How do you take photos of your car?
Today, as most car sellers like to list their car online for sale, it is essential to know how to take photos of your car properly. As first impression is the most important feature of a car listing, good photos would ensure that your car listing look attractive and hence fetch a better price.
You may think that taking photos is simple, and it is if you know exactly what to do with them. However, it often take a period of time before the listing of your car is approved by the classified platform. This article would seek to provide some insider tips to address common mistakes that people make when taking photos of their cars.
1) Do not block out the car plate of your car
It is essential for most of the classified platforms in Singapore to get the unedited version of your photos. Their staff would ensure that your car plates are masked before uploading them. This is to verify that the car which is to be listed on the platform exists.
2) Feature your car plate clearly and get your entire car within the frame
As the rule of thumb, the car plate of the car should be featured clearly. Stand at least 5 metres away from your car to ensure that your entire car can fit into your frame. Do not cut away any parts of the car especially the car plate. Take your photo at a 45 degrees angle for the best photos.
3) Take photos with ample lighting
Taking photos at night is the worse idea ever. Not only will you be unable to see the colour of the car, you won’t be able to see the condition of the car. Based on a study conducted, photos taken in dark settings give rise to more doubts about the photo. Is the car covered in scratches hence the owner took the photos in the dark to cover up?
Before heading out to take pictures of your car, do check the weather forecast. Do not take photos at night or during rain. No matter how good the camera is, the pictures will not look good and you will miss your point. Choose a nice sunny afternoon and always be sure that the sun is behind you, and not behind the car. If the sun is in front of you, it might ruin your photos.
The best timing of the day is to take photos during 8am – 5pm, with the afternoon having the best lighting effect on pictures.
4) Take photos in landscape format
Many of the platforms would want the photos in a landscape format to fit the format of an online listing. Do read the instructions carefully for the requirements of the photo. This way, you will be able to save time and not having to take photos that cannot be used.
5) Giving the bare minimum number of photos
It is common for car sellers to upload the minimum number of photos that is required. When you are required to provide at least 5 photos, it is advisable to take a few more photos. Car buyer love looking at listings that look “honest”. The more photos you take for that listing, the more it would look like you are not trying to hide anything online. In this case, more is better.
