5 Photography Tips in Larry Chen's Book
What does it take to reach Larry Chen's level? In Life At Shutter Speed — the 400-page photobook celebrating his 20-year career in car culture — he sprinkles valuable advice throughout all 20 chapters.
Below, you'll find just a few of those words of wisdom. If you're starting out in automotive photography, here are some gems to help you get going.
Tip 1: There's No Such Thing as the Perfect Shot
“It’s all subjective,” Chen writes, “and rules are meant to be broken.” Shoot into the sun, try new angles, and zig when others zag. Everyone has room to improve and there is always another technique to master. So give it your best and use each photo as an opportunity to push yourself.
Tip 2: Experiment with Capturing Speed
There are two ways to express how fast a vehicle is moving: You can attempt to freeze the entire frame, or you can emphasize motion blur. Life At Shutter Speed is full of examples of both. Nailing the right “bokeh” is difficult, but the challenge is part of the fun — and super satisfying when you get it right.
Tip 3: Shoot More Than Just Cars
Some of the most memorable images in Life At Shutter Speed are of people. Chen advises young photographers not to ignore the surrounding atmosphere. He often thinks about the fun shots he passed up, and regrets not having documented more behind-the-scenes moments in the early days. After all, he writes, “The people behind the vehicles are the most important part.”
Tip 4: Get Creative and Risky
Don’t just play it safe. Chen has made a career out of capturing high-reward images that aren’t easy to nail. “My style is usually to shoot as risky as possible for a certain look,” he writes. Sometimes that means slowing the shutter speed way down. Other times it means shooting from spectator areas, even if you have a press pass. Creativity is what can set you apart.
Tip 5: Be Open to Learning
Chen was not formally trained in photography, he explains — so he’s never been afraid of trial and error. Try out new techniques, and experiment with lenses and technology. “I’ve been very candid about the fact that I am always learning,” he writes. Throughout the book, he details how one key switch after another helped him develop the skills he relies on today.
Get the Full Story in Life At Shutter Speed
These five tips are just a glimpse of what Larry Chen shares across 20 chapters and 400 pages of Life At Shutter Speed. The book covers his entire career — from his early days shooting Formula Drift to becoming the SEMA Show’s first-ever Featured Artist photographer, with stops at the Baja 1000, Gymkhana, Pikes Peak, and car culture events across six continents.
Reviewed as “thrilling” and “jaw-dropping” by BookLife (Publisher’s Weekly), and called “an immersive experience” by Foreword Reviews.