What Pictures to Take When Selling a Car? 18-Photos Checklist

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In the used car market, a good picture is often worth a thousand pounds. If you are wondering what pictures to take when selling a car, you are already asking the right question. Most of the private sellers often snap blurry photos and still wonder why I am not getting a call.

Here is the truth, buyers often scroll through thousands of cars, and your car’s photos may not hook them. In this guide, we will walk you through 18-point photos to sell your car faster. 

Preparation: The “Pre-Shoot” Rules

Before you start snapping pictures, it is important to prepare your car for sale. Follow these simple rules to make your car look its best:

• Clean Inside and Out: Wash the exterior, polish the wheels, and vacuum the interior. Remove clutter and personal items.
• Location: Find a clean space like a supermarket corner, a park or an industrial area.
• Pick the Right Time: Shoot in natural daylight, ideally on a dry, bright day. Early morning or late afternoon avoids harsh shadows.
• Check Your Camera Settings: A modern smartphone is fine. Make sure the lens is clean, shoot in landscape mode, and keep the car fully in frame.

The 18-Point “Power Shot” Checklist

Here’s the full 18-photo checklist to help you take the right pictures and sell your car faster.

Photo No.	Shot Type	Why It Matters
1	Front ¾ Angle (Driver Side)	Shows overall condition and stance; ideal for the main image.
2	Front ¾ Angle (Passenger Side)	Gives a full exterior view and catches any side differences.
3	Rear ¾ Angle (Driver Side)	Displays body lines, paint condition, and rear shape.
4	Rear ¾ Angle (Passenger Side)	Completes the set of four key angles buyers expect.
5	Head-On Front	Highlights bumper, grille, lights, and plate clarity.
6	Head-On Rear	Shows boot, tail lights, parking sensors, and condition.
7	Side Profile (Left & Right)	Helps buyers check panels, straightness, and paint match.
8	Wheels & Alloys	Confirms alloy condition and reduces “hidden damage” doubts.
9	Driver’s View	Gives buyers a realistic feel of the driving position.
10	Mileage Display	Proof of car mileage; builds trust instantly.
11	Centre Console & Controls	Shows spec: infotainment, climate control, gear selector.
12	Driver Seat Bolster	Buyers check for wear; big influence on used-car value.
13	Rear Seats	Shows space, cleanliness, and signs of family use.
14	Boot Space	Lets buyers assess practicality and layout.
15	Service History	Proven maintenance boosts confidence and offer value.
16	Two Keys	Buyers expect two keys; proving this avoids negotiation losses.
17	Tyre Tread Close-Up	Demonstrates roadworthiness and reduces inspection queries.
18	Any Imperfections	Honesty speeds up the sale and avoids wasted enquiries.

The Exterior

This is the main part. These are the photos that will appear as the thumbnail on the search results page.

1. Front 3/4 Angle (Driver’s Side)

This is the single most important photo you will take. It should be your main listing image. Stand at the front corner of the driver’s side. You should see the front grille and the full side of the car down to the back wheel.

2. Front 3/4 Angle (Passenger Side)

Repeat the exact same shot but from the other side. It proves the car is symmetrical and hasn’t had unmatched panels fitted after a crash. Pro tip that turn the steering wheel to the right so that the alloy wheel faces the camera.

3. Rear 3/4 Angle (Driver’s Side)

Move to the back corner. You want to capture the rear bumper, the boot lid, and the side of the car looking forward. This angle is great for showing off the car’s body lines and condition.

4. Rear 3/4 Angle (Passenger Side)

Repeat the exact same shot in all four corners. Make sure you aren’t casting your own shadow over the car in these shots. If the sun is behind you, step slightly to the side. 

5. Head-On Front

A straight-on shot of the front highlights the grille, headlights, and overall condition. If you take this from standing height, the car looks small and the bumper looks distorted. Get the camera lens level with the headlights.

