A step-by-step car photo checklist built for independent dealers and lot attendants. Cover every angle, pass every quality check, and make every listing look the part.
Shoot these 20 photos for every car on your lot and your listings will outperform the competition. Every time.
Front 3/4 (driver side)
The single most important shot. Angle the car so the front and driver side are both visible. This is the photo buyers see first in search results.
Front 3/4 (passenger side)
Mirror the first angle from the other side. Gives buyers a complete sense of the front end from both perspectives.
Front straight-on
Dead centre, square to the front bumper. Shows the grille, headlights, and number plate clearly.
Rear 3/4 (driver side)
Captures the boot lid, rear lights, and rear wheel on the driver side. Highlights the car's stance from behind.
Rear 3/4 (passenger side)
Same angle from the opposite side. Ensures full rear coverage so buyers can assess condition from every angle.
Rear straight-on
Square to the back of the car. Shows the exhaust, rear bumper, and boot alignment.
Driver side profile
Full side-on view from the left. Keep the camera level with the car to avoid distortion.
Passenger side profile
Full side-on view from the right. Consistency with the driver side shot matters.
Engine bay
Open the bonnet and shoot from above at a slight angle. Wipe down any obvious dust or grime first.
Open boot
Shows the boot floor, load cover, and condition of the lining. Remove any personal items before shooting.
Dashboard (full view)
Stand at the open driver door and capture the full dash. Make sure the mileage display is visible.
Steering wheel close-up
Focus on the wheel and column. Buyers check this for wear, paddle shifters, and controls.
Front seats
Capture both front seats from the rear footwell. Shows seat condition, bolsters, and headrests.
Rear seats / cabin
Shot from the boot or rear door. Demonstrates legroom and seat condition.
Infotainment screen
Turn the ignition on so the display is active. A powered-on screen reassures buyers that everything works.
Front-left wheel and tyre
Close-up showing the alloy condition and tyre tread depth. Use the same angle for all four.
Front-right wheel and tyre
Match the angle and distance used for the front-left. Consistency looks professional.
Rear-left wheel and tyre
Check for kerb rash, alloy scuffs, and tyre wall damage.
Rear-right wheel and tyre
The final wheel shot. Four consistent tyre photos build real trust with buyers.
Damage or imperfections
Photograph any scratches, dents, or stone chips up close. Honest listings sell faster and reduce time-wasters.
Bonus tip: Add a close-up of the model badge on the boot or side. It helps buyers confirm the exact spec and trim level at a glance.
Five minutes of preparation before you pick up the camera saves hours of reshoots later.
A quick wash and vacuum before shooting makes a noticeable difference. Clean cars photograph better, full stop.
Overcast skies are your friend. Soft, even light reduces harsh shadows and reflections on the paintwork.
Nothing slows a shoot like a flat battery or a storage full warning halfway through.
Take down dangling air fresheners, remove trade plates if visible, and clear the cup holders.
Avoid grass, gravel, or uneven surfaces. A tarmac or paved area keeps the focus on the car.
Before you upload a single photo to your listing, run through this list. Every item should be a yes.
Every photo is in focus and not blurry.
Number plates are visible where required.
Mileage is shown on the dashboard shot.
Interior shots are well-lit and not too dark.
Wheels and tyres are clearly visible in all four close-ups.
The infotainment screen is powered on and showing.
No personal items, trade materials, or other vehicles are visible.
All shots are taken from a consistent height and distance.
CarpixAI detects the vehicle in your photo and replaces the car park, the neighbouring lot, or the workshop behind it with a clean, professional background. The result looks like a catalogue shot taken in a studio.
Every car on your website or marketplace gets the same studio treatment. That consistency signals professionalism and builds buyer confidence before they read a single line of your description.
No fancy camera required. The AI handles edge detection around chrome, glass, and complex wheel spokes so your lot attendant's phone photos come out looking sharp and professional every time.
At roughly 30 seconds per photo, an entire 20-shot set is processed in under ten minutes. Your listings go live the same day the car arrives on the forecourt.
No contracts, no minimums. Upgrade or cancel whenever you like.
Most marketplaces allow between 20 and 40 photos. We recommend 20 as a minimum because it covers every exterior angle, the interior, the engine bay, the boot, all four wheels, and any damage. Listings with 20 or more photos receive significantly more enquiries than those with fewer.
Yes. Every shot on this checklist can be taken with a modern smartphone. The key is good light, a clean car, and consistent angles. The AI background replacement handles the rest, so the photo quality is not dependent on the shooting location.
Start with the exterior and work your way around the car: front three-quarter shots, then front straight, rear three-quarter, rear straight, driver side, passenger side. Then move to the engine bay, boot, and interior. Finish with the four wheel close-ups and any damage. This order keeps you moving efficiently around the vehicle.
Absolutely. Buyers appreciate honesty and transparency. Photograph every scratch, dent, or stone chip up close. Listings that show imperfections honestly attract fewer time-wasters and build trust with genuine buyers. It also protects you from disputes after the sale.
Upload your photos and the AI replaces the background with a professional studio scene in about 30 seconds per image. It handles complex edges like chrome reflections, glass, and wheel spokes accurately. You can choose from several background styles to match your dealership branding.
Better photos mean more enquiries, fewer time-wasters, and faster sales.
Studio-quality backgrounds in about 30 seconds per photo. No photographer required.
Start with CarpixAI