Why photos are decisive for selling a car
On online sales platforms, the photo is the first element a potential buyer looks at. A listing with professional-quality photos receives on average 3 times more clicks than one with hastily taken photos.
The difference between a quick sale and a listing that stagnates for weeks often comes down to visual quality. Polished photos inspire trust and showcase the vehicle.
Framing rules for a successful car photo
Framing is the foundation of good automotive photography. Here are the principles to follow to showcase your vehicle:
- Three-quarter front angle: this is the most flattering angle for most vehicles, showing both the front face and profile
- Hip height: position the camera at mid-height of the vehicle for natural proportions
- Complete vehicle: make sure the entire car is visible with sufficient space around it
- Supplementary photos: interior, dashboard, trunk and specific details complete the presentation
Take at least 8 to 10 photos from different angles to give the buyer a complete view of the vehicle.
Ideal lighting for vehicle photography
Natural light remains the best option for automotive photography. Prefer the following moments:
- Golden hour: the golden morning or evening light softens reflections and gives a warm look
- Overcast sky: diffused light avoids harsh shadows and annoying reflections on bodywork
- In the shade: if the sun is strong, place the vehicle in shade for uniform lighting
Avoid midday sun which creates sharp shadows and blinding reflections on windshield and bodywork.
The background: the detail that changes everything
A cluttered or unflattering background can ruin an otherwise well-framed photo. The ideal is a clean, neutral background that highlights the vehicle without distraction.
This is where artificial intelligence comes in. With a tool like Car Scene, you can replace any background with a professional setting: showroom, mountain road or elegant urban environment.
The result is a photo that looks like those in dealership catalogs, but created in seconds from your own photo.
Preparing the vehicle before the photo session
Vehicle preparation is as important as photographic technique. A few essential steps before taking your photos:
- Complete wash: bodywork, wheels, tires and windows must be spotless
- Clean interior: vacuum, surface cleaning and air freshener if needed
- Tidy trunk: an empty and clean trunk reassures the buyer
- Touch-ups: quick polish, plastic cleaner, tire inflation
A clean and well-presented vehicle in photos gives the impression of a careful owner, which reassures potential buyers.
From raw photo to perfect listing
Once your photos are taken, the final step is to optimize them. Crop if necessary, adjust brightness and most importantly, use an AI background tool for a professional finish.
By combining good shooting technique with an AI-generated background, you get photos worthy of a professional dealership, without a studio or expensive equipment. Your listings will immediately stand out from the competition.
