How to Prepare for Your Car Photo Shoot

You are tasked with photographing a vehicle and have either been given specific direction from the client, or they have allowed you to do what you think "will look the best." It's common for clients to leave it up to you to capture their car because, after all, they like what you do. They got in touch with you for a reason.

My car photography shoots are conducted by myself, so the recommendations below focus on solo photo shoots only. A professional shoot with big budgets, crews, and various locations is entirely different and one I am not qualified to discuss.

If your client has requested specific photos, I'd recommend a few things to give you a better idea of what they expect. Most importantly, it will help you communicate expectations with your client. Some things will not be possible, and you both must understand the limitations. Specific client requests usually originate from some reference photos. Ask for pictures of what they are looking for to ensure you can do something similar. You will have limitations with gear, location, time of day, weather, angles, etc. If you cannot capture what the client wants, be ready with recommendations, reference photos of your own, and come to an understanding before moving forward.

Alternatively, if your client has given you creative freedom, it can be either relief or somewhat overwhelming. Sure, you are free to do whatever you want, but the possibilities in your head are endless. Where do you even start? How do you focus on just a few ideas?

Dodge Challenger R/T

Discuss Expectations of Delivered Work

An important thing to discuss is client expectations. Some things that may be considered are full-size and web-sized images, print reproduction rights, social media usage rights, and physical prints and framed prints. You will also want to discuss the expected number of images. Ensure you are delivering what is expected and what you are comfortable with. I usually provide full and web-sized images with print and social media usage. 

Look for Ideas

Do a Google search for images of your subject. Cars usually have favourable angles, and finding professional photos can reveal what those angles are. Car wallpaper sites usually have high-quality content, and press photos are also great inspiration. Generally, get familiar with the car and know what angles, features, and details make it unique and stand out.

Check Your Location

Are you shooting at the client's residence or taking it off-site? I would strongly suggest an in-person meeting sometime before the shoot day, and if at a client's residence, it will be beneficial to see what you have to work with for yourself. This will not always be feasible, but if it's convenient for both of you, do it. Furthermore, if you are shooting off-site, scout the location and have a backup location in mind. Scouting is made convenient with Google Street View, but locations can change fast. Check out the location to see if it works regarding accessibility, privacy, debris, construction, etc.

Check the Forecast

Always check the forecast in your area the day before and the morning of the shoot. It's completely acceptable to recommend rescheduling if the conditions are not optimal (within reason). If you need to reschedule, make sure your communication with the client indicates that your suggestion for rescheduling their shoot is to capture their car as intended. Rarely will a client want to push forward, and if they do, make sure the expectations are understood again.

Discuss Timeframe

When does your client expect to see your work? I'm usually excited after a shoot and can turn them around within 2-3 days, but you may have additional responsibilities at that time. Let your client know when to expect your response regarding the finalized images.

Create a Checklist

It's important to create a checklist for your intended photos. Don't skip this step; you will forget some of these photos. I usually save reference photos to my phone and have an email draft or physical note for my checklist.

Summary

In summary, you will want to communicate with your client to set realistic expectations between both of you. With preparation, vehicle research and shooting locations, you will be well-prepared for your photo shoot. 

Checklist Example

This is not a comprehensive checklist, but it covers most of your go-to photos and is a good starting point.

Exterior

• Angles around the car (taken from head height to low angle)

• Front Straight

• Rear Straight

• Side Straight

• Front 3/4 (both sides)

• Rear 3/4 (both sides)

Details

• Front Details (badges, grilles, etc.)

• Headlights

• Tail Lights

• Rear Details (badges, exhaust)

• Dashboard Full (from outside open door)

• Switches and Dials Close-Up

• Steering Wheel and Instrument Cluster Details

• Engine (full and details)