Car ph0tography studios have been around for years, and until recently, they were the go-to choice for dealerships looking to add visual flair to their marketing materials. But with the rise of automated photography solutions, a car studio is no longer the default solution.
It’s important to remember that high-quality images are crucial if you want to sell cars online (or create online listings, at least). Your website is like a virtual car showroom; pictures are the first thing buyers will notice there. Top-notch images will instantly grab the attention of buyers online and help drive engagement on your website.
So which should you opt for – traditional or automated photoshoots? This article will help you decide which solution is better for you.
What is a car photography studio?
A car photography studio is an establishment where one can get professional car images clicked. Usually, car studios have high-quality cameras, lighting equipment, turn-table for cars (for 360 car pictures), etc.
There’s no denying that photography studios are a hot commodity for the automotive industry, including car dealerships. A studio photography session will give you plenty of attractive images and videos, which will help you create great VDPs (vehicle display pages) and car advertisements.
ALSO READ: These Digital Media Tools Will Help Drive Your Online Auto Sales in 2022
With state-of-the-art cameras and a professional crew, a studio can take beautiful photos that will help draw attention to your digital showroom. These pictures are perfect in terms of angling, framing, lighting, etc., so they are great for marketing purposes as well!
Opting for car photography studios: advantages and disadvantages
There are plenty of advantages of opting for a auto photography studio:
- With high-quality images, 360 car pictures, and videos, they can help your dealership stand out from the crowd
- With the help of professional equipment, your photos will be more striking in terms of quality
- The studio staff takes care of all your photography and editing needs, so you usually don’t have to worry about them
There’s no doubt that vehicle photography studios provide excellent results. However, they have some disadvantages:
- There are location restrictions on studios. If your studio is far from your lot, then driving cars to and fro between the two would be an additional task
- Studio-shot images undergo manual editing, which can be slow and tedious
What is AI-led (automated) car photography?
Automated photography involves using AI-powered software to help you click images of your vehicles. Usually, such platforms offer plenty of different photography solutions – guided static photoshoots, automatic image editing (like car background removal and replacement), 360-degree guided photo/video shoot, etc.
ALSO READ: How AI Automation Makes Used Car Photography More Accessible To Dealerships
Auto dealerships are always looking for ways to save time and money, and AI-led car photography is one of the most cost-effective options. With this type of photography, dealerships can eliminate the need for manual photo processing and retouching. This means less time spent on photo taking and more time selling cars.
Additionally, AI applications can capture high-quality images that are perfect for online listings, online advertising campaigns, and even in dealership showrooms. There are plenty of options available, including Spyne.
Opting for AI-powered car photography: advantages and disadvantages
There are many benefits to choosing AI-powered car photoshoots over traditional photoshoots.
- The most obvious one is that AI photography is quicker and more affordable
- Some advanced AI systems can detect distinct features of a vehicle – like dents, scratches, stains, etc. This will allow the customers to see every detail of your car and help you establish a trusted bond with them
- You can create 360 car pictures in a matter of minutes, without going through the rigorous editing process. The system automatically compiles the images taken from different angles to create a perfect spin car visual
ALSO READ: Next Gen Car Studio: Shoot Sales, Reduce Cost With Spyne
While AI photography offers a range of benefits, there are a few disadvantages as well:
- Not all AI-powered photoshoot systems provide a multitude of features. Some only have guided static photoshoots, others automatic image editing. You’ll only be limited by your choice of platform
You must be careful when selecting the right AI photography platform for your dealership. Choosing one with every possible feature isn’t always the right choice. Also, if the software crashes for any reason, you’ll need prompt customer service, so check for that as well.
Which of the two is better for your dealership?
While both traditional and automated photography have plenty of benefits, the latter is more advantageous. AI-powered photoshoots are less expensive and way faster than conventional car photography.
However, if you want more creative control over your car images and videos, opting for a studio is better. The same is true if budget isn’t a concern for your dealership and you prize innovation over efficiency.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you will better understand the differences between car studio photography and AI-powered photoshoots, along with which would suit you better. So, make your choice and bring a major boost to your online presence.