Photos That Sell: Take Better Pictures of Your Vehicle

Selling a vehicle starts long before a test drive. Most buyers decide whether to message you based on photos alone, and they’re comparing your listing to dozens of others in the same price range. Clear, consistent images signal that you’ve cared for the car, that you’re organized, and that the listing is worth their time. The goal isn’t to “make it look better than it is.” The goal is to show the vehicle accurately, in the best light, with enough detail that a buyer can picture ownership and feel confident reaching out. Below are practical, repeatable tips you can use with a phone camera to take photos that help your vehicle sell faster. ## Prep Like a Pro Before You Pick Up the Camera A clean, staged vehicle photographs better and reduces the number of “Can you show me…” follow-up messages. Spend a little time preparing and you’ll save time later. Start with a wash and dry, including wheels and tires. Clean glass inside and out, wipe door jambs, and remove fingerprints from screens and glossy trim. If you can, apply a tire dressing lightly for a fresh look, but avoid sling or an overly wet shine. Inside, remove everything that isn’t part of the car: cables, phone mounts, sunglasses, child seats (unless you’re selling them with the vehicle), and anything in the cupholders. Vacuum carpets and mats, then photograph the mats both in place and, if they’re a selling point, clean and laid out. Do a quick “photo honesty” check. Replace burnt-out bulbs, remove dash warning lights if they’re caused by a simple fix, and top up washer fluid. If there’s a flaw you can’t or won’t address, don’t hide it—plan to photograph it clearly so buyers trust the listing. Finally, stage small details: align the steering wheel, centre the headrests, straighten the seatbelts, and set the infotainment screen to a neutral home screen. These tiny touches make photos look deliberate, not rushed. ## Choose the Right Location and Light Light and background do more for your photos than expensive equipment. The best time to shoot is usually during “golden hour” (early morning or late afternoon) when the sun is low and soft. Overcast days can also be excellent because clouds act like a giant diffuser, reducing harsh reflections. Avoid midday sun if possible. It creates strong shadows and blown highlights, especially on white, silver, and black vehicles. If you must shoot midday, look for open shade like the edge of a building, but avoid deep shade that makes the photos look dim or grainy. Pick a clean background: an empty parking lot, a plain wall, or a quiet side street. Try to keep clutter out of frame—garbage bins, busy signage, and other cars compete for attention. In Ontario, also watch for seasonal distractions like piles of snow, slush, or heavy mud. If the ground is wet, check reflections under the vehicle and avoid puddles that make it look like there’s a leak. Give the car space in the frame. A few steps of distance helps prevent distortion and makes the vehicle look proportional. If your phone has a 2x lens, that’s often more flattering than the widest setting. ## Capture the Must-Have Exterior Shots Buyers expect a complete set of angles. Consistency helps them compare panels and paint condition. Use the same height and distance for each shot when possible. Start with the “hero” angle: a front three-quarter view (front and one side). Then photograph: Front straight-on Rear straight-on Rear three-quarter view Driver side profile Passenger side profile Close-ups of wheels and tires (at least one front and one rear) Roof (especially for sunroof, roof rails, or signs of hail damage) Badges and trim (AWD, hybrid, package names) If you have aftermarket wheels, a hitch, a roof rack, or running boards, include clean close-ups. Buyers often filter for these features mentally, and a clear photo saves explanation. Keep the wheels turned straight for profile shots. For the hero angle, a slight turn toward the camera can look sharp, but don’t overdo it. Make sure all doors, hood, and trunk are closed unless you’re intentionally photographing interior space. Reflections can hide dents and scratches. Walk around the car and look at the panels from different angles. If you spot a flaw, take a clear close-up and a mid-distance shot that shows where it is on the vehicle. ## Show the Interior Like a Buyer Would Inspect It Interior photos should feel like a walkthrough. Use even lighting, open doors to let light in, and tap to focus on the area you’re photographing. Begin with wide shots: Driver seat area from outside with the door open Front passenger area Rear seating area from both sides (or a wide shot from the open rear door) Cargo area with the trunk or hatch open Then capture the details buyers care about: Dashboard with the vehicle on (no distracting warnings if possible) Odometer reading Infotainment screen (home screen and backup camera if you can safely demonstrate it while parked) Climate controls and key buttons Steering wheel, shifter, and centre console Seat upholstery close-ups (driver bolster wear is common and worth showing) Floor mats and carpet condition If the vehicle has a third row, photograph it up and down, plus cargo space with seats folded. If it has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, premium audio, or driver-assist features, show the buttons so buyers don’t have to guess. For interiors, avoid using flash if you can; it creates glare on screens and shiny trim. If lighting is low, shoot with doors open and angle the camera to reduce reflections. ## Get the Technical Shots That Build Trust Photos that “sell” are often the ones that answer concerns before they’re asked. A few extra images can make your listing stand out as more transparent and well cared for. Include: Engine bay (clean, but don’t make it look freshly soaked or greasy) VIN label on the driver door jamb (helpful for serious buyers; ensure the photo is clear) Tire tread close-up (use a coin or tread gauge if you want to add context) Any service records laid out neatly (hide personal info) Keys and remotes (especially if there are two keys) If you’re selling in Ontario, buyers often want to know about rust. Photograph common areas like rocker panels, wheel arches, and the lower edges of doors. If there’s surface rust, document it. If it’s clean, those photos can be a strong confidence builder. Also photograph any included extras: winter tires, roof rails, cargo liners, or accessories. Stage them neatly and take one wide shot plus a close-up. ## Phone Camera Settings, Framing, and Upload Tips You can get excellent results with a modern phone by following a few rules. Clean the lens first. A fingerprint smudge is the easiest way to ruin sharpness. Use grid lines to keep horizons level and the vehicle straight in frame. A crooked car looks careless even if the vehicle is great. Avoid ultra-wide distortion. If the car looks stretched or the wheels look oddly shaped, step back and zoom slightly. Hold the phone at about headlight height for exterior shots. Shooting too high makes the car look small; too low can exaggerate the body. Take more photos than you think you need, then choose the best. Slight changes in angle can reduce glare and make body lines clearer. Edit lightly and consistently. Adjust brightness and contrast so the vehicle matches real life. Avoid heavy filters or exaggerated saturation. Buyers dislike listings that look “processed,” and it can lead to disappointment in person. Use high resolution, but keep file sizes reasonable. When uploading, ensure the platform isn’t compressing images excessively. If it is, crop less and let the platform do the resizing. Finally, order your photos logically: hero shot first, then exterior walkaround, then interior, then details and flaws. A well-sequenced gallery feels professional and keeps buyers engaged. Strong photos won’t change the condition of your vehicle, but they will change how quickly the right buyer finds it—and how confident they feel contacting you. With clean prep, good light, and a complete set of honest angles, you’ll create a listing that looks credible, answers questions up front, and attracts serious buyers.