6. Head-On Rear

Stand dead centre behind the boot. Photograph the back straight-on, showing the boot, rear lights, and any badges or trim.

7. Side Profile (Left & Right)

Stand directly side-on to the car. Capture the car’s full side view on both sides to show body lines and paintwork.

8. The Wheels

Take close-ups of all four wheels. Clean, polished wheels show attention to detail and help buyers assess tyre condition. 

The Interior

The interior is what buyers really inspect. Before taking a picture, clean the interior and pull out all the dust and garbage. Seats, floor and dashboard should look clean. 

9. The Driver’s View

This is the shot that the buyers imagine themselves behind the wheel. Don’t just lean in through the driver’s window. Instead, open the back door, sit in the middle of the rear seat, and take a photo looking forward.

You want to frame the steering wheel, the full dashboard, and the gear stick all in one wide shot. It gives a great sense of space and layout. 

10. The Mileage Proof

This shot is the important snap, where buyers want honesty about how much the car has been driven. You need to snap the odometer showing accurate mileage. 

11. The Centre Console

 

Photograph the centre console, infotainment screen, and gear lever. Include details like buttons, touchscreens, and any extras that add value.

12. Driver’s Seat Bolster

You need to be honest by taking snaps of the driver’s seat bolster and armrest. Wear and tear here indicates how much the car has been used, helping buyers set expectations.

13. Rear Seats

Open the rear door and take a wide shot of the back bench. If you are selling a family car, make sure to show that the Isofix points are accessible and the upholstery is stain-free. Also takes photos of legroom and condition.

14. The Boot

For many buyers the boot size matters. Remove all your stuff and take a clear shot of the boot space. Include any spare wheel or storage compartments.

The “Trust Builders” (The Secret Weapon)

These final shoots are just not photos, but they show honesty and attention to detail. 

15. The Service History

Full Service History is not just an advert but proof of how it was kept over the years. Photograph your service book or receipts.

16. Two Keys

If you have both keys or fobs, show them. Buyers love knowing they’ll get the full set without surprises.  Place both keys on the driver’s seat or dashboard and take a clear photo.

17. Tyre Tread

Take close-ups of the tyres to show tread depth. If possible, take a 20p coin and insert to main groove of the tyre to check the tread of the tyre.

18. The Imperfections

One of the pieces of pro advice is to also show imperfections, like small scratches, dents, or chips. Because transparency builds trust and avoids problems at viewing or handover.

Bonus: Video Walkaround (Optional but Powerful)

At last, recording a walkaround video of the car adds more credibility and stands out from others. A video should be no more than 90 seconds, where you can start from the front, walk slowly around the car and show the interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hide my number plate when selling a car?

This is the most common question. The short answer is, it is up to you, but keeping it visible speeds up the sale. The risk is some sellers worry about “car cloning” (where criminals copy your registration number). While this does happen, it is statistically rare.

However, the benefit is that savvy UK buyers want to run a free MOT history check or a paid HPI check before they contact you. If you block the plate, they can’t do this

How many photos do you need to sell a car?

Aim for at least 12 to 18 clear photos. This gives buyers a full view of the exterior, interior, and key details. Listings with more high-quality images usually get more interest and sell faster.

What is the best time to take pictures?

The best time is to take photos in natural daylight on a dry day. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal because the light is softer and avoids harsh shadows.

Which photo should be the main image?

Your thumbnail image “Front 3/4 Angle (Driver’s Side)” is the most important photo of all. It’s the one that earns the click. Because this image shows the face, side profile and the wheels.

Should you use portrait or landscape?

Landscape is best for car photos. It captures the whole vehicle in one frame and fits most selling sites properly. Use portrait only for close-ups, like the wheels or the service history.

Wrapping Up: What Pictures to Take When Selling a Car?

When selling a car online, photos make a huge difference. This helps you to advertise and stand out from the rest and build trust. A clean car, clear lighting, and honest images always work in your favour.