Introducing Spin 360! First 500 signups will get 25% off ||

Top 10 Car Photography Tips To Take Amazing Pictures

Drop an image

(upto resolution 5,000 x 5,000 px)

No image ? Try one of these

Car Photography

Table of Contents

5 Min Read

Car photography is really important for car makers, sellers, and anyone in the auto business. It shows off the cool features and style of cars. But getting great car photos can be tricky and expensive, especially if you need a professional photographer and a fancy studio. Luckily, there’s an easier way: AI-powered photography tools. Don’t worry if it sounds complicated — these tools make it simple for anyone to take awesome car photos, no matter your experience level.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get professional-looking car pictures without the high costs. Let’s get started!

 

What is Car Photography?

Car photography is the art of taking pictures of vehicles to promote and market them. It involves using the right techniques, lighting, and locations to make cars look attractive to potential buyers. It highlights the car’s design, features, and any modifications, showing off what makes each car special. Car photography captures the beauty of the car and its action, whether it’s a classic, race, or family car. The goal is to showcase what the car is like and why it’s unique.

 

 

How to Prepare for a Professional Automotive Photography Shoot?

Getting ready for a professional car photography shoot requires some careful planning. Here’s how you can prepare for your shoot to capture the best automotive photos:

1) Pick the Right Camera

The first step is choosing the right camera. Invest in a high-quality camera, such as a DSLR or a mirrorless model, that suits the type of car photography you plan to do. The camera you choose should be able to capture the details and angles you want to highlight in your automotive shots.

2) Know Your Gear

It’s not just about owning the right equipment; it’s about understanding how to use it effectively. Take the time to get familiar with your camera settings, lenses, and other essential gear like tripods, light modifiers, and reflectors. Knowing how to use each piece of equipment will help you get the best shots possible.

3) Learn About Lighting

Lighting can make or break your photos, so it’s crucial to understand different lighting techniques. Study how to use natural light, artificial light, and reflectors to your advantage. Whether you’re shooting outdoors under the sun or indoors with studio lights, knowing how to control and manipulate light will help you create stunning car images.

How to Prepare for a Professional Automotive Photography Shoot?

4) Practice Regularly

The more you practice, the better you get. Take every chance you can to practice your photography skills, whether it’s at a local car show, a dealership, or even with a friend’s car. Each shoot will help you improve and build confidence in your abilities.

5) Develop Your Style

Over time, work on finding your own unique style. Whether you prefer dramatic lighting, bold colors, or a minimalist approach, consistency in your work will help you develop a recognizable portfolio that stands out.

6) Network and Market Yourself

Building connections is key to growing your business. Network with other car photographers, automotive enthusiasts, and potential clients. Share your work on social media and create a professional website to showcase your portfolio. This will help you attract new clients and grow your photography business.

 

What are the Features of AI Automobile Photography?

AI vehicle photography gives a plethora of cutting-edge capabilities that revolutionize the method of capturing beautiful snapshots of motors:

1) Background Removal: AI algorithms unexpectedly pick out and remove unwanted background, making sure the focal point remains completely at the vehicle. Additionally, this function enables photographers to seize motors in any area without stressful approximately distracting backgrounds.

2) Lighting and Color Adjustment: Advanced AI algorithms modify lighting and color stability to enhance the overall appearance of the cars. Whether it is brightening shadows, correcting publicity, or refining color tones, AI ensures that each detail of the car is showcased in the high-quality viable mild.

3) Detail Enhancement: AI-powered gear meticulously enhances the finer information of the car, which includes the interior features, and outdoor contours. Additionally, by enhancing edges, number plate masking, and emphasizing key elements, AI facilitates highlighting the specific characteristics of each vehicle.

What are the Features of AI Automotive Photography?

4) Reflections Simulation: Sophisticated AI algorithms simulate realistic reflections at the car’s surface, creating depth. This characteristic provides a touch of authenticity to the images, making the auto look like it was captured in a professional car photography studio setting.

5) Studio-like Lighting Effects: AI algorithms reflect car photo studio lighting conditions, successfully disposing of the need for elaborate setups and highly-priced devices. AI actively simulates soft, diffused mild assets and also dynamic shadows to ensure superb illumination of the vehicle from every angle, resulting in captivating pictures.

