Professional tips for photos that excite buyers and maximise your selling price. Learn how to present your car in the best possible light and increase your offers by up to 20%.
In the digital age of car sales, your photos are your first—and often only—chance to make an impression. Research shows that listings with professional-quality photos receive up to 20% higher offers and sell 47% faster than those with poor photography.
This comprehensive guide will teach you the exact techniques used by professional automotive photographers to capture your vehicle in its best light—without expensive equipment or professional training.
Modern smartphones (iPhone 11+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, or equivalent) have cameras that are more than capable of producing professional-quality car photos. The key isn't the equipment—it's how you use it.
Professional photographers swear by the "golden hours"—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During these times, natural light is soft, warm, and flattering, creating natural shadows that highlight your car's curves and details.
Your background tells a story. Choose wisely to add value to your listing.
This is the single most important step that most sellers skip. Proper preparation can increase your selling price by CHF 1,000-3,000.
Professional listings include 15-25 photos, but these 12 are non-negotiable. Each serves a specific purpose in the buyer's decision-making process.
This is the most important photo—it's your thumbnail image.
Same angle and height as front, opposite corner. Shows rear design and both sides.
Stand back 6-8 meters. Keep camera perfectly level. Shows car's proportions and condition of both sides.
Shows grille, headlights, and symmetry. Important for buyers checking alignment.
Shows tail lights, exhaust, and rear styling. Check number plate is clean.
One of each side. Shows wheel condition, brake disc condition, and tyre tread depth. Crucial for assessing maintenance.
Stand by driver's door (open). Shoot entire front interior. This is what the buyer will see daily.
From front seats looking back. Shows rear passenger space and condition.
Centered shot showing instrument cluster, infotainment, and steering wheel. Turn on all displays.
Open and empty. Shows cargo space and condition of boot lining.
Impact: Reduces offers by 10-15%
Solution: Spend 30 minutes cleaning. A CHF 20 hand wash is worth CHF 2,000+ in selling price.
Impact: Makes car look dull or creates harsh shadows
Solution: Shoot during golden hours only. Set alarm for early morning if needed.
Impact: Distracts from the car
Solution: Drive to a clean location. Never shoot in your messy driveway.
Impact: Makes car look smaller and distorted
Solution: Crouch down to bumper height for all exterior shots.
Impact: Can't see interior properly
Solution: Roll windows down 3cm for interior shots. Shoot from open door, not through window.
Impact: Looks unprofessional and cluttered
Solution: Remove everything—air fresheners, phone chargers, parking tickets, coins.
Impact: Immediate rejection by serious buyers
Solution: Use tripod or brace phone against something stable. Take 2-3 shots of each angle.
Impact: Buyers assume you're hiding something
Solution: Minimum 12 shots, ideally 15-20. More photos = more trust = higher offers.
Impact: Wastes everyone's time, damages credibility
Solution: Photograph all damage clearly. Honest listings sell faster and for better prices.
Impact: Creates fake blur that looks amateurish
Solution: Use normal photo mode. Natural depth of field looks more professional.
Print this and check it off before your photo session:
Shoot 2-3 photos of every position. You'll catch subtle focus or composition issues you didn't notice. Delete the weaker ones later.
Before uploading, check photos on your computer or tablet. Issues invisible on phone screens become obvious on larger displays.
Show your photos to a friend before uploading. Fresh eyes catch issues you've become blind to.
After your photo session, wait 24 hours before uploading. Review with fresh eyes the next day. You'll often spot improvements or retake opportunities.
