Photo Shoot and Sizing Tips for Professional Car Detailers

February 10, 2025
Author: Justin House

This article is a longtime coming! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced with building beautiful websites is the lack of quality photos that clients send me, if they send any at all. Even though most, if not all of us, are walking around with amazing cameras in our pockets (i.e. smartphones), countless people are still taking shoddy shots. Knock it off already! High-quality photography is absolutely essential for automotive detailing businesses. Your stunning work deserves equally stunning photos that will help convert website visitors into paying, long-term customers.

After working with numerous companies over the years, I’ve discovered that the businesses that consistently produce professional-grade photos see a significant increase in their conversion rates (i.e. converting clicks to clients) and social media engagement.

Key Takeaways

Use specific aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, or 16:9) based on your platform
Maintain maximum image quality by avoiding compression
Implement proper staging and shooting techniques
Follow best practices for file organization and uploading
Create a consistent photography workflow
Master the art of before/after documentation
Build a professional image library systematically
Optimize photos for multiple marketing channels

Let’s Talk Detailing Photography

Understanding Image Specifications

Having designed countless websites since 1996, I’ve seen firsthand how proper photo specifications can make or break a website’s performance.

Resolution Requirements

You know how frustrating it is when you see a blurry before/after comparison on a website? Let’s make sure your photos are razor-sharp by following these specifications:

Minimum width: 2000 pixels
Ideal width: 4000 pixels
Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch)
File format: Original camera RAW or high-quality JPG

Understanding these requirements is vital because they affect how your images appear across different devices and platforms. Let me break down why each specification matters:

Pixel Width: Many of the photos I receive are too small in terms of pixel size. It’s better to start with large photos, then have your web designer make them smaller for your website. You can always scale down, but if you attempt to scale up your images, they’ll likely look blurry and pixelated.

DPI (Dots Per Inch): While 72 DPI is standard for web display, shooting at 300 DPI gives you flexibility. You can use these images for print marketing materials like brochures or vehicle wraps without needing to reshoot.

Platform	Aspect Ratio	Typical Use Case	Minimum Resolution
Instagram	1:1	Square posts and thumbnails	1080 x 1080 px
Mobile Devices	4:3	Phone-friendly viewing	1600 x 1200 px
Websites	16:9	Header images and galleries	1920 x 1080 px
Print Materials	Any	Marketing collateral	3000+ px wide

Camera Settings and Setup

Think of your camera settings like you would think about your detailing process — each step matters for the final result. Here’s what you need to nail down:

Essential Camera Settings

ISO Settings
- Keep ISO as low as possible (ideally 100-400)
- Higher ISOs introduce noise, like swirl marks after a drive-thru car wash
- Use tripod instead of high ISO in low light
Aperture (F-Stop)
- For full car shots: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness
- For detail shots: f/2.8 to f/4 to blur backgrounds
- For interior shots: f/5.6 to f/8 for good depth of field
Shutter Speed
- Handheld: Minimum 1/125 second
- Tripod: Can go as slow as needed
- Flash sync: Usually 1/200 second

Aspect Ratio Selection

Just like how you wouldn’t use the same pad for every surface, you shouldn’t use the same aspect ratio for every platform. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

1:1 Ratio (Square)

Perfect for Instagram main feed
Ideal for before/after comparisons
Creates consistent gallery appearance
Best for detail shots of specific areas

4:3 Ratio (Traditional)

Standard for most digital cameras
Excellent for vehicle profiles
Works well for interior shots
Natural viewing on tablets and phones

16:9 Ratio (Widescreen)

Ideal for website headers
Perfect for YouTube thumbnails
Great for dramatic full vehicle shots
Shows more of the environment

Note: I understand that using multiple aspect ratios isn’t realistic for most people, especially employees — it’s just too much damn work. Here’s a simple solution though that should keep everybody happy: If you focus on a 16:9 ratio for all landscape shots (horizontal), and 4:5 for portrait photos (vertical) your web designer can crop the images to work for various devices (desktops, tablets, smartphones), as well as social media platforms. Also, you or your helpers can crop these images upon adding them to InstaGram and/or TikTok using their inbuilt software. Remember, you can always scale and crop down images, but you can’t scale/crop up without compromising image quality.