6) Automated Editing Workflow: AI streamlines the editing technique using automating repetitive tasks, including batch processing and retouching. Also, this allows photographers to speedy enhance and finalize their snapshots, saving time and maximizing productivity.

 

Top 10 Car Photography Tips & Tricks

Taking amazing car pictures is all about capturing the right details and showing off the beauty of the car. Here are some easy tips to make your car photos stand out:

1) Make Your Car Shine

Before taking any photos, make sure your car looks its best. Give it a good wash and wax so it’s clean and shiny. A clean car always looks better in photos and helps to highlight its best features.

2) Choose the Right Lighting

Lighting is super important for great car photos. The best times to shoot are on cloudy days or when the sun is low in the sky, like early morning or late afternoon. Avoid taking photos in harsh noon sunlight, which can create strong shadows and make your car look less attractive.

Types of car photography

3) Pick the Perfect Location

Think about where you want to take the photos. The background should match the vibe of your car. For example, a rugged vehicle might look awesome in nature, while a classic car could shine in front of a grand building. Don’t be afraid to try a background that contrasts with your car for a dramatic effect.

4) Golden Hour is Magic

The hour just after sunrise or before sunset is called the “golden hour” because the light is soft and warm. This kind of light is perfect for making your car look its best, so plan your shoot around these times if you can.

Top 10 Car Photography Tips & Tricks

5) Upgrade Your Gear (But Phones Work Too)

If you have a good camera, that’s great! But even if you’re using a smartphone, you can still take amazing car photos by following these tips. Just remember, the best camera is the one you have with you.

6) Use the Right Lens (For Fancy Cameras)

If you’re using a professional camera, be careful with super-wide lenses because they can distort the shape of your car. Lenses between 35mm and 200mm are usually the best for car photography, with 90mm being a popular choice.

7) Capture Every Angle

Don’t just take one or two photos and call it a day. Walk around the car and take shots from different angles and distances. Get close to capturing details like the wheels and lights, and don’t forget about the interior and engine if they look cool.

8) Get Low for a Dynamic Shot

Most people take photos from eye level, but you can make your car photos stand out by getting down low, almost at headlight level. This angle makes your car look more powerful and gives the photo more impact.

Top 10 Car Photography Tips & Tricks

9) Play with Different Angles

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try taking photos from above, below, and from different sides of the car. You might be surprised by how a unique angle can make your photos look even more interesting.

10) Use Technology to Go Beyond

If you want to create something really cool, try using an app to create a 360-degree virtual tour of your car. This way, people can explore every detail of your car as if they were right there with you.

 

What Expertise is Required for Car Photography?

According to automotive photographer Mark Delong, taking great car photos needs more than just a camera. You need the right tools and a good understanding of things like lighting and movement. Professional car photography also requires careful attention to detail and the ability to work with lots of data. Key parts of good car photography include focusing on important details, capturing movement, choosing the right location, and knowing how to represent the brand well.

What Expertise Are Required for Car Photography?

1) Focal point

The car is the star of the show in automotive advertising photography. The photographer needs to use techniques to draw attention to the car and avoid letting anything else steal the spotlight. Color plays a big role in making the car stand out.

2) Motion

Automotive advertising photography should capture the car in action, showcasing what it’s designed to do. Automobile photographers use different techniques to achieve this, like panning shots and high shutter speeds.

3) Editing

Editing is a crucial step in automotive advertising photography and can be very time-consuming. It often takes longer to edit these images than other types of commercial car photography because achieving a high-quality final product requires meticulous work.

4) Location

Picking the right location is very important in automotive advertising photography. The location should complement the car and the message the advertiser wants to get across. For instance, a rugged truck might be photographed off-road to emphasize its capabilities.

5) Brand identification

In automotive advertising photography, it’s important to include the brand’s logo in the final image. This helps consumers easily identify the car manufacturer.

6) Knowledge

The best automobile photographers need to have a wide range of knowledge to be successful in automotive advertising photography. This knowledge includes camera techniques, post-production processes, and production prep.

