On the lot / Capture guide
How to photograph a car for sale
Start with a clean car, even light and a plain background. Photograph the exterior, cabin and individual details, then inspect the files before moving the vehicle. Use the retake sheet below while the car is still in position.
Test the parking spot before the whole shoot.
Choose an uncluttered background with even light. Autotrader's dealer photography guide warns that metal railings can reflect stripes onto body panels. Its preparation checks cover exterior cleanliness and personal items in the cabin.
Try a front-corner photograph and a cabin photograph before continuing. As an editorial check, open both files and ask: can I see the paint, seats and dashboard clearly? If either view is unclear, change the position and test again.
Capture coverage, then individual details.
Autotrader UK's advert photo checklist includes front and rear corner views, both profiles, the cabin, wheels, cargo area, engine bay and damage. It recommends landscape orientation. The sequence here is our suggested way to work through that coverage; it is not a US portal's upload rule.
| Pass | Photograph | Review before moving on |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior overview | Front corner, straight front, side, rear corner, straight rear and opposite side. | Keep the complete vehicle in view. Compare the set for missing coverage. |
| Cabin and load area | Dashboard, front and rear seats, then the open cargo area. | Check that the upholstery and controls are visible rather than lost in shadow. |
| Specific details | Wheels, equipment, odometer, engine bay and visible wear. | Open the detail files and confirm that each subject is readable. |
Keep a consistent camera height for the exterior views. Autotrader's dealer guide uses the bottom of the windows as a height reference and asks photographers to keep the vehicle level in the frame.
Check the files while the car is still there.
This is an editorial review sheet, not an automated photo assessment. Tick each check after looking at the original files. The ticks are temporary and are not submitted or saved.
AutoTrader Canada's guide recommends checking focus and photographing notable damage. Use the condition-recording guide when a buyer needs a closer look at a particular area.
Keep the capture set separate from its next use.
Keep the original files with the stock reference. Our suggested handoff is to mark missing views before selecting photos for a video. Use the source-photo brief to choose the presentation sequence and the Listing Photo Check for crop review.
Write the advert from the same stock record using the car description worksheet. Selling the car yourself? The Facebook Marketplace selling guide covers pricing, the listing and the handover. For the full private-sale sequence, including paperwork, read how to sell a car privately. If you also want a video, follow the listing-video workflow or request a free sample with your own vehicle photos. Comparing tools before you decide? See the car dealer video software guide. Spanish-language readers can use the Spanish version of this guide. French readers can use our French guide to photographing a car for sale. Selling in France? Read comment vendre une voiture sur Facebook. Selling in Spain? Read cómo vender un coche en Facebook Marketplace. Brazilian readers can use our Portuguese guide to photographing a car for sale. Selling in Brazil? Read como vender carro no Marketplace do Facebook.
Before you put the camera away.
Can I photograph a car for sale with a phone?
Yes. AutoTrader Canada's guide demonstrates vehicle photography with a smartphone. It recommends checking focus and steadying the camera. Start with a test photo and inspect the file before shooting the rest.
What if the lot is in full sun?
Look for an evenly shaded spot and check the resulting photos. AutoTrader Canada recommends shade when sunlight creates harsh contrast. Our practical check is to inspect both an exterior view and a cabin view before continuing.
Should I take portrait or landscape photos?
Autotrader UK's photography checklist recommends landscape photos. Check your actual destination's requirements before upload. Keep the original set available when selecting material for a separate vertical video brief.
Should I photograph scratches and dents?
Yes. Both Autotrader UK's checklist and AutoTrader Canada's guide include damage photographs. Make the affected area visible and match it to the written description.
Is this a fixed number of photos for every marketplace?
No. This guide proposes a capture route and a review sheet. It does not set a platform minimum or upload limit. Confirm the requirements in the actual listing product you use.
Sources and scope.
Read November 4, 2026. Canadian and UK sources support the general photography advice; their marketplace rules are not presented as US requirements. The capture route and retake sheet are AI Car Video editorial recommendations.
- Autotrader: Photography and Video Guide (2026), photography section; background, reflections, preparation and camera height.
- AutoTrader Canada: How to Photograph Your Used Car for Sale; light, focus, phone capture and damage.
- Autotrader UK: What photos should I take for my advert?; coverage and orientation.