This Week In The News
NEWS IN SHORT
- I drove these new electric cars until they died: In this video we get to see, in great depth, the top six car brands in the EV market going up against each other. Catch it on Carwow : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH7V2tU3iFc
- Omoda and Jaecoo are already one of the best-selling car groups in South Africa, placing ahead of several legacy nameplates such as Mazda, Land Rover, and Volvo.
- Mercedes-Benz eSprinter goes on sale in South Africa: The battery-powered commercial van is pitched at businesses that are looking to eliminate tailpipe emissions from their daily operations. It can be purchased exclusively through Mercedes-Benz South Africa in a variety of configurations spanning standard (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) silhouettes, with its starting price pegged at R1,270,030.
- Daily indications from the Central Energy Fund show an average over-recovery, north of 50c, for both petrol and diesel over the first half of this month, up to the 13th of August
- South Africa used to produce over 80% of its own fuels just a few short years ago, and now, it's sitting closer to 30%.
- When it was first introduced, the General Fuel Levy (GFL) was earmarked as a fund for road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, but it was quickly funneled into the general revenue stream and can now be used in any way the government sees fit. The GFL is a major source of government revenue, making up around 5% of all taxes collected in South Africa – the equivalent of R93 billion in the current financial year.
- The proverbial silver bullet to the high level of road deaths in South Africa is the effective application of breathalysers. Imagine a scenario where every accident, regardless of severity, involves mandatory breathalyser testing for all parties involved. This comprehensive approach provides a wealth of accurate data, empowering policymakers to implement targeted solutions.
- Financial experts recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.
- Self-driving Waymo cars keep SF residents awake all night by honking at each other: San Francisco’s South of Market residents in the US are being awakened throughout the night by Waymo self-driving cars hooting at each other in a parking lot. No one is inside the cars and they appear to be automatically reacting to each other’s presence.
https://techcentral.co.za/hooting-self-driving-cars-residents-awake/249717/
- A spike in lithium prices in 2021 and 2022 fueled a wave of investment by Chinese companies in African production. The metal has since plunged more than 80% after supply increased while sales of electric vehicles lag expectations.
New GWM Tank 500 launched in South Africa – Pricing
The South African pricing for the new GWM Tank 500 is as follows:
GWM Tank 500 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Ultra Luxury – R1,222,900
Each purchase comes with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, and 7-year/unlimited-kilometer roadside assistance, with an additional 8-year/150,000km hybrid battery warranty.
Photographing cars for a website
When it comes to photographing cars for a website, many images end up as exciting as watching paint dry. Too often, they lack creativity and fail to capture the essence of the vehicle.
Yet, these photos are crucial—they serve as the first impression for potential buyers and can make or break their interest in your business.
A well-crafted car photo not only showcases the vehicle’s features but also invites shoppers to envision themselves behind the wheel.
Investing in dynamic, engaging imagery can turn a simple car listing into a compelling visual experience that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Here are some tips to make your car photos stand out:
- Choose the Right Time and Lighting
Golden Hour: Shoot during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light. This helps avoid harsh shadows and creates a warm, appealing glow.
Overcast Days: Cloudy days can provide diffused lighting, reducing harsh reflections and giving a more even appearance. - Select a Clean, Uncluttered Background
Simple Backdrops: Use plain or minimalist backgrounds that won’t distract from the car. A clean, uncluttered setting can make the car stand out more.
Environmental Context: Alternatively, consider a location that complements the car’s character, like an urban setting for a sports car or a nature setting for an SUV. - Use the Right Angles
Three-Quarter View: A three-quarter angle (showing the front and side) is often the most dynamic and flattering. It showcases both the front and the profile of the car.
Low Angle: Shooting from a lower angle can make the car look more powerful and imposing.
Detail Shots: Capture close-ups of unique features like the grille, headlights, or interior details. - Pay Attention to Reflections and Lighting
Avoid Overexposure: Watch out for reflections and avoid them if they disrupt the image. Use polarizing filters if necessary to manage reflections.
Even Lighting: Ensure that the lighting highlights the car’s features without creating strong shadows or overexposed highlights. - Clean the Car Thoroughly
Exterior Clean: Make sure the car is spotless. Wash and wax it to ensure it looks its best, and clean the windows and wheels.
Interior Detail: If you’re shooting interior shots, ensure it’s as clean and tidy as possible. - Use High-Quality Equipment
Camera: Use a high-resolution camera to capture all the details. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a good lens is ideal.
Cell phone: The latest phones offer multiple lenses with better resolution and enhanced macro and telephoto capabilities, enabling virtually every moment to be captured.
Tripod: A tripod can help ensure stability and sharpness, especially in low light or when capturing long exposures. - Incorporate Motion (Optional)
Panning Shots: To convey speed and dynamism, try panning shots where the car is in focus and the background is blurred.
Driving Shots: Consider photographing the car in motion if you want to emphasize its performance or styling in an action context. - Edit Carefully
Post-Processing: Use photo editing software to enhance the images. Adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness to make the car look its best while maintaining a natural appearance.
Consistency: Keep a consistent editing style to maintain a cohesive look across all your photos on the website. - Include Various Shots
Exterior and Interior: Provide a comprehensive view by including both exterior and interior shots.
Angles and Details: Offer different angles and close-ups of key features to give a thorough overview of the car. - Consider a Professional Photographer
Expertise: If you have the budget, hiring a professional photographer can to ensure high-quality images and an expertly executed shoot, especially for high-end or luxury cars.
By combining these tips, you’ll create standout images that not only showcase the car effectively but also enhance the overall presentation of your website. At the end of the day, you’re not going to hurt yourself by experimenting and trying new things. photography is free – use as many shots as necessary before you strike the perfect image.
Steven Spielberg ends his autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans,” with a meeting with the legendary director John Ford. Ford’s main piece of advice? Place the horizon toward the top or bottom of the picture because the middle is “boring.”