Photo Guide

Presentation is key. How you present your vehicle directly impacts what a buyer is willing to pay for it.

Before You Start

Before you begin taking photos or recording video, make sure your vehicle is clean, inside and out. Wash and dry the exterior thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, or debris. Vacuum the interior and wipe down all surfaces.

This matters more than most sellers realize. If a buyer sees photos of a dirty vehicle, it raises an immediate question about how the car was maintained during ownership. First impressions are everything, and your media is often the first interaction a potential buyer has with your build.

Also take a moment to remove any personal items from the vehicle before taking the photos, such as water bottles, bags, shoes, sunglasses, etc. A clean, clutter free interior tells the buyer that you take pride in your build and that it's been well cared for.

Once the car is clean and the interior is clear, you're ready to start shooting.

Location and Lighting

The location and lighting of your photos can make or break a listing. The goal is simple, the vehicle should be the focus of every shot, with nothing competing for attention in the background.

Location Choose an open, uncluttered space free from visual distractions. Empty parking lots, back streets, and open industrial lots all work well. Avoid busy backgrounds like crowded streets, residential driveways, or cluttered garages. The cleaner the environment, the more the build stands out.

Lighting Daytime shooting is strongly preferred. The ideal time is right before sunset — the light is soft, warm, and flattering on paint and bodywork. If you're shooting during the middle of the day, find open shade to avoid harsh shadows across the vehicle. Overcast and cloudy skies also work surprisingly well as they act as a natural diffuser and produce even, shadow-free light across the entire car.

Track & Event Photos If you have photos of the vehicle at the track, launching off the line, or in the staging lanes, include them. These photos tell a story about the build and resonate deeply with serious buyers who understand what they're looking at.

Night & Gas Station Photos Night photos and gas station shots are welcome and can add character to a listing, gas stations in particular tend to have excellent artificial lighting. That said, use your daytime location shots as your primary images and sprinkle these in as supplemental content.

Photo Checklist

Your photos should cover the following:

Engine bay
Exterior (all angles)
Interior
Undercarriage (if accessible)
Any areas of concern (dents, scratches, rust, blemishes, etc.)
Documentation (dyno sheets, invoices, window sticker, build receipts, etc.) - We can blur your personal information if listed on the documents
Track and event photos