Listing photography for Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids.

How it is shot

Exterior, interior, engine bay, undercarriage and documentation.

An auction buyer decides from photos alone. The listing needs the four corners and the profile, close details of paint, trim, wheels and tires, a clean interior set, the engine bay from both sides, the undercarriage where access allows, the odometer, the VIN plate and the title or window sticker. Every set is shot in that order so the listing goes together without gaps.

The flaws are photographed on purpose. Rock chips, curb rash, seat wear and dash cracks are shot clearly and delivered with the set, because a listing that shows its condition honestly gets more confident bids and fewer post-sale disputes.

Location is chosen for the car. A clean backdrop, even light and enough room to walk the full exterior. Driveways, storage units and detail shops in San Diego County all work, and the schedule runs around the detailer so the car is photographed at its cleanest.