Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
How to Photograph a Used Car? This Will Increase Your Chances of Selling
Good photos sell – that’s an undeniable fact. A well-taken photo is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of selling a car. By focusing on a few key details, you can instantly boost interest among potential buyers and build trust in the vehicle’s condition. So, how do you photograph a used car?
The Garage Isn’t the Ideal Location
The location where you decide to take the pictures is crucial for creating professional-looking photos. The ideal setting is clean and uncluttered – place the car in front of a plain wall or in an open area without other cars or people. Buyers don’t care about what’s in your garage or what the parking lot outside your apartment looks like.
However, don’t get too creative with the surroundings – the car should be the main focus. Avoid locations with distracting elements like billboards, trees, or poles, as these can take attention away from the vehicle. Also, pay attention to the ground where the car is parked; it should be clean and even. Small details like oil stains or potholes can visually degrade the photo and the overall impression.
Tip: If you’re photographing the car in nature, such as in a meadow or near a forest, make sure the car, not the landscape, remains the center of attention.
Don’t Shoot in Dim Light or at Noon
Another important factor that affects the overall impression of the photo – and thus the car – is lighting. Shoot either in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and warmer (depending on the season and weather, of course). The so-called “golden hour” just after sunrise or before sunset, provides natural light that enhances the photo’s appeal. Avoid taking pictures at noon, as harsh sunlight can create unwanted shadows and glare.
Tip: Limit the use of flash when taking photos. It can cause unnatural reflections and decrease the quality of the car’s photo.
How to Set Up the Camera
Nowadays, not many people own a dedicated camera, let alone a high-quality one. You can certainly take good photos with a modern smartphone. However, you should still pay some attention to the camera settings before you start snapping away. Turn off the flash to avoid creating reflections on the car’s bodywork. If your phone offers HDR (high dynamic range) mode, use it. It helps balance the differences between the dark and light parts of the image, resulting in more natural-looking photos.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and camera features. For example, the depth-of-field function can beautifully highlight the front of the car while keeping the background blurred. Play around with various settings to get the best results.
Tip: If your phone allows, use manual exposure settings to ensure the car isn’t too bright or too dark.
What Should a Used Car Photo Include?
First and foremost, buyers should be able to view more than one photo. Your goal is to guide them around the car, let them sit inside, and even take a peek under the hood and into the trunk.
To give the most comprehensive view of the car, capture it from different angles. Don’t just focus on a front shot – take pictures of the rear and sides and include three-quarter angles that show the car more dynamically.
When photographing the interior, focus on the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and other details. Don’t forget to also photograph the car’s mileage. Then add photos of the trunk, wheels, and engine so the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting. When shooting the interior, open the car doors to let more light in, making the images brighter and more striking.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to show minor scratches or other damage. Honesty plays a big role in selling a used car.
Bonus Tips
Finally, here are a few extra tips that sellers often overlook. Before photographing, remove the license plates. If you forget, you can remove them later using a photo editor or app that handles this easily. The more photos you attach to your listing, the better – aim for 10 to 15 images. A listing with just one or two photos won’t inspire much trust. After all, you’d want to see as many details as possible before buying something. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash and clean the car, both inside and outside, before taking pictures!
With a market presence in 9 countries AutosEU is an important part of the entire EU alternative mobility industry. AutosEU empowers people to drive their dreams by making the buying experience more simple, efficient and stress-free.