1. Use daylight and keep the car natural

Photograph outdoors in even daylight when possible. Strong darkness, direct glare, rain-covered panels and artificial filters can hide dents, paint differences or corrosion.

The car does not need a professional wash or polished advert. Remove only items that obstruct the view and leave enough space around the vehicle to show each panel clearly.

2. Eight core photos

These eight views provide a practical baseline. Add extra images when a defect needs more context.

Keep the whole vehicle in frame for general views and send original camera files rather than screenshots when possible.

  • Front-left three-quarter view
  • Front-right three-quarter view
  • Rear-left three-quarter view
  • Rear-right three-quarter view
  • Front cabin and dashboard
  • Odometer and warning lights, if safe to display
  • The main fault in its wider context
  • A close view of the same fault or damaged area

3. Show damage in context

First take a wider image showing which part of the vehicle is affected, then a closer image showing the detail. A tight close-up alone can make it impossible to understand the size and position of the damage.

Include warning messages, deployed airbags, corrosion, broken glass and visible leaks where they can be photographed safely. Do not crawl under a car supported only by a jack.

4. Add access photos for a non-running car

Show whether the vehicle is in an underground garage, narrow yard, soft ground or behind a restricted gate. Include the entrance, height limit, slope and space available around the car.

Also photograph flat tyres or unusual wheel positions. This helps plan collection and prevents the initial assessment from assuming access that does not exist.

5. Protect privacy and keep the originals

Do not include identity documents, bank details, home paperwork or people who have not agreed to appear. Provide a VIN only through an appropriate private channel when requested.

Do not edit out damage or add effects—the purpose is an accurate assessment, not an idealised advert. If one side cannot be photographed, explain why.