing speed directly), and side angles (emphasising motion). At MB Video, we always storyboard key shots to align with our client’s goals, allowing us to capture footage that tells a powerful story.
Pro Tip: Scout the location beforehand to understand the best angles and vantage points. Mapping out your shots can save valuable time on the shoot day.
3. Leverage High Frame Rates for Slow-Motion Effects
Slow-motion is a powerful technique for capturing the finer details of automotive motion. From the way tyres grip the road to dust kicking up behind the vehicle, slow-motion lets viewers appreciate the intensity and beauty of each movement. To achieve this effect, film at a higher frame rate (e.g., 120fps or 240fps), which allows you to slow down the footage during editing without sacrificing quality. For automotive shots, we often use slow-motion to highlight intense moments, enhancing the drama and appeal of the scene.
Pro Tip: Use slow-motion selectively. Overusing it can lessen its impact, so save it for the most dramatic moments.
4. Experiment with Vehicle-to-Vehicle Tracking Shots
One of the most dynamic ways to capture high-speed footage is by filming from a moving vehicle. This technique, known as vehicle-to-vehicle tracking, allows you to follow the car at high speeds, capturing close-ups and dynamic angles that stationary shots simply can’t achieve. At MB Video, we use specially equipped vehicles and stabilised rigs to ensure safe and smooth tracking shots. This technique requires skilled drivers and camera operators working in sync to keep pace with the action, creating footage that feels exhilarating and immersive.
Pro Tip: Safety is paramount with vehicle-to-vehicle tracking. Ensure both drivers and crew understand the route, pacing, and signals to keep everyone safe.
5. Use Natural Light and Golden Hour for Stunning Visuals
Lighting can make or break your footage, especially with reflective surfaces like car bodies. The golden hour—the period just after sunrise and before sunset—offers soft, warm lighting that enhances the colours and shapes of vehicles without harsh shadows. Natural light also minimises reflections that can disrupt shots. Whenever possible, schedule shoots during these times to capture stunning visuals that require minimal post-production correction. At MB Video, we prioritise lighting in our planning, often scheduling automotive shoots to maximise natural light conditions.
Pro Tip: If shooting outside of golden hour, use reflectors or diffusers to control the light and reduce harsh reflections on the car’s surface.
Final Thoughts
Filming high-speed automotive footage is as much about preparation as it is about creativity. The right equipment, thorough planning, and a focus on lighting and angles can transform a simple car shot into a breathtaking visual experience. At MB Video, we’re dedicated to capturing every detail, power, and thrill that comes with high-speed vehicles. Whether it’s for a commercial, a brand showcase, or motorsport event, our approach to automotive videography ensures that your project’s story comes through loud and clear.
Want to learn more about our automotive video services? Contact us today and let’s bring your vision to life with dynamic, high-quality footage that leaves an impact.
