How to Take Photos When Selling Your Car

Whether you are selling your car privately or to a buying network, photos are essential. When selling privately, it is important to take appealing images of your clean or detailed vehicle to attract potential buyers. When selling to us, we simply need clear and informative photos to assess the vehicle's condition.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to taking effective car photos.

Key Photos when Selling Your Car to Car Buyers Online

The primary goal is to take clear photos, in natural light, covering all the necessary angles to accurately represent the vehicle's condition. Here are the essential angles and shots to take:

1. Front View: This shows the complete front of the car, showing any potential bumper damage.
2. Side View: Both sides of the car should be photographed to display the overall profile.
3. Rear View: Shows the complete back of the car, again showing any potential bumper damage.
4. ¾ Front View: This angle captures the front and one side of the car, giving a dynamic perspective.
5. ¾ Rear View: Similar to the ¾ front view but from the rear and opposite side.
6. Interior: An interior photo of the dash and seats is often useful, particularly if there is wear and tear.

Try to ensure that both sides of the vehicle are photographed, either directly from the side or in the ¾ shots. If there is any damage or there are signs of wear and tear, please photograph it as directly as possible and it needs to be declared. This will save time and disappointment.

While the photos do NOT need to be perfect, they should be clear and well-lit to ensure we can accurately value the vehicle.

If you're selling your car to Car Buyers Online, that is all you need to provide. We will quickly assess the car’s condition and source an instant offer through the dealers in our buying network.

To sell your car quickly and efficiently through Car Buyers Online, start with a valuation request.

Detailed Steps for Photos When Selling Your Car Privately

When selling your car privately, the process requires more detailed preparation and higher-quality photos to attract potential buyers. Here are the additional steps you should consider:

1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly

Before taking any photos, thoroughly clean your car inside and out. A sparkling clean car demonstrates that it’s been well cared for. Pay attention to details: wash and wax the exterior, vacuum the interior, clean the windows, and remove any personal items or trash. This ensures the car looks its best and highlights its condition​​.

2. Choose the Right Time and Lighting

Natural lighting is key. Shoot your photos during the early morning or late afternoon (the “golden hour”) when the light is soft and flattering. Avoid direct midday sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and highlights. Overcast days can also provide even lighting without the intensity of direct sunlight​.

3. Find a Good Location

Select a clean, uncluttered background to make your car stand out. Avoid busy areas with lots of cars, poles, or distracting elements. A plain wall, open field, or a quiet residential street can work well. The goal is to ensure the focus remains on the car without distractions​​.

4. Essential Angles and Shots

To provide a comprehensive view of your car, you should take photos from several key angles. You should include all of the same angles described above, but you may want to also include the engine bay and additional photos that focus on lifestyle benefits. eg. the rear seats for a 7 seater. You may want to highlight the appealing options, even if they are factory-standard.

Many professional car photographers crouch down to take photos that highlight the profile of the vehicle's front and rear bumpers.

5. Pay Attention to Details

Capture close-ups of any unique features or potential issues, such as alloy wheels, infotainment systems, sunroofs, or visible damage. Transparency is crucial—highlighting minor flaws can build trust with buyers. Private buyers will often be comparing multiple vehicles and you can waste a lot of time if the vehicle is not fairly presented.

6. Keep the Wheels Straight

When taking exterior shots, you should generally keep the car’s wheels pointed straight ahead. The only exception to this would be to have the wheels turned on a ¾ shot, to showcase the rims. This small adjustment can enhance the car’s stance and make the photos more appealing​.

7. Use Horizontal Orientation

Always shoot in landscape mode. This ensures the car fits well within the frame and provides a professional look. Portrait shots can be less effective and may not showcase the car’s full profile​​.

8. Avoid Filters and Flash

Use natural lighting whenever possible and avoid using filters or flash. Filters can distort the car's true color, and flash can create harsh reflections and shadows. Instead, move the car or adjust your shooting time to take advantage of better lighting conditions​.

9. Review and Edit

After taking your photos, review them to ensure they accurately represent the car. Basic editing, like cropping or adjusting brightness and contrast, can enhance the images. However, avoid over-editing or altering the photos to misrepresent the car's condition​.

Note: The photos should never be edited when sending them to Car Buyers Online.

Conclusion

Selling your car to Car Buyers Online requires clear, straightforward photos that accurately depict the vehicle’s condition. For private sales, we would recommend investing more time in cleaning and photographing your car to attract buyers.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your car is presented in the best possible light for any selling scenario.