Quality Settings and File Formats

Here’s something that’s super important: Do NOT compress your photos before sending them to your web designer! I seriously can’t stress this enough. Just like you wouldn’t cut corners on a ceramic coating application, don’t compromise on image quality. Let your web designer handle any necessary compression — they’ll maintain the perfect balance between quality and load time. Besides, they often use premium photo editing tools, like PhotoShop, to compress images without compromising quality.

Recommended Camera Settings:

Shoot in RAW + JPEG when possible
Use highest quality JPEG setting if RAW isn’t available
Enable any available image stabilization
Turn off any automatic filters or effects
Set white balance manually (avoid auto)

Staging Your Shots

Remember that time you got everything perfect on a finish, only to spot a swirl mark under different lighting? Photography staging is similar — details matter, big time.

Pre-Shoot Checklist:

Clean your camera lens
Remove all detailing equipment (buckets, hoses, towels) especially for after shots
Clean the shooting area thoroughly
Check lighting conditions
Position vehicle away from distracting backgrounds
Ensure the space around the vehicle is clear
Clean any windows to avoid reflections
Check tire positioning (straight wheels for front shots)
Verify all doors and trunk are fully closed

Environmental Considerations

Lighting Conditions

Early morning (golden hour): Best for showing depth in paint
Midday: Good for interior shots
Late afternoon: Ideal for dramatic shadows
Overcast: Perfect for paint correction shots
Indoor: Controlled environment, needs proper lighting

Location Selection

Clean, uncluttered backgrounds
Avoid busy patterns or bright colors
Consider your shop’s branding colors
Look for complementary architecture
Find shaded areas for consistent lighting

Weather Impact

Avoid shooting in rain or high winds
Use overcast days to your advantage
Watch for changing cloud conditions
Be mindful of seasonal lighting changes

Professional Shooting Techniques

Here’s how to get those killer shots:

Stability Solutions

Use a tripod whenever possible (seriously, it’s a game-changer)
If shooting handheld, tuck those elbows into your chest to stabilize your camera
Consider using your camera’s timer to avoid shake
Invest in a quality monopod for flexibility
Use image stabilization when available

Essential Angles for Vehicle Photography

Exterior Shots

Front 3/4 view (most popular)
Rear 3/4 view
Direct side profile
Direct front
Direct rear
High angle overview
Low angle dramatic shot

Interior Shots

Driver’s cockpit view
Rear seat view
Trunk/cargo area
Detail shots of cleaned surfaces
Before/after comparisons of stains

Detail Work Documentation

Close-up of paint correction
50/50 shots showing progress
Reflection shots showing depth
Water beading on ceramic coating
PPF installation edges
Tight shots of badges and trim

Composition Guidelines

Leave breathing room around vehicles (no tight crops)
Follow the rule of thirds for dynamic shots
Use leading lines to draw attention
Create depth with foreground elements
Maintain consistent angles for before/afters
Consider reflections as compositional elements

Good Example:

Bad Example:

File Management and Organization

Another issue I’ve consistent had to deal with is unorganized photos. Most of the time, I have no idea what I’m looking at. For instance, is this photo of a PPF application, paint correction, or just a detailing?!? Getting organized with your photos is like having a well-ordered detail bay — it makes everything run smoother. Here’s how to keep your digital assets in check:

Comprehensive Folder Structure:

 Client Projects
     Paint Correction
         Before
         Process
         After
         Marketing Shots
     Ceramic Coating
         Paint Prep
         Application
         Final Results
         Marketing Material
     Paint Protection Film
         Pre-Installation
         Installation Process
         Trimming/Edges
         Completed Work
     Window Tint
         Consultation
         Installation
         Heat Shrinking
         Final Results
     Full Details
         Exterior
         Interior
         Engine Bay
         Final Shots

Important Takeaway: The above organization instructions might be too much for some people, which is definitely understandable. To keep it simple, yet still effective, I would suggest organizing them as such: Detailing, Paint Correction, Ceramic Coating, PPF, Window Tint.