 

What are the Equipment Required for Car Photography?

If you want to take great car photos, you’ll need some important equipment to get the job done right. Here’s a list of the gear you’ll need to capture stunning shots of any vehicle, from sleek sports cars to classic rides:

1) Camera and Lenses

Start with a DSLR camera, which is perfect for capturing detailed car photos. Use a wide-angle lens to fit the whole car in one shot, and a telephoto lens to get close-ups of specific parts. Popular lens choices include 24mm to 70mm for flexibility, and 35mm or 50mm for more focused shots.

2) Tripod

A tripod is crucial for keeping your camera steady, especially when you’re shooting in low light or using a slow shutter speed. It prevents blurry photos by making sure the camera stays still during the shot.

3) Lighting

Natural light works well, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, which gives a soft, flattering glow. For shooting inside the car, a flash and a light bar can help illuminate details. Use a softer flash to avoid harsh shadows and keep the car’s interior looking smooth.

Car photography studio

4) Reflector

A reflector is useful for bouncing light onto dark areas of the car, making sure every part of the vehicle is well-lit and looking its best.

5) Light Limiters

Sometimes too much light can be a problem. A neutral density filter helps reduce excessive light, similar to sunglasses for your camera lens. A circular polarizer can cut down on annoying glare from the car’s surface and windows.

6) Cleaning Tools

To keep the car looking perfect, especially if you’re taking close-up shots, bring polishing cloths and detailing spray. This helps remove any dirt or smudges that might show up in your photos.

7) Editing Software

After taking your photos, use editing software to tweak things like exposure, contrast, and color. This will help make your pictures look even better and highlight the car’s best features.

 

How to Get Car Photography Clients?

Getting car photography clients can be easier than you might think. Here are some simple steps to help you find and attract car owners who want their vehicles photographed:

1) Attend Car Events: Go to local car shows, vintage meetups, and car club gatherings. Car owners often love showing off their vehicles and will be happy to have them photographed. Just bring your camera and talk to the owners. They’re usually friendly and excited to work with you.

How to Get Car Photography Clients?

2) Network: Meet other car enthusiasts and photographers at these events. You can learn a lot from other photographers and might even get some tips or leads. Connecting with people in the car community can help you find new clients.

3) Post Your Work Online: Share your car photos on your own website and on popular photo sites like Flickr, Unsplash, and 500px. Use tags and metadata so people can easily find your images. This will help you build a portfolio that potential clients can see.

4) Get Published: Try to get your photos published in magazines or online car blogs. Being published can help you get noticed and attract more clients who want their cars featured.

 

 

Traditional Car Photography Studio vs Virtual Car Photography Studio

The way a car is displayed online and in advertisements greatly affects its sales. Traditional photography agencies have long been the go-to solution for capturing high-quality automotive images. However, as technology improves, workplace virtual camera drives are emerging as an attractive alternative. This table compares the key features of both options to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Feature Traditional Studio Virtual Studio
Process Manual photography, editing, and retouching AI-powered virtual car photography studio
Time More time-consuming due to manual processing Faster turnaround due to AI automation
Costs Increased costs due to photographers, studio space, and editing Potential lower costs due to reduced staffing and space requirements
Image Quality Image quality may compromised if captured by a newbie. High-quality images are possible with advanced AI software & require no professional expertise, anyone can use it easily
Flexible location Need to drive the car to any physical studio or outside for a car photo shoot. Shoot anytime, anywhere at your convenience.

Traditional Car Photography Studio vs. Virtual Car Photography Studio

AI-powered car photography studios can save a lot of time & money to help auto dealerships by removing the manual or traditional car photo editing process through advanced deep learning algorithms. Auto dealerships can use these AI-generated images for online listings, advertising, & for more purposes.

 

Use Spyne AI for Stunning Car Images

Spyne is a state-of-the-art AI photo editing software. It employs Artificial Intelligence to automatically edit your car images so that you always get reliable results. It supports bulk editing of car images – over a hundred images in seconds – all while maintaining the highest quality standards. We also provide API and SDK solutions that can be customized to fit your car dealership photography and merchandising strategy.

