Common Mistakes Dealerships Make with Car Photos (And How to Avoid Them)

In the hyper-competitive world of automotive sales, where online listings often dictate a customer's first impression, are you inadvertently turning away potential buyers with subpar car photos? Dealerships, juggling inventory and sales targets, sometimes overlook the critical role of high-quality visuals. This blog post dives into the common pitfalls that car dealerships face when it comes to car photography, and, most importantly, provides actionable solutions to transform your online showroom. Learn how to captivate online shoppers, boost your listing's visibility, and ultimately, drive more sales.

1. Poor Lighting: The Silent Sales Killer

One of the most frequent mistakes is neglecting proper lighting. Dim, shadowy, or overly bright photos obscure vehicle details and create an unprofessional look.

• The Problem: Using harsh midday sunlight creates glare and washes out colors. Indoor photos taken under fluorescent lighting can cast unflattering shadows and create a yellow tint.

• The Solution:

  • Shoot during the "golden hour" (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, diffused natural light.

  • Invest in portable LED lighting for indoor shots to control brightness and color temperature.

  • Utilize a diffuser to soften harsh sunlight.

• Actionable Tip: Ensure the car is clean and polished, as proper lighting will highlight its shine.

• Car photography that uses proper lighting, highlights the vehicles features.

2. Inconsistent Angles and Composition: A Disjointed Online Showroom

Inconsistent angles and haphazard compositions create a disorganized and unprofessional online showroom.

• The Problem: Randomly snapping photos from various angles without a consistent approach leads to a confusing and unappealing listing.

• The Solution:

  • Establish a consistent set of angles for all vehicles (front, back, sides, interior, close-ups).

  • Use a tripod to maintain stability and consistent framing.

  • Ensure the background is clean and uncluttered.

• Example: Create a checklist for your car dealership staff, outlining the required angles and compositions for each vehicle.

• Consistent angles are a vital part of professional car photography.

  
  Here is an example of some angles to help present your next car:

3. Ignoring Interior Details: The Missed Opportunity

Many dealerships focus solely on exterior shots, neglecting the crucial interior details that influence buying decisions.

• The Problem: Potential buyers want to see the condition of the seats, dashboard, and features. Missing interior shots can create suspicion and deter inquiries.

• The Solution:

  • Capture clear, well-lit photos of the dashboard, seats, cargo space, and any special features.

  • Highlight the condition of the upholstery and any technology features.

  • Consider using a 360 degree interior shot.

• Statistics: Studies show that interior photos significantly influence buyer decisions, especially for used vehicles.

• Actionable Tip: Ensure the interior is clean and free of clutter before taking photos.

4. Low-Quality Images: The Ultimate Turn-Off

Blurry, pixelated, or poorly cropped images are a major red flag for online shoppers.

• The Problem: Low-quality images convey a lack of professionalism and can damage your dealership's reputation.

• The Solution:

  • Use a high-resolution camera or smartphone with a good camera.

  • Ensure proper focus and avoid blurry images.

  • Crop images correctly to showcase the vehicle and remove distractions.

  • Consider hiring a professional photographer.

• Car dealership image quality is important.

5. Neglecting the Power of Professional Photography

Many dealerships rely on in-house staff or basic smartphone photos, missing out on the benefits of professional car photography.

• The Problem: Inconsistent quality and lack of expertise can lead to missed sales opportunities.

• The Solution:

  • Consider hiring a professional photographer specializing in automotive photography.

  • Invest in professional equipment and training for in-house staff.

  • Explore virtual tour and 360-degree photography options.

  Explore professional automotive photography services in your area

  A professional photographer can greatly increase your dealerships sales.

Conclusion

In the digital age, your online showroom is your first point of contact with potential buyers. Avoiding these common car photography mistakes is crucial for maximizing your listing's impact and driving sales. By focusing on proper lighting, consistent angles, interior details, image quality, and the potential of professional photography, your car dealership can elevate its online presence and attract more serious buyers.

Take the time to assess your current car photography practices and implement the solutions outlined in this blog. Invest in high-quality visuals and watch your online showroom transform. We encourage you to share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Let's work together to elevate the standard of automotive photography and drive more sales for your dealership.