File Naming Conventions

Create a consistent naming system:

MMDDYYYY-ClientName-ServiceType-PhotoNumber
Example: 02102025-Ferrari488-CeramicCoating-1

Or better yet, follow the this naming convention for better search engine rankings:

MMDDYYYY-CityName-ServiceType-PhotoNumber
Example: 02102025-Los-Angeles-Ceramic-Coating-1

Further Reading: 9 Proven Local SEO Strategies for Auto Detailing Businesses

Upload Best Practices

Upload directly from your computer to cloud storage
Avoid third-party upload apps, especially on phones
Use original files, not compressed versions
Maintain consistent naming conventions
Create backup copies of all files
Tag photos with relevant metadata

When it comes to sharing your photos with your web designer or marketing team, there’s a right way and a wrong way. Let’s make sure you’re doing it properly:

What to Avoid:

WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger uploads (they compress automatically)
Screenshots of photos (this looks horrible)
Email attachments (sometimes compressed)
Third-party transfer apps
Public file sharing services

Marketing Integration

Your photos aren’t just documentation — they’re powerful marketing tools. Here’s how to maximize their impact:

Website Usage

Create dynamic before/after sliders
Build compelling project galleries
Feature dramatic shots above the fold
Include process photos in blog posts
Showcase variety in services

Create platform-specific crops
Build themed Instagram highlights
Use carousel posts for processes
Share behind-the-scenes content
Create educational content

Email Marketing

Include high-impact images in newsletters
Create photo-rich case studies
Share project progression stories
Highlight seasonal services
Showcase special techniques

Conclusion

Outstanding photography is an investment in your detailing business’s future. By following these guidelines, you’ll create a professional image library that sells your services even when you’re busy in the shop. Remember, potential customers are making split-second decisions based on your photos — make those decisions easy for them.

The effort you put into proper photo documentation will pay dividends in your marketing efforts, from social media engagement to website conversions. Just like how you take pride in your detailing work, take pride in showing it off to the world through high-quality photography.

Lastly, solid photo shoots and organization will make it much easier and less frustrating on your web designer and/or marketing team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need an Expensive Camera?

While professional equipment can help, modern smartphones can take excellent photos if you follow proper techniques. The key is understanding lighting, composition, and maintaining stability. However, if photography is a major part of your marketing strategy, investing in a decent DSLR or mirrorless camera can be worth it.

How Many Photos Should I Take of Each Project?

For a typical detail job, aim for 15-20 high-quality photos minimum. This should include 3-4 before shots, 3-4 after shots from the same angles, and additional photos highlighting specific areas of improvement or special techniques used.

What’s the Best Time of Day for Exterior Car Photos?

The “golden hours” (just after sunrise or before sunset) typically provide the best natural lighting for exterior shots. However, overcast days can be excellent for showing paint correction work as they provide even lighting without harsh reflections.

Should I Use Filters or Presets?

Keep it real! Your work should speak for itself. Avoid Instagram filters or heavy editing presets. Light adjustments to exposure, contrast, and white balance are fine, but anything more might make customers skeptical of your actual results.

How Do I Handle Reflections in Paint?

Reflections can either make or break your shots. Use them intentionally by positioning the vehicle to reflect interesting architectural elements or clean backgrounds. Avoid shooting where other cars or distracting objects will appear in the reflections.

Additional Resources

Note: Your investment in quality photography will pay dividends in your digital marketing efforts. If you need help implementing these photos effectively on your website or in your marketing campaigns, reach out to us at Grounded Group. We specialize in making detailing businesses shine online through strategic web design and digital marketing services.