Introduction
In today’s competitive online marketplace, high-quality images are essential for selling used cars. A well-composed, professional photo can make a lasting impression on potential buyers and set your dealership apart. But what makes a great used car photo, and how can you improve your photography to attract more customers? In this post, we’ll explore common mistakes in used car photography and share best practices that can make your listings shine.

1. Inconsistent Lighting
- Problem: Poor or inconsistent lighting can make photos look unprofessional, detracting from the car’s appeal. Direct sunlight, reflections, or shadows can obscure key details.
- Solution: Opt for natural lighting during golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) or use soft indoor lighting. Be aware of multiple light sources as this can change the colour of the photos, it is nearly impossible to accurately set white balance with different colour temperatures present in a photo. especially be aware of this for interior shots as interiors have their own lighting. Consistent lighting across all photos enhances the car’s appearance and professionalism.
- Tip: If possible, use a circular polariser filter on the camera, this can dramatically reduce distracting reflections.
- Try to make the black parts of the vehicle visible and not too dark, try to do this without overexposing brighter areas of the photos.
2. Overlooked Angles
- Problem: Focusing on just a few common angles misses important details that buyers want to see, like close-ups of the interior, boot, engine bay, or wheels.
- Solution: Take a comprehensive approach to angles. Capture exterior shots (front, back, and sides) and interior details (dashboard, seats, and cargo space). A 360-degree view or video walk-around can be especially effective.
3. Cluttered Backgrounds
- Problem: Busy or distracting backgrounds take attention away from the car, making the photo appear cluttered or unprofessional.
- Solution: Choose a neutral, clean background. Empty lots, simple walls, or controlled indoor environments work well to keep the car as the main focus.
4. Skipping Detail Shots
- Problem: Failing to highlight unique features or selling points, like new tires or upgraded interiors, can make a listing less attractive.
- Solution: Emphasize details buyers care about. Capture features like the infotainment system, upholstery condition, tire quality, and any unique add-ons.
5. Low-Resolution Images
- Problem: Blurry or low-resolution images can give the impression of poor quality and diminish buyer confidence.
- Solution: Use a camera with high resolution, ideally 12MP or higher. Quality images convey professionalism and help instill trust in potential buyers. Use a tripod for sharper photos, especially in low light and in interiors, this can make a big difference.
Best Practices for High-Quality Used Car Photography
To create eye-catching listings, follow these best practices for photographing used cars:
1. Prepare the Vehicle
- Clean Inside and Out: A spotless car looks better on camera. Clean the exterior, interior, and any glass surfaces to minimize reflections.
- Remove loose Items: Make sure any loose or unnecessary items are removed from the car before shooting.
- Adjust Seats and Steering Wheel: Arrange the interior to look its best, positioning the seats so they align with each other and straighten the steering wheel.
2. Capture Essential Angles and Views
- Standard Exterior Shots: Include photos from the front, rear, and both sides. Angle shots, where you capture the front and side together(Known as a quarter shot)
- Interior Highlights: Show key areas like the driver’s seat, dashboard, back seats, and boot space and engine bay.
- Feature Close-Ups: Highlight features that add value, like leather seats, alloy wheels, or the infotainment system.
3. Emphasize Quality Through Composition
- Focus on the Car’s Best Features: If the car has a sunroof, wide touchscreen, or unique trim, position these in the frame to draw attention.
- Rule of Thirds: Align the car according to the rule of thirds for balanced, visually appealing shots.
- Steady Shots: Use a tripod or stabilize your camera to prevent blurry images. Clear, sharp photos enhance the listing’s quality.
5. Enhance with Editing Tools
- Basic Edits: Use editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance. Avoid heavy filters to maintain a natural look.
- Remove Minor Imperfections: Light editing to correct minor issues, like background distractions. Be cautious of removing blemishes from a car as a viewer will likely want to know about these.
- Consistent Style: Apply similar edits across all photos to create a consistent and professional look.
Final Tips for Better Used Car Listings
Creating an attractive used car listing goes beyond just taking good photos. Here are a few extra tips to make sure your listings convert viewers into buyers:
- Upload All Essential Angles: More photos help buyers feel informed and boost their confidence in the listing.
- Accurate Descriptions: Pair your photos with a thorough, honest description that highlights any key details or unique features.
- Optimize for Online Platforms: Follow each platform’s image guidelines to ensure high-quality, correctly formatted photos. If a platform allows, convert your photos to Webp format, this allows a small file size without compromising much on image quality.
Conclusion
Improving your used car photography can make a huge difference in sales. High-quality images help your dealership stand out, attract serious buyers, and build trust. By avoiding common mistakes and following these best practices, you can create compelling, professional listings that make your used cars shine. Start implementing these tips today, and watch the results!
Looking to take your used car photography to the next level? We offer tailored training for dealerships, helping your in-house team master professional car photography and editing. Get a free assessment to see how we can help transform your vehicle listings!
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