How to Prepare a Car for a Photoshoot to get Great Photos

Preparing a car for a photoshoot is not for the faint of heart. It’s a delicate dance of cleaning, mechanical preparation, and staging. But when done right, the results can be nothing short of breathtaking.

And trust me, as a veteran car photographer, I know a thing or two about making a vehicle look it’s very best. 

Cleaning the Exterior

Let’s start with the most obvious step: making the damn thing sparkle. Detailing a car is no easy task, but it’s the foundation of any good photoshoot. First, you’ll want to wash the car thoroughly, paying special attention to the wheels and tires. Check out this detailed guide on how to clean a car exterior to learn how to go about this.

Then, give it a clay bar treatment to remove any stubborn contaminants. Finally, polish and wax the paint to bring out that deep, glossy shine.

But what about those minor imperfections? Scratches and dings, stains and tar – they can be the bane of a photographer’s existence. Don’t worry, there are ways to tackle those too.

For scratches, try using a rubbing compound and a polishing pad. For dings, a plunger can work wonders. And for stains and tar, some good, old-fashioned elbow grease should do the trick.

And don’t forget about the tires and wheels – they deserve some love too. Clean them thoroughly and dress them with a tire shine to bring out that dark, rich color. But make sure the tires are at the proper pressure before you shoot – nothing screams “amateur” like low tires.

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Cleaning the Interior

The exterior may be the star of the show, but the interior is where the magic happens. It’s the little details that make a car feel alive. Start by vacuuming and shampooing the carpets and seats.

Then, give the dashboard and console a good cleaning and detailing. And don’t forget about the windows and mirrors – they’re the eyes of the car, after all.

If you want to dive deeper into interior photography and cleaning, you can read our article about how to clean a the interior of a car for a photohoot.

Mechanical Preparation

Now that the car is looking good on the outside and inside, it’s time to make sure it’s running like a top. Check the levels of all fluids, like engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, and keep them at the right levels.

Make sure the battery is in tip-top shape and that the tires are properly inflated. And while you’re at it, give the wheels a quick check to make sure they’re in good condition.

Staging the Car

Now for the fun part – making the car look like a million bucks. Choose the right background and location to complement the car’s lines and colors. Position the car for the best lighting and angles, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

And if you really want to make the car pop, use props like accessories or other cars to enhance the composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do you need for car photography?

For car photography, you’ll want a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod. Additionally, lighting equipment such as strobes or continuous lights can help to enhance the final image.

Which angles shall I use for car photos?

When photographing cars, try to experiment with different angles to add visual interest. Low angles can make the car appear powerful and dominant, while high angles can make it look sleek and aerodynamic. Shooting from the side can also be effective for showing off the car’s lines and details.

How to take good car photos with IPhone?

To take good car photos with an iPhone, make sure to use the camera’s manual controls to adjust settings such as shutter speed and ISO. A stabilizer or tripod can also help to keep the camera steady for sharp shots. Additionally, using editing apps such as VSCO or Lightroom can enhance the final image.

How can I make my car look cool in pictures?

To make your car look cool in photos, try to capture it in an interesting location or setting. Experiment with different angles and lighting to create a sense of movement and drama. Additionally, using editing apps can help to enhance the final image and make your car stand out.

Conclusion

Getting a car ready for a photoshoot is a very detailed process that takes time, patience, and a little bit of creativity. But when done correctly, the results can be truly stunning. Remember, the key is to make the car look it is absolute best, and the rest will fall into place.

Further readings:
Brake fluid change: Why, when and how to do it
Natural Car Cleaning Hacks [Infographic]
3 Tips for pollen removal and keeping your car clean