Clean your car and camera

It might seem obvious, but cleaning your car thoroughly inside and out will help it look its best in any photos.

TIP #1

Make sure your camera or phone lens is also clean (I use a dry, soft cloth) so your pictures will look clear and sharp.

Remember, a quick lens wipe and detailing the wheels can dramatically elevate your photo's quality.

Pick the perfect location

Choosing a location with an uncomplicated background that suits your car will take your pictures to the next level.

TIP #2

For example, if you have a small hatchback, a city park will show its fun, agile side. Got an SUV? Then a countryside landscape will capture its sense of adventure.

Shoot in the Golden Hour

Lighting can make or break your photos. Bright lighting on a car’s shiny surface will create glare and dim lighting can wash images out.

TIP #3

I recommend shooting during the golden hour (two hours after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and warm.

Choose natural lighting

Always opt for natural lighting over your camera’s flash, as it’s more even and doesn’t leave shadows, particularly if you position your car in the right way.

TIP #4

For exterior shots, I recommended turning on your car’s daytime running lights to showcase them without overpowering the shot. For your rear shots, you can use your regular dipped lights.

Focus on getting clear pics

Your car photos should be clear and crisp. Blurry shots look unprofessional and untrustworthy.

TIP #5

Stop any unwanted blur or distortion by keeping steady when taking shots. Hold your breath and tuck in your elbows to stabilise the camera. I recommend taking several pictures per angle so you can pick the best possible shots afterwards.

Fix your eyes on the horizon

Avoid extreme angles as they distort proportions. Ensure the car's body aligns with the horizon for front, back, and side shots. Use your camera's grid guides for precise alignment.

TIP #6

For three-quarters angle shots, keep the car's edges parallel to the photo sides, slightly angling the wheels for aesthetics. For interiors, opt for straight-ahead close-ups to capture details effectively.

Step away from your vehicle

Getting your whole car in one photo (with some room to spare) will give your guests the entire unedited picture.

TIP #7

To do this, don’t use a wide-angle setting on your camera, as this will distort the image. Instead, I recommend taking a few steps back to fit the full car (plus some breathing space) in the frame.

For added depth and visual interest, try squatting or kneeling when taking the photo.

Show off your car’s personality

Get creative by capturing unique angles and details that emphasise your car’s character and surprise viewers.

TIP #8

Emphasise your car's distinctive features and design elements, such as the bold grille or stylish rims. This approach will create captivating images that truly represent your vehicle's character.

Keep it real

Using stock photography is against the Turo Terms of Service for a reason. It doesn’t show your real car in a true environment.

TIP #9

Even if your car is brand new, it won’t look the same as in airbrushed stock pictures. Plus, the best pictures I’ve taken are authentic to real life. So, to be truthful to your guests (and your listing) it’s essential to post genuine photos of your car.

Seek inspiration from others

Browse other listings or professional photography to see what does and doesn’t work. Take note of the angles, lighting and frames they use to create stunning, aspirational car photos.

TIP #10

I look for inspiration all the time and use it to guide my own photography. By keeping an eye on what others do, you can get new ideas and take images that set your car listing apart from the competition.

Clean your car and camera

It might seem obvious, but cleaning your car
thoroughly inside and out will help it look its best in any photos.

TIP #1

Make sure your camera or phone lens is also clean (I use a dry, soft cloth) so your pictures will look clear and sharp.

Remember, a quick lens wipe and detailing the wheels can dramatically elevate your photo's quality.

TIP #2

Pick the perfect location

Choosing a location with an uncomplicated background that suits your car will take your pictures to the next level.

For example, if you have a small hatchback, a city park will show its fun, agile side. Got an SUV? Then a countryside landscape will capture its sense of adventure.

TIP #3

Shoot in the Golden Hour

Lighting can make or break your photos. Bright lighting on a car’s shiny surface will create glare and dim lighting can wash images out.

I recommend shooting during the golden hour (two hours after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and warm.

TIP #4

Choose natural lighting

Always opt for natural lighting over your camera’s flash, as it’s more even and doesn’t leave shadows, particularly if you position your car in the right way.

For exterior shots, I recommended turning on your car’s daytime running lights to showcase them without overpowering the shot. For your rear shots, you can use your regular dipped lights.

TIP #5

Focus on getting clear pics

Your car photos should be clear and crisp. Blurry shots look unprofessional and untrustworthy.

Stop any unwanted blur or distortion by keeping steady when taking shots. Hold your breath and tuck in your elbows to stabilise the camera. I recommend taking several pictures per angle so you can pick the best possible shots afterwards.

TIP #6

Fix your eyes on the horizon

Avoid extreme angles as they distort proportions. Ensure the car's body aligns with the horizon for front, back, and side shots. Use your camera's grid guides for precise alignment.

For three-quarters angle shots, keep the car's edges parallel to the photo sides, slightly angling the wheels for aesthetics. For interiors, opt for straight-ahead close-ups to capture details effectively.

TIP #7

Step away from your vehicle

Getting your whole car in one photo (with some room to spare) will give your guests the entire unedited picture.

To do this, don’t use a wide-angle setting on your camera, as this will distort the image. Instead, I recommend taking a few steps back to fit the full car (plus some breathing space) in the frame.

For added depth and visual interest, try squatting or kneeling when taking the photo.

TIP #8

Show off your car’s personality

Get creative by capturing unique angles and details that emphasise your car’s character and surprise viewers.

Emphasise your car's distinctive features and design elements, such as the bold grille or stylish rims. This approach will create captivating images that truly represent your vehicle's character.

TIP #9

Keep it real

Using stock photography is against the Turo Terms of Service for a reason. It doesn’t show your real car in a true environment.

Even if your car is brand new, it won’t look the same as in airbrushed stock pictures. Plus, the best pictures I’ve taken are authentic to real life. So, to be truthful to your guests (and your listing) it’s essential to post genuine photos of your car.

TIP #10

Seek inspiration from others

Browse other listings or professional photography to see what does and doesn’t work. Take note of the angles, lighting and frames they use to create stunning, aspirational car photos.

I look for inspiration all the time and use it to guide my own photography. By keeping an eye on what others do, you can get new ideas and take images that set your car listing apart from the competition.