Capturing Every Detail – My Process for Photography and Walkaround Videography of Used Cars

When it comes to selling used cars, first impressions matter. As a professional photographer and videographer specialising in automotive visuals, I understand the importance of showcasing every detail of a vehicle in a way that not only highlights its features but also builds trust with potential buyers. My goal is to create high-quality images and walkaround videos that make the cars stand out from the competition, while also saving dealerships time by attracting only serious buyers. Here’s a breakdown of my process:

Pre-Shoot Preparation

Before I even pick up the camera, I ensure the car is in its best possible condition. This includes:

Cleaning the Vehicle: I work with the dealership to make sure the car is spotless, both inside and out. A clean car photographs better and reflects professionalism.

Choosing the Right Location: I select a well-lit area with a clean, uncluttered background. Natural light works best, but I also will use professional lighting setups when needed.

Setting Up the Shot: I position the car at an angle that showcases its best features, ensuring the lighting complements the car’s color and design.

Exterior Photography

The exterior is often the first thing a buyer notices, so I focus on capturing every angle and detail:

Full Car Shots: I take 6 shots of the car including the front and rear quarters, front and rear, and sides to give a complete 360 overview of its shape and condition.

Close-Ups of Key Features: I focus in on details like the headlights, taillights, wheels, and grille to highlight the car’s design and any unique features.

Interior Photography

The interior is where buyers imagine themselves spending time, so I make sure to capture its comfort and functionality:

Wide Angle: Using an ultra wide angle lens I capture all the interior in one shot, this ensures the potential buyer can see exactly what they’re getting without awkward angles hiding key details.

Spec Shots: I make sure any specifications such as heated seats, pan roof, upgraded sound system are captured.

Walkaround Videography

While photos are essential, walkaround videos add another layer of engagement. My videography process includes:

Smooth Transitions: I use a gimbal or stabilizer to ensure smooth, professional footage as I walk around the car.

Highlighting Key Features: I narrate or caption the video to point out important details, such as the engine, tires, or interior features.

360 Degree View: I provide a full walkaround of the car, giving buyers a comprehensive view of its exterior and interior.

Post-Production

After the shoot, I enhance the visuals to ensure they look their best:

Editing Photos: I adjust lighting, color balance, and sharpness to make the images pop while keeping them true to life.

Touch Ups: If the car has some bodywork damage or perhaps an engine light that is booked in to be fixed I can go in and touch up the image to fix or remove certain parts.

Video Editing: I trim the footage, add transitions, include text overlays or narration and music to create a polished, engaging video.

Consistency: I ensure all visuals have a consistent style and quality, reflecting the professionalism of the dealership.

Delivering the Final Product

Once the editing is complete, I deliver the images in accordance with autotraders recommended photo quality settings. This ensures you’re getting the best quality while keeping a low file size that will seamlessly integrate with your sales platform. I’ll also either upload directly to the dealers YouTube channel or send them a link to use for the walkaround video.

Why This Process Works

By meticulously capturing every detail of the car, I help dealerships:

Build Trust: High-quality visuals show transparency and professionalism, making buyers more confident in their decision.

Save Time: Walkaround videos allow potential buyers to “see” the car before visiting, reducing the number of uninterested customers.

Stand Out: In a competitive market, stunning visuals can make a car more appealing and memorable.

If you’re a dealership looking to elevate your used car listings, my photography and videography services are designed to help you sell faster and more effectively. Let’s work together to make your inventory shine!

Contact me today to book a session!