Photo Guide
Here at Quiet Car Bids, we believe a picture is worth a thousand words. So why limit yourself to written descriptions for your auction when the key is to show it off? The solution is to take great photos of your auction vehicle with a professional camera or a camera phone, and then upload the photos directly to your listing. We understand that taking photos of a vehicle can pose some challenges, so below, we've written our QCB best practices for taking photos of your vehicle. We truly believe in excellent customer service and that is why we are sharing this information to help you get your money's worth.
Camera Selection
- - Consider using a professional camera or a camera phone with wide focal length options.
- - Reduce the chances of glare and light reflections by using a lens polarizer if available.
- - Keep in mind that the most successful and required photos are shot in landscape mode.
- - For those who are unable to do the camerawork on their own, consider using a friend, family or a professional photographer to assist you with the task.
Car Preparation
- - No one wants to buy a dirty car, so make sure you clean your auction car before you take any photos. We recommend a detailed cleaning of the interior and the exterior to bring the vehicle to a like-new condition. Please remember to remove all personal items and the license plate, if you do not want that shown in the photos.
Lighting
- - We find that the best lighting source to capture your Quiet Car is in its natural element, the great outdoors. We recommend shooting during sunrise or sunset for optimal aesthetics. If you choose to shoot when the sun is at its peak, we recommend you shoot where there are areas of shade to avoid any glare or reflections. If you're determined to shoot on a sunny day, please review the “Camera Selection” section for recommended tools that can help you preserve the quality of your photos.
Location
- - Make sure to choose a location with a background that will emphasize your vehicle. A long roadway, a row of trees, or an empty parking lot can all work as great locations. That being said, the emptier the background, the better, but if you do choose to shoot near, let's say, a large structure, please be sure to provide some space between the vehicle and the structure to give your photos more dimension.
Exterior
- - Before you get started, please note that a typical camera's lens has a basic factory setting that allows it to capture images between 26 and 35mm, which can slightly modify an image. For an image that makes you want to reach out and touch the car, try zooming in to change the focal length to 50mm. This focal length can be reached on a professional camera or a camera phone, so make sure you give it a shot.
- - Always be sure to frame the auction vehicle as the main subject of the photo.
- - Consider standing back from the auction vehicle to leave extra space for cropping, just in case you will need to do so in the post edit.
- - Take photos of your auction vehicle from all angles, including the front, the rear, each corner, and both sides.
- - Make sure your auction vehicle is level to ground and there is nothing in the foreground obstructing you while you shoot.
- - Please note, we recommend that you always photograph your auction vehicle with the sun behind you rather than in front of you. We discovered that sticking with the same background and lighting is more effective than mixing it up.
Interior
- - Take photos that will showcase every angle of the interior. Consider shooting while standing on the outside and while sitting inside. That way, you show the perspective of the driver and the passenger. Please be sure to open the doors and take some wide shots, in addition to close shots displaying the details of the steering wheel, dashboard, and center console, as well as any signs of wear and tear.
Underneath the Hood
- - What's underneath the hood is dependent on the type of vehicle that you are trying to sell. Hybrid vehicles typically have the engine underneath the hood, whereas electric vehicles may only have storage due to their battery placement underneath the vehicle or towards the rear. No matter what you have underneath your hood, please make sure you clear any debris or personal items, so buyers can have a detailed view.
Underside
- - Consider using jack stands, a ramp, or a lift as you carefully take photos of the underside of your vehicle. Given the challenge of shooting at this angle, it may be in your best interest to ask a friend or family to standby to ensure your safety.
Editing the photos
- - We will accept photos with and without editing. That being said, Quiet Car Bids is not a social media platform, so if you choose to edit your photos, please limit the artistic nature to ensure the authenticity of the vehicle.
What should you shoot?
- - To make sure you have all the photos required for a successful shoot, consider printing this page or taking a screenshot, and use it while you shoot.
- - Buyers want to view every angle of your Quiet Car, so don't leave anything out. Please send at least 50 photos and consider adding 4 videos that provide further details of your listing. Videos on a listing are not mandatory but they will definitely add value.
- - Take photos that will make your listing look good, but don't leave out the bad. If there are any scratches, dents or signs of wear and tear, take the photos so buyers know exactly what they are paying for.
DO NOT EDIT, ALTER, OR CONCEAL ANY VEHICLE DAMAGE IN THE PHOTOS. WE CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR UNETHICAL AND IT IS COMPLETELY PROHIBITED ON QUIET CAR BIDS.