When it comes to selling a car online, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. You might craft the most articulate, detail-packed description of your vehicle, but without compelling visuals, potential buyers may never make it past scrolling. Think of your photos as the first impression; if they don’t wow, your listing risks joining the sea of forgettable cars.

The right images, taken with intention and precision, can make all the difference between a quick sale and a listing that sits unnoticed for weeks. To help you attract buyers and showcase your car in its best light, here are the must-have shots to include in your online listing.

Show the Whole Picture with an Exterior Shot

The first photo buyers want to see is the exterior; it’s like the profile picture on a dating app, but for your car. This shot should be clean, well-lit, and uncluttered, highlighting your car’s full form and personality. A great exterior photo captures the vehicle at a slight angle to showcase both the front and side. This “three-quarter shot” not only highlights its condition but also makes it more visually dynamic. Avoid direct sunlight that causes harsh reflections or shadows, and find a setting free from distractions like garbage bins or telephone poles.

If your car has standout exterior features, such as custom rims, a panoramic moonroof, or a unique paint color, consider including detailed close-ups. Buyers browsing online can’t physically walk around a car and inspect its every curve, so your images should do the work for them. A clear, polished exterior photo sets the tone for the rest of your listing and assures buyers they’re looking at a well-maintained, attractive vehicle.

Capture the Charm of the Interior

Once buyers are hooked on the exterior, the natural next question is, “What’s it like inside?” Photos of the interior should give them a peek into what it’s like to sit behind the wheel. Start with a full shot of the front seats and dashboard area, ensuring the spaces are clean, vacuumed, and free of clutter. Crumbs in the cupholders or dog hair on the seats? That’s a no-go. Buyers want a car they can envision as their own, not someone else’s well-loved mess.

Interior shots are also a great opportunity to highlight any special features. If your car has leather seats, heated options, or tech upgrades like a touchscreen infotainment system, be sure to take detailed, close-up shots. Don’t neglect the back seat or cargo area either. An image of a spacious trunk or immaculate rear bench helps demonstrate the usability and practicality of your car. The goal is to make buyers think, “I could see myself driving that.”

Focus on the Wheels and Tires

It might not be the flashiest part of your car, but your wheels and tires matter, not just to buyers but to their wallets. Worn-down, bald tires can raise red flags, while fresh or nearly new ones signal care and value. Make sure to include a photo of all four tires, or at least a couple from different angles, to showcase their condition. You want the treads to speak for themselves.

If your wheels are aluminum rims, freshly polished, or an upgraded feature, make sure they shine in the photo. Buyers often scrutinize tires and wheels since replacing them is a cost they may want to factor into their purchase decision. By clearly documenting their quality, you can inspire confidence and demonstrate that you’ve taken good care of your car. A little polish before snapping these shots can go a long way.

Show Off Key Details and Features

Every car has something that makes it special, whether it’s a built-in navigation system, heated steering wheel, or LED headlights. Highlighting these standout features in your listing photos is non-negotiable. Take close-up shots of the control panel, entertainment system, or special finishes like wood grain details on the dashboard. These details make your car feel modern, high-tech, and well-equipped, which can seal the deal for many buyers.

Don’t forget exterior features like custom grilles, roof racks, or rear cameras. Buyers are looking to connect emotionally with your car, and highlighting the extras makes it feel like more than just a way to get from point A to point B. When shooting these details, ensure the images are crisp and the lighting highlights the feature, not obscures it. Blurry or out-of-focus shots will only distract from the selling points.

Highlight Any Imperfections Transparently

This might seem counterintuitive, but showing your car’s minor imperfections can actually help build trust with potential buyers. Every pre-owned car has its quirks, whether it’s a small scratch on the bumper or wear and tear on the driver’s seat. Including photos of these issues upfront shows buyers that you’re honest and have nothing to hide.

When capturing imperfections, be sure to frame them clearly so buyers can gauge their scale. A minor ding that looks massive due to a poor close-up might scare people off unnecessarily. By showing these flaws in an unexaggerated way, you minimize unpleasant surprises for the buyer during an in-person inspection and save yourself time answering questions later.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Shots

The quality of your images can make or break your listing, so here are a few tips to ensure your photos work hard for you:

  • Shoot during “golden hour”: Overcast days or early mornings/late afternoons provide softer lighting for balanced, glare-free images.
  • Use a good camera or phone: If you have access to a DSLR, great. If not, most modern smartphones can take sharp, high-quality images in good lighting.
  • Clean and polish before shooting: Dirt, smudges, and fingerprints are far more noticeable in hi-res shots.
  • Capture all angles: Include profiles, head-on, and rear shots to give buyers a feel for the whole car.
  • Keep the background simple: A busy or messy backdrop can distract from the car. A park, a garage, or an empty driveway usually works well.

By taking the time to craft professional-level photos, you elevate your listing above others in your price range.