We get lots and lots of questions about how do I win COTM? So I decided to post up a few tips that will help better your chances. Things that work, and things that don't.

Nominating your own car. This has never produced a winner, in fact rarely gets many votes. Sorry people.

Location. You might be surprised at how important this is. Having a nice back drop like a interesting building, mountains, or a body of water really helps set your car part. Here'* en example.

The car looks good, but really, is this a good shot?


A little better, but come on, we can do better right?


Same car, different location. Which picture makes the car stand out best?


A clean car. Spend the time to wash it real good, then give it a good polish and a real good wax job. It may take a few times to really get it to pop. A great finish take time. I spent all day getting my paint to this point.


Planning. After you clean your car you need to get to your location. Plan ahead. Toss a few detailing rags in the car, a bottle of quick detailer, some tire wet, what ever you can think of. Drive to your location, plan ahead on this. Give the car a quick cleaning and watch the direction of the sun. Use this to highlight the car. Shadows also play a role. clean up the area around the car, you don't need to do all this work and leave a empty fast food bag laying there.

Get involved in the forum. That'* right, this plays a big role. Post a few great pictures and that'* it wont win COTM for you. You need to sell your ride. Promote it, point it out, get members talking. Start lots of posts, keep it fresh on everyones mind.

There are other tips as well, but this are the main points. Feel free to add your thoughts. What works, what don't. Holding that badge means a lot, you earn it, it'* never just given to you. Now get to work, plan, clean, wax, take pictures, post them, and talk, talk, talk.

Great post Dan. That is why I haven't posted any pics of my Bonnie, never took the time to get it ready and take care of the technical details that you speak of. Actually I did post some images yesterday for the first time but that was just to try and show the outcome of a cleaner polish that someone suggested, not to emphasize the car. Every vehicle that I have seen as COTM had at the least a really good image and a good back story. Ex: The mods listed, interesting background story, technical expertise, generally a commitment to excellence that showed in the final product. Excellent tips.

Well done Dan! I couldn't of said it any better, and having the props really backs it up!
Not to be the bearer of bad news or point fingers at anyone, but, poll results prove Dan'* post very well.

I wanted to help lay down some ground work on COTM, what I and the rest of us found works, and don't work on winning or even making a good showing in the contest. COTM is not a joke contest. winners are nominated and voted for by your peers. You need to get your car noticed. Being a very active member on the forum also helps.

great post Dan!
its also nice to take pictures at sunset, or when its a little cloudy it gives a nice reflection on the car..
i try to avoid taking pics in the afternoon or when its too sunny, it shows lots of flaws and imperfections



and try to avoid having other cars in the pictures... that blue van killed mine lol