This guide will help you navigate a few options to hire an automotive photographer.
It's true what they say – photos speak 1000 words, especially when it comes to selling your classic or exotic car online. A great photo gallery helps a listing get the attention it deserves, and also helps buyers feel more secure in the transaction.
While it's important to showcase the beauty of the car, we also believe in full transparency – and that means capturing photos of the good, bad and ugly of the vehicle you are selling. Showing any flaws and/or blemishes will ensure that both you and the buyer get a fair price. While you do not have to photograph every square inch of the car, the photos should represent every square inch of the car.
Check out our Photography Guide for Sellers to help ensure that you get all the right angles.
While some people find that they can take "good enough" photos with a cell phone camera, others may prefer to hire a professional to be sure they are presenting the car in the best light possible. For those people, we recommend the following options.
1. Hire a professional through CLASSIC.COM
Our Managed Listing service connects you with a professional who knows how to market classic and exotic cars. Part of this service is a full professional photoshoot combined with an inspection and listing management – meaning that your partner will help to field questions from buyers and help you negotiate the final sale. If you don't want to handle the hassle of preparing the listing, answering questions, and negotiating with buyers, this is the route for you.
Learn more about Managed Listings on CLASSIC.COM >
2. Find a photographer through Snappr
If you want to handle the listing yourself, and simply want help finding a photographer, Snappr is an online platform that connects clients with professional photographers for various types of shoots – including automotive photography.
How to Search for Photographers on Snappr:
- Visit Snappr's website
- Click the “I need a photo shoot right now” button.
- Select Business or Personal.
- On the next screen you will select the type of shoot you need. Scroll down and select “Automotive.”
- Enter Your Location: Input your city or zip code to find photographers in your area. While Snappr has coverage around the US, they may not have coverage in more remote areas.
- Enter the email Snappr should use for their email communications. Follow the link in the email to proceed.
- Select the shoot length. We recommend 2 hours in order to capture 100-150 photos.
- Select the date and time that works best for you. (You may be able to change this date/time directly with the photographer once the shoot is confirmed).
- Browse Photographer Profiles: Review the profiles of available photographers, which includes a few sample photos and a star rating score.
- Make a Selection: You will usually have at least 2-3 top photographers to choose from. Select one and continue.
- Confirm Details: Finalize the date, time, location, and any specific requirements or requests. Reference our Photography Guide for recommendations on selecting a good location.
- Make a Payment: Follow Snappr’s payment process to secure your booking.
- Communicate: Keep in touch with the photographer to confirm details and make any necessary adjustments.
Note: CLASSIC.COM is not affiliated with Snappr. We recommend that you use your own due diligence when selecting a photographer.
3. Use Google to find a local photographer
For some remote locations, Snappr may not have photographers in their network or you may want to find a more specialized photographer. Here are some tips on how to find a photographer using Google search:
- How to Perform Effective Google Searches
- Search Phrases: Use search terms like “automotive photographer near me,” “car photographer [your city],” or “professional automotive photography.”
- Check Google My Business Listings: Look for local photographers with high ratings and reviews in Google My Business listings.
- Explore Websites: Click on the search results to visit photographers' websites and view their portfolios.
- Evaluating Search Results
- Portfolio and Samples: Review the photographer’s website or social media for examples of their automotive work.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Look for client reviews on Google, Yelp, or the photographer’s website.
- Professionalism and Expertise: Assess the photographer’s experience, specialization in automotive photography, and overall professionalism.
4. Get references
If you are not happy with the results of your Google search, and/or if you want more recommendations, look for local organizations that can provide references:
- Local Car Clubs: Reach out to local car clubs or automotive communities, which often have connections to photographers who specialize in automotive photography.
- Dealerships and Showrooms: Contact local car dealerships or showrooms, as they often work with professional photographers and may be able to provide referrals.
- Photography Forums: Participate in online photography forums or groups where you can ask for recommendations from other enthusiasts or professionals.
- Automotive Forums: Post inquiries in automotive forums or social media groups, as members may have contacts or suggestions.
- General Photographers: Although they may not have an automotive portfolio, many general photographers may have the expertise to capture high-quality automotive photos. Discuss your specific needs to ensure they can deliver the desired results.
Whichever route you take, we recommend providing your photographer with our Photography Guide for Sellers to help ensure that you get all the right angles and get the most out of your photography session.