Wash the car, shoot in even daylight against a clean background, and take the same set of angles every time: four corners, side profile, front and rear, wheels, interior front and back, dashboard with the odometer, engine bay, boot or trunk, and any flaws. Consistency saves time and builds trust.
A shot list
- Front three-quarter, both sides.
- Rear three-quarter, both sides.
- Direct side profile and front and rear.
- Wheels and tyres.
- Dashboard and odometer.
- Front seats and rear seats.
- Boot or trunk, and engine bay.
- Any dents, chips or worn spots you want buyers to see.
Technique
- Overcast daylight or the hour after sunrise avoids harsh reflections.
- Park against a plain background, away from other cars.
- Hold the camera at hood height and keep the car filling the frame.
- Landscape orientation for listings.
Why show flaws
Showing a scratch in a photo avoids a wasted visit and a disagreement at the desk. It also makes buyers trust the rest of the listing.
Where the photos live
Add them to the vehicle in Dealer Garage, where they sit with the record and are available for Marketplace posting. See Marketplace posting.
Equipment
A recent phone, a clean lens and a bit of light are enough. A cheap tripod or a steady hand matters more than a better camera. Turn off filters and any beauty mode.
Questions people ask
What resolution?
A modern phone camera is plenty; the main thing is steady, well-lit shots.
Try Dealer Garage
Dealer Garage is installable dealer management software for independent used-car dealers in the US and Canada: inventory, leads, deals, dealer paperwork, Facebook Marketplace posting and email campaigns, with records stored on the dealership's own computer..