Car Photography FAQs

Phones can do a decent job under good conditions. A DSLR or mirrorless body lets you use different lenses that are built for different jobs. Larger sensors also handle low light better and produce higher resolution images with more range for colour, shadows, and detail. This avoids image grain and gives cleaner results.

A wider lens helps show interiors in tight spaces with natural detail. A standard lens gives clean exterior angles with sharp lines and true colour. A telephoto lens is useful for track days or drive days when you need to shoot from a distance and still keep strong detail. A polarising filter cuts glare on paint and glass so the lines and colour read cleanly. With the right lens choice and setup you get sharp balanced images from every angle, and that is what makes a car look its best.

Early morning around sunrise is the best time. The light is soft and flattering with fewer harsh reflections. On weekends there are fewer people and less traffic which means fewer interruptions and cleaner backgrounds.

Late afternoon before sunset can also work. The light is warm but it is usually busier and some locations are harder to access. Midday is the least ideal because the sun is high and harsh and it can wash out colour and show every reflection. It is possible to get decent photos at that time by finding shade but if you want the best result I recommend an early morning shoot. There are great spots around Sydney and across New South Wales from parklands to quiet rooftops that suit first light.

Aim for at least 20 to 30 clear, high quality images and more if possible. The goal is to give buyers a full and honest view of the car while showing it in its best light. Cover every angle and include small imperfections so there are no surprises.

More photos build confidence and attract more enquiries. This is especially helpful for interstate buyers who often rely on photos before deciding to travel or in some cases buying sight unseen.

Use this checklist as a guide.

Every photo should add something new. Avoid repeats. Strong coverage helps your listing stand out and gives buyers the confidence to enquire.

A standard car photo shoot usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on site. That is enough time to capture a full set of angles, interiors, and key details without rushing.

After the shoot I spend about 2 to 3 hours on editing. I balance the light and colour and clean up distractions in the background. You do not need to be there for this part. Larger projects can run longer. If you want multiple locations, in motion work, or an event style session we can book a half day or a full day. For most private sellers about 1 to 1.5 hours of shooting time is a good guide.

For a standard private sale shoot you get a full set of exterior and interior photos plus honest detail shots that buyers want to see. Editing for light and colour is included and I remove minor distractions in the background. I do not hide any scratches or dents. You receive the photos in an online gallery ready to upload. Many listing sites automatically blur number plates, so I usually leave them visible.

I also handle bigger projects and special requests. This includes dealer car photography, promotional shoots for manufacturers, social content, event coverage, track days, drive days, and cars and coffee meets. These sessions are tailored to your brief and can include multiple locations, more images, and creative action shots. Video and drone work can be added and quoted case by case.

For a standard car photography shoot I usually deliver the edited photos within about 48 hours. Every image is adjusted for light and colour and uploaded to a private online gallery for you to download. You will have files ready to use within 2 days of the shoot.

Larger projects like track days, events, or campaign work may take longer if there are many images to process. In those cases I will give you a clear timeline up front. If you have a deadline let me know and I will plan around it.

Yes. Clean consistent photos create trust. Buyers feel like they are looking at a well cared for car and that leads to more enquiries and stronger offers.

Great photos also make your ad stand out amongst other listings. Instead of dark garage pics or crowded street shots with bins and other cars in the background your car will be shown in its best light. When you invest in proper clean professional photography it signals that you take care of the vehicle. The result is more interest and often a faster sale. In many cases a car that presents like new in photos can command a better price because it feels worth the trip to see.

The cost depends on the type of shoot, the locations, and how many photos you need. A standard private sale session covers about 1.5 hours on location, editing of all images, and online delivery for one flat fee. Travel within about 15 kilometres of the Sydney CBD is included. If we go beyond that there may be a travel fee to cover extra distance and time.

For larger projects such as dealer car photography, promotional work for a manufacturer, or full event and track day coverage I offer half day and full day options. These sessions can involve more planning, more images, multiple locations, and sometimes an extra photographer or driver. The simplest way to get an exact price is to request a free, no obligation quote and I will send a clear breakdown of what is included and the total.

Yes. I photograph classic cars, modern performance cars, everyday street cars, hypercars, race cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. Each type needs a slightly different approach and I adjust angles and locations so the photos suit the shape and personality of the vehicle.

If you want to see the range of vehicles I have worked with you can view my car photography gallery. It shows everything from vintage classics to the latest sports bikes and will give you a sense of how I tailor the style to each vehicle.

Start with the portfolio. Make sure you see proven car photography, not just general portraits or wedding shots. Cars are reflective and demanding so you want to see control of light, angles, and glare on real vehicles.

Next consider style and whether it matches your taste. Some photographers go for darker more dramatic looks, others shoot studio setups, while I prefer natural light and on location shoots. My goal is a clean magazine or brochure feel that shows your car in its element. Being a car enthusiast as well as a photographer helps me know what details matter most.

Also look at reviews and how the photographer communicates. A good car photographer should be clear about what is included, timing, delivery, and cost before you book. You should feel informed about the process from booking through to the final images.

Most sellers in Australia use Carsales. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are also very common and free to list. For specialist or collector vehicles consider auction sites like Collecting Cars or Shannons. eBay can work for some models as well.

If you want to keep costs down start with the free platforms and see the response. If your car is rare, niche, or you want the widest reach a paid Carsales listing is usually the best bet. Strong professional photos help your ad rise to the top on any platform.