Use Spyne AI for Stunning Car Images

Here’s a brief description of our AI’s Merchandising products:

Virtual Studio

This online AI photo editor can turn car pictures taken with a smartphone into professional catalog images. It makes your car listing more attractive and improves the customer’s experience in your digital showroom. Additionally, you can select from various backgrounds customized to match your brand style.

360 Car Spin

The traditional way of shooting 360 automotive walkaround videos relies on a camera crew and requires bringing your vehicles to the studio. The studio must also have a car turntable installed. This can be expensive and time-consuming.

However, with our AI-powered car 360 photo car view creation, you can easily take high-quality images without professional help. The AI system automatically edits the images you take, and you quickly get ready-to-use 360 car photography spin video!

 

Conclusion

Car photography is a tricky job. It takes creativity, hard work, and much time and preparation. Therefore, the fat cheques that car photographers charge are worth every penny. However, it does not mean that car sellers online should let go of an opportunity to find a more innovative and inexpensive alternative.

If you want to run creative campaigns and cinematic ads to promote your car photography for business online, you must opt for professional photographers. However, cataloging is a perennial process. It needs a solution that is scalable, feasible and generates high-quality output. Spyne is a blessing if you are looking for answers like these.

 

 

Still Confused?

Get On a Quick Demo now!

FAQ

We Have Your Answer

  • How do you shoot a luxury car?

    Unlike regular passenger cars, luxury car photoshoot almost always consists of glamor shoots, even when the intent is commercial! High-end cars attract buyers through the following – appealing design, brand image, and premium features – not necessarily in that order.

    To show off a luxury car’s design, you need to plan out your photoshoot session. Select a theme – power, technology, etc. – that suits the vehicle and then proceed accordingly. Experiment with the angles and framing to get the best results. Remember to highlight the best features – design or otherwise – in your car portrait shoots.

  • How do I find good car photography services near me?

    The easiest way to find good-quality car photography services near your business is to search for them online. Search “car photography near me” on Google (or Bing, Yahoo, etc.) and browse through the different services listed there. You can also search for photographers on platforms like Thumbtack or Yelp. You can even check the reviews and ratings for their services there. Always remember to go through the portfolio of all the potential photographer candidates before hiring them, to see if their style matches your brand aesthetic.

  • Why is automotive photography so expensive?

    Professional automotive dealership photography can be expensive, mainly because it involves a lot of hard work and investment, not to mention top-notch skills! Apart from shoots, you also need to get the images edited for maximum impact.

    If vehicle photography prices are bothering you, you can check out AI-powered, self-serve photography solutions, like Spyne. Not only do you get high-quality images, but you also get them quickly and at extremely affordable car dealership photography prices.

  • What is the term for car photography?

    Another term for car photography is vehicle photography or automotive photography. Car photographers specialize in aesthetically capturing the various features of a vehicle. The aim is to click stunning images that capture the attention of viewers.

  • How do I take good pictures of my car?

    Here are 13 tips for stunning car photography:

    1. Ensure lighting conditions
    2. Maintain the same sharpness in the foreground and background
    3. Experiment with a low ISO for better image quality
    4. Control depth of field for adding effects
    5. Stay true to your creative vision
    6. Embrace the element of surprise
    7. Explore unique angles from inside the car
    8. Decide between emphasizing the foreground or background
    9. Experiment with different perspectives, avoid eye-level shots
    10. Capture dramatic heights or ground-level shots
    11. Challenge yourself to capture unique perspectives
    12. Focus on selective car details rather than the entire vehicle
    13. Utilize AI technology like Spyne for captivating automobile photography

  • How much should I charge for a car photoshoot?

    The cost of a car photoshoot is estimated to range from around $50 to $300 for an hour.

  • How much do photographers charge?

    Car photography pricing might vary depending on the scenario, but most common car photography prices in the USA are around $100-300 per hour or $75-350 per image.

  • Do car photographers make money?

    Yes, car dealer photographers do make money and the average hourly pay is approximately $14.59 an hour.

  • What is car photography called?

    Car photography simply known as vehicle photography or automotive photography. Photographers in this segment capture car images in appealing way.

  • What do automotive photographers do?

