How to photograph your car to sell on PistonHeads
Looking to free up some driveway space? Here's how to maximise your car's value in the classifieds
They say that buying a car is the second largest purchase you’ll make in life, next to owning a house. So it boggles the mind that a good chunk of sellers put less effort into photographing their car than they would getting out of bed. Little do they know that a great set of snaps in the classifieds could net you a better deal and, maybe, a bigger pot of cash towards your next dream car. Whether you’ve got the latest and greatest camera or a phone that’s a few years out of date, anyone can take slick-looking pictures that’ll have would-be buyers reaching for their wallets. Here’s how.
First up, the equipment. Ideally, you’ll want to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera as it’ll make your photos look as though they’ve been snapped by a professional and provide the highest quality images. Failing that, you can always use the camera on your smartphone. Anything from the last five years or so should do just fine - which means a Nokia 3310 ain’t going to cut it.
Next step is to make sure your car is sparkling inside and out. We’ve lost count of the number of dirty cars we’ve seen in the classifieds covered in grim with grubby interiors. A wash will make your car’s paintwork pop and its wheels shine, and chuck out any old parking tickets and drinks bottles from the interior. Removing any stick-on sat navs and phone holders will help de-clutter the cabin, too. And if you really want to go to town, you can have a look at our beginner’s guide to detailing here, or you could just take it to your local car wash if you’re strapped for time.
Before you begin shooting, you’ll want to scout out a nice location to serve as the backdrop. We’ve come to Henry’s Car Barn to snap this car, but if you don’t have access to a flash storage facility with its own clubhouse, then a countryside carpark or even a quiet road will do just fine. Just so long as it’s not photographed in a graveyard or next to wheelie bins overflowing with rubbish. In essence, you want to avoid busy areas with lots of other cars around yours, so find somewhere quiet, tidy and with plenty of space around.
Our research suggests that 20-30 images is the sweet spot for prospective buyers on PistonHeads, which is enough to focus on all the key angles of the car both inside and out. As buyers will be coming to see your car in person, they just need enough to show them the main angles and features, and not ten photos of your wing mirrors.
When taking exterior images, stand back from the car and zoom in a bit to ensure you don’t get any distortion from your camera lens. If you stand too close to the car, it’ll look a bit egg-shaped, which isn’t particularly flattering. We suggest capturing the following angles in landscape:
- Front and rear quarters from each side. Turning the wheels to face the camera can really enhance the stance
- Head-on and rear shots
- Side profile from both sides
- If you have a convertible, get images with the roof up and down. When the roof is down, drop the windows to show the sleekest profile possible
- Close-up images of each wheel
- Any exterior details showing off your car’s specification, such as an Akrapovic exhaust or Brembo brakes
- Any major imperfections such as dents, scratches or rusty areas of bodywork – don’t try and hide them as buyers will only be disappointed when they come to see the car otherwise
- The engine bay
- Inside, you’ll want to get a wide view of the interior
- Close-up images of the front seats and rear seats, if your car has them
- Just like the outside, if your car has any specific options inside such as an optional sound or infotainment system, make sure to capture these
- A shot of the dash with the engine running, showing any warning lights on and the car’s mileage
On top of that, you’ll need to take 6-10 portrait images if you’re sharing your car on social media.
Finally, you’ll need to get together all your car’s important documents. That includes the handbook, service book, spare keys, service invoices and any notable bills for work done. Just make sure you don’t have any personal information on show, or at least make sure it’s blurred out.
You can edit the photographs as you wish, but ensure that the car appears in original condition with the closest colour match possible. Avoid using filters that might alter the appearance of the car, because you want it to be representative of the car prospective buyers will be coming to look at. No air brushing out those door dings.
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about photographing your car to sell in the classifieds. Remember to spread the word, because we’d all like to see an end to those smeary, blocky images snapped on old Casio calculators. But above all, it means your buyer walks away feeling like they’ve landed a great deal.
If this all sounds a bit much and you’d like to take the hassle out of selling, you can apply to sell with PistonHeads auctions. By selling at auction with us, you’ll have access to our network of professional photographers across the UK to take care of the whole job for you. In return, you’ll get between 150 and 200 photos detailing every nook and cranny of the car, which will not only help attract prospective buyers but it'll also give them the confidence to bid without seeing your car in person. They’ll also serve as a nice memento of your former pride and joy, too.
Whichever path you choose, if you have a performance, premium or collectable car to sell, we’ve got you covered.
A big thank you to Henry's Car Barn for opening up their clubhouse for us. Need somewhere to store your car? Get in touch with them here.
Maybe it's the professional photographers PH employ but up to 200 images of the car is just excessive. It takes the shine (!) off browsing through the adverts and becomes laborious.
Maybe it's the professional photographers PH employ but up to 200 images of the car is just excessive. It takes the shine (!) off browsing through the adverts and becomes laborious.
Whereas with an auction, we're giving bidders the confidence to buy the car without the need to see it in person, so you do need substantially more images to make an informed assessment of what you're prepared to pay prior to the end of an auction. So there shouldn't any surprises come collection day, and everyone is happy.
You'd need a 3330 in order to even browse the auto trader WAP site.
Maybe it's the professional photographers PH employ but up to 200 images of the car is just excessive. It takes the shine (!) off browsing through the adverts and becomes laborious.
Maybe it's the professional photographers PH employ but up to 200 images of the car is just excessive. It takes the shine (!) off browsing through the adverts and becomes laborious.
If a buyer is really interested he will do a walk round, point out the obvious, go for a test drive, point out noises, squeaks
He will decide how much he is prepared to pay for it, you tell him how much you want for it
(They are very rarely the same)
So you haggle
Just remember, it’s a buyers market out there
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