When you're selling your car online, your photos matter just as much as your listing. Strong, clear images can catch a buyer’s eye and set your car apart from the others. The good news is you don’t need a professional setup to get results. With a bit of planning, the right light, and a few simple techniques, anyone can take good images that help a listing stand out.

This guide covers the basics of car photography, from how to frame a shot to when and where to shoot for the best light. Whether you’re a casual seller or one of the many car enthusiasts who love to gaze upon a perfectly framed shot, these car photography tips will help you present your vehicle at its best.

Choose the right time of day

Lighting is everything when it comes to car photography, and since 99% of people don't have access to a studio, natural light is your best option for taking photos. Although a bright sunny day might seem ideal, it can actually make things harder with harsh light, harsh shadows, and unwanted reflections. The trick is to shoot during the golden hour: just after sunrise or just before sunset. The softer light that occurs during golden hour is perfect for capturing your car’s lines without flattening them.

If you must shoot in direct sunlight, look for a shaded area to soften the light, or at least ensure the sun is behind you to avoid glare and lens flare.

Find a clean, neutral location

You don’t need a beach or mountain backdrop to make your car photos look great, but you do want a clean, tidy spot with minimal distractions. A quiet parking lot or wide driveway works well. Avoid busy backgrounds, other cars, or other objects like eye-catching signage that might take attention away from the vehicle. The goal is to let your car be the star of the frame.

Clean the car, inside and out

You might think it would seem obvious to clean a car before you photograph it, but many car owners overlook fail to do so, leading to listings that are off-putting instead of appealing. Before you start snapping, wash your car, clean the wheels, and give the interior a thorough tidy. Wipe down the dashboard and vacuum the seats. You want your car to look well cared for when a buyer is going through the interior images.

When it comes to photographing car interiors, don’t just take a single wide shot. Aim to include a few strong interior shots that highlight the condition of the cabin from multiple angles. At the very least, get pictures of the seats taken from each of the doors, as well as pictures of the dash layout from both the driver's and passenger's side, and a clear image of the steering wheel when you're sitting in the driver's seat. Buyers want to feel like they’ve sat inside the car already, rather than trying to peek in from 10 feet away.

Frame it like a pro

When shooting cars, always aim to capture the entire vehicle. Buyers want to see every angle. A classic automotive photography tip is to shoot from a three-quarters angle, where you can see the front and side or rear and side in one frame. This gives a sense of depth and proportion.

Try a low angle shot by crouching or kneeling to emphasise the shape and stance of the car. Mix it up with different angles: front, rear, both sides, interior, wheels, boot, and engine bay. After a few laps of the car, you'll soon get a feel for what the right angles are.

For your exterior car photos, keep the phone or camera in landscape mode and step back far enough to leave at least a metre of space around the car. This creates room to crop and keeps everything clean and well-framed.

Include the details

Don’t forget close-up shots of the details when you photograph your car. Buyers want to see the wheels, headlights, touchscreen, any damage, and any extras like roof racks or upgraded trims. Show off the best parts of your car without being too artistic. This isn’t about filters or effects, it’s about clarity and honesty.

When editing your photos, use tools like Adobe Lightroom if needed to adjust brightness or contrast and enhance the shot, but avoid heavy editing or unnatural filters. The photos should look true to life, not airbrushed to death. You want to build trust, not create doubt.

Keep it consistent

When you're shooting your car, use the same orientation and camera settings for every shot, and avoid switching between portrait and landscape. If you're cropping, lock the aspect ratio so all your photos feel consistent and polished. This attention to detail makes your vehicle listing feel more professional, even if you shot it all on your phone.

Think about movement (if you’re confident)

If you’ve got someone to help you and a quiet, safe location, consider a few shots of the car in motion. Moving cars can look dramatic, but be careful not to overdo it. You’ll need a steady hand and possibly a burst mode to avoid motion blur. Only try this if you’re confident with timing and safety. For most people, well-composed still shots are more than enough, especially if they're only being used for an online listing.

Highlight what makes your car unique

What made you fall in love with your car? Is it the paint, the wheels, the tech, or the way it feels when you get behind the wheel? When you're shooting your car, try to capture whatever makes it unique, even if it's something as simple as a cup holder or where you store your sunglasses. For some buyers, it’s these small touches that create a connection, and that photo of your favourite feature might just be the one that clinches the sale.

List Your Car in Minutes with Only Cars NZ

You don’t need to be a car lover or a professional photographer to shoot a great listing. You just need to show your car clearly, honestly, and in the right lighting. Think of your camera as a buyer’s eyes. The better your photos, the more likely someone is to picture themselves behind the wheel.

If you're ready to turn great photos into a successful sale, trust Only Cars NZ. Whether you're listing a used car or something brand new, we make it easy to reach real buyers. Start with our handy car valuation tool to find out the market value of your car. 

Thinking about buying or upgrading? Try our selection of used cars for sale, check out the latest new cars for sale, or discover our growing range of electric cars for sale. If you're ready to sell or simply want to buy a car online, Only Cars NZ is here to help make it simple.