    Automotive photographers or car photographer capture images of cars for advertisement or promotional purpose.

  • What category does car photography fall under?

    Car photography for dealerships can fall under few categories including commercial photography, product photography & art photography.

  • How to get photography clients?

    Car photographers may be hesitant to reach out to dealerships and car owners. But arriving at car shows and meetups with a camera in your hand is bound to attract car manufacturers and owners who want automotive photography services.

    Car owners are proud of their vehicles, and you can bond with them using your vehicle knowledge. If you can showcase their vehicle through beautiful shots, you are bound toke a connection with them. So go to car shows, talk to owners, be friendly, outgoing, and professional, and build your network.

  • What are som Spyne AI car images and editing tools?

    If you want to use the features mentioned above, here are the tools you can use to do so:

    1) Console

    You can access the Virtual Studio directly from your web browser through Spyne Console without downloading or installing additional software.

    2) Smartphone App (iOS and Android)

    The AI photo editing app is available for iOS and Android devices. It allows you to access the virtual studio and the 360 photo car interior spin view feature, which can help make your car listings more engaging and increase your sales.

  • Is car photography profitable?

    With Glo3D’s revolutionary AI and advanced image processing, you can start your job as a car photographer and earn a six-figure income.

  • What filter to use for car photography?

    Most car paint catches and reflects light, which can be a problem without the right equipment. A neutral density is the best filter for car photography that limits light, almost like a pair of sunglasses for your lens. You can also use a circular polarizer, which specializes in reducing glare.

  • How to sell car photography?

    Photograph all the details a buyer will want to see inside the vehicle. Make sure to photograph the seats, dashboard, and any optional equipment (such as a stereo), floor carpets, backseat, or other interior angles. Also include any items that help identify optional equipment, such as trim level and condition.

  • What is the best focal length for car photography?

    The best focal length for car photography is 35mm f/1.4.

  • How do you photograph a car like a pro?

    To photograph a car like a pro shoot the vehicle straight at eye level, capture the side view, and capture a 45-degree angle corner shot of the vehicle.

  • How do you photograph a car like a pro?

    To photograph a car like a pro shoot the vehicle straight at eye level, capture the side view, and capture a 45-degree angle corner shot of the vehicle.

  • What ISO should I use for car photography?

    Generally, you should use ISO 100 for car photography settings.

  • What is the best time of day to photograph a car?

    The best time to photograph a car is during golden hour. Before sunset & after sunrise limits the shadows and glare caused afternoon.

  • Can the iPhone be used as a car camera?

    Yes, you can use an iPhone or smartphone as a car dash camera, and will be highly effective.

  • How to position a car for photos?

    To position a car for photos capture the car straight on, at a height similar to your eye level. Don’t forget to grab side views that showcase the car’s full profile. Take shots from a 45-degree angle at each corner of the car. This angle is often considered the most flattering for a car’s design.

  • What is automotive photography?

    Automotive photography also known as car photography or vehicle photography is a deceptively challenging field. It refers to a process of capturing & enhancing car photos and showcasing their features

  • What should be adjusted on the camera to ensure that the color from an outdoor shot matches the color from an indoor shot?

    White balance should be adjusted on the camera to ensure that the color from an outdoor shot matches the color from an indoor shot.

  • What is the best shutter speed for car photography?

    The best shutter speed for car photography is 1/125.

  • What is the role of lighting in professional automobile photography? 

    Lighting in car photography is super important because it affects how the car looks in pictures. Good studio lighting helps make reflections clear and clean, showing off the car’s details without distractions. It helps capture a perfect image by controlling how light bounces off the car’s surface.

Team Spyne

Young, enthusiastic, and curious are the three words that describe Spyne’s content team perfectly. We take pride in our work – doing extensive research, engaging with industry experts, burning the midnight oil, etc. Every word we write is aimed at solving our readers’ problems.

Related Blogs

The Secret Ingredient to Dealership Success is Hidden Here

The Secret Ingredient to Dealership Success is Hidden Here

Book a Demo!

Create high-quality catalogs at the click of a button

Bring the studio
to your cars.

Let's get Started

Just drop in your details to book a Demo