title: "Tips for Car Photography to Help Dealers Take Compelling Photos" date: 2024-09-03 slug: /car-photography-tips word_count: 2500 images: 5
Tips for Car Photography to Help Dealers Take Compelling Photos
Great car photography is essential for any dealership looking to attract buyers online. With the right tools and some know-how, your vehicles can make a strong impression before a customer ever sets foot on the forecourt.
According to Google, twice as many automotive consumers start their research online rather than at a dealer. Today's buyers are much more informed and knowledgeable because they educate themselves online before ever making contact. This means your dealership's website needs to be much more than a place to list inventory — it needs to showcase your cars and establish trust with potential buyers.
One of the best ways to do this is through high-quality car photography. Not only will professional-looking photos make your inventory look more attractive online, but they can also help you highlight specific features of your vehicles, making them more appealing to buyers.
In this guide, we will cover the top tips for car sale photography and how specialised image editing for car dealers can help your dealership's website stand out.
Table of Contents
Want to make your car listings stand out? Start your free trial with Pixel by Hand and see how professional editing transforms your vehicle photography.
Tips for Car Sale Photography
1. Choose the Right Time of Day to Shoot
To get the best lighting for your vehicle photos, choose a time of day when there is plenty of natural light. If possible, shoot outdoors on a sunny day with clear skies. This will help ensure the lighting is even across your car's surface and minimise shadows or glare from direct sunlight.
For instance, shooting an SUV during the morning or evening hours will result in more dramatic lighting, with the sun casting long shadows across the body of your vehicle. If that is not to your liking, shoot during midday when the sunlight is brighter and more even.
2. Be Careful of Reflections on the Car's Surface
Reflections can be a big problem when photographing cars, especially when shooting in direct sunlight. Most often, this is caused by water droplets on your car's surface. These reflections can be distracting and ruin an otherwise-great photo, so it is important to take steps to prevent them.
One way to do this is by using a microfibre cloth or chamois when cleaning your car before shooting. This will help you remove any lingering water droplets and reduce the risk of reflections. You can also try to avoid shooting your car in areas where it may come into contact with direct sunlight, such as near a body of water or on an asphalt road.
3. Take Advantage of Different Angles and Views
While there are certain views of a car that many buyers prefer, such as a full frontal or profile shot, it is important to keep your photos interesting by experimenting with different angles and views. This can help you showcase the unique features of your cars while making them more visually appealing to buyers.
For best results, shoot from multiple levels and viewpoints. Try to photograph your vehicles from a variety of heights, including low angles and overhead shots. You can also get interesting results by shooting at an angle or using a shallow depth of field — making sure that only the car is in focus and the background becomes blurred.
4. Get Down Low and Shoot Up Close
One of the best ways to showcase the interior and exterior of your car is through close-up shots. Shooting up close will help you highlight unique features, such as an impressive set of alloys or a powerful engine. Taking these photos from a low angle will make your car look larger than life, making it more appealing to buyers.
One tip is to add white space around your car in these photos or use a wide-angle lens. This will help you achieve an image that showcases the entire vehicle while maintaining focus on the specific area you want people to see.
5. Shoot the World Through the Front Window
Shooting from within your car can help you create a sense of movement and show off the interior in an interesting way. This is especially true if you are selling aftermarket parts or detailing products — it is important to showcase how these additions will look on a vehicle, both inside and out.
The best way to shoot from within your car is by using a wide-angle lens or a fish-eye camera. This will help you capture more of the surrounding area. You can also try shooting through the front windscreen to emphasise movement and add texture to your shot.
6. Shoot the Car When It Is Moving
If you are selling an exciting, fast, or powerful car, shooting it when it is moving can help give your photos a sense of energy and excitement. This will also help emphasise the speed and power of your vehicle, making it more appealing to buyers.
One way to achieve this effect is by using a slow-shutter camera technique, such as panning or zooming. You can also try shooting from a moving car using a tripod or suction cup mount. Just make sure to use safety precautions when doing so, especially if you will be photographing on public roads.
7. Shoot Your Car in Nature
Shooting your car in nature — such as in a field, on the beach, or near a body of water — can help make your photos more visually appealing. This is especially true if you want to showcase the power and speed of your vehicle, as well as its sleek appearance.
One tip is to experiment with different lighting conditions. This can help you achieve the best results, depending on the mood or look you are trying to create. You may also want to consider shooting at different times of day, such as during sunrise and sunset, when the light is softer and more dramatic.
8. Try Shooting Indoors with Controlled Lighting
Depending on the lighting conditions, indoor car photography may help you produce a variety of styles. Shooting in an indoor studio is one way to make your car photos look clean and professional. This can be especially effective if you are selling high-end or luxury vehicles.
To create these photos, you will need access to professional lighting equipment. This can include softboxes, reflectors, and light stands. You may also want to consider investing in a background that can be easily changed or replaced, such as fabric backdrops or a painted wall.
9. Use the Technique of Light Painting
If you are trying to show off your car at night, using the technique of light painting could be a great idea. This involves lighting specific parts of the vehicle with LED lights or torches, which can help create dramatic and eye-catching photos.
One tip is to start photographing the car during the day and experiment with different composition ideas. Consider which areas of the car should be highlighted and whether your photos need any text or captions.
10. Highlight the Best Parts of Your Vehicle
When it comes to car photography, it is important to showcase the best parts of your vehicle. This can help make your car stand out from similar listings on classifieds websites, as well as increase its overall desirability and appeal to buyers.
Consider what unique features or benefits your car has. For example, if it is a high-performance vehicle, focus on its powerful engine or sleek design. If your car has any special features or functionality, try including these in your photos.
Additionally, use shots that show off the best angles and views of your vehicle — from different perspectives or close-up images of specific details. This will help make your photos more interesting and engaging. And remember to try editing your images with software like Photoshop or Lightroom to create the perfect look.
11. Try to Incorporate Motion Blur in Your Photos
One way to make your car photos more visually appealing is to incorporate motion blur. This can help give the viewer a sense of speed and motion, which is especially useful when showcasing a high-performance vehicle.
There are several techniques you can use. One option is to use a fast shutter speed, which will help create streaks of motion and movement as your car passes through the frame. Another option is to use a longer exposure time, which can give your photos a more artistic or creative look.
12. Avoid Distracting Backgrounds
When taking photos of your car, it is important to keep the background in mind. Try to avoid distracting backgrounds or elements, as they can take away from the focus of your images.
One way to minimise distracting elements is to use a shallow depth of field. This will help blur out the background and reduce unwanted distractions.
Another strategy is to choose a location with a simple background, such as shooting outside in an open field or using studio lighting to create a blank backdrop. Additionally, avoid photographing your car under trees or near other vehicles, as this can draw the eye away from your car.
13. Use Depth of Field in a Creative Way
If you want to add a creative twist to your car photography, consider using depth of field in an interesting way. This can help create striking and eye-catching images that stand out.
One strategy is to use a wide aperture setting. This will blur out the background behind your car and help it stand out in the photo. Alternatively, you may want to use a longer shutter speed and smaller aperture to create a blurred background effect that draws attention to your car while still giving it a dynamic look.
14. Use a Drone to Capture Aerial Photos
Using a drone can be an effective way to create unique and dynamic images. This will help you get shots of your vehicle from different angles — such as overhead or at ground level — which will give your photos more visual interest and appeal.
Always use a faster shutter speed to avoid blurry photos, and choose a location with good lighting conditions. Additionally, make sure you have a clear line of sight if flying your drone outdoors near people or vehicles.
15. Add a Human Element to Your Photographs
Consider adding a human element to your car photography. Including people in your shots can help give them more interest and draw the viewer's attention to key aspects of the image.
One option is to use scale models or figurines, which can add a realistic touch without the hassle of finding real people to pose. Another strategy is to place yourself in the frame, either sitting or standing near your car. This can help give a sense of scale and setting, making the photos more interesting and compelling to viewers.
16. Capture the Car's Personality
When photographing your car, consider the personality and feel that you want to convey. Do you want the photos to be sleek and refined? Or do you prefer a more playful and whimsical look?
One way to capture your car's personality is to use props or other accessories. For example, if your car is sporty and fast, consider including relevant props in the frame. Another option is to use creative lighting or camera angles to make your car stand out from the background — dramatic shadows, depth-of-field effects, or unique silhouettes can all help.
No matter how you choose to capture your car's personality, consider what message you want to convey and how you can best achieve that with your photography.
Pixel by Hand Car Image Editing Services
Pixel by Hand is a trusted car photo editing service used by automobile dealers worldwide. With over 10 years' experience and 380+ clients, we understand that high-quality photos are critical to increasing sales and developing a stronger brand image.
With our car photo editing and retouching services, you are guaranteed to get results that convert. Whether it is for print or digital media, we make sure your vehicles look their best — professional and attractive images guaranteed.
See the difference for yourself. Send us your images for a free sample edit — no obligation, no credit card required. We will show you exactly how we can improve your car photography.
FAQ
What is the best time of day for car photography?
The "golden hour" — roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset — provides the most flattering, warm light for car photography. Overcast days also work well, as clouds act as a natural diffuser, eliminating harsh shadows and reflections.
What camera settings should I use for car photography?
Use a low ISO (100-400) for clean images, an aperture of f/5.6 to f/11 for sharp detail across the vehicle, and adjust shutter speed accordingly. For motion shots, use a slower shutter speed (1/30 to 1/60) and pan with the moving car.
How many photos should I take of each vehicle for my dealership listing?
We recommend a minimum of 20-30 photos per vehicle, covering all exterior angles, interior features, the engine bay, boot space, and any unique selling points. More images give buyers greater confidence and reduce the need for in-person visits.
Can photo editing really make a difference to car sales?
Absolutely. Professional editing can correct lighting issues, remove distracting backgrounds, enhance colours, and ensure a consistent, professional look across your entire inventory. Dealerships that invest in quality imagery consistently report higher online engagement and faster sales.
Should I remove the background from my car photos?
It depends on your brand and platform. Clean, consistent backgrounds (often white or a neutral studio setting) give a professional, catalogue-style look that works well for listings. However, lifestyle shots with attractive real-world backgrounds can also be very effective, particularly for social media marketing.