I might be wrong, but I think the first verse of the classic car religious text goes something like this: “On the first day, the Gods of Speed created the camera, and they saw that it was good. Yet, something was missing. So on the second day, they created the hot rod to fill the world with wonder, beauty, and pure badassery. And together, like Adam and Eve, the camera and the hot rod did fill the world with joy for all to see and behold.”
Yep, that’s it! The camera was made to capture and share beauty, and the classic car to fill its lens. And ever since their inception, that’s what they’ve done. What does a hotrodder do when they finish building their new ride? The same as the fisherman, they pose with it! We’ve all spent countless hours poring over the nostalgia of yesteryear and the hotrodders who predated us. So how do we show the Gods of Speed our eternal gratitude? By following the Nine Commandments of Photography!
“Wait, B.C., why are there only nine commandments? Shouldn’t there be ten?” Yes, there were ten commandments, but I only have the word count for nine in this article. But trust that these are the most important and will help ensure you sell that ride!
Commandment One: Thou Shall Not Post a Filthy Ride
Do not, ever, never, under any circumstance, post your car for sale with trash in the interior and dirt on the paint. This is a sin, and it’s practically leaving money on the table in the sale. Remember, buyers bid when they are confident, and nothing kills confidence quicker than trash and dirt.
- Wash that car! Give it the good scrub and wax she deserves.
- Try to dry in a shaded area to avoid water drop stains.
- If there’s something in the interior that isn’t going with the car when it sells, please, in the name of all that is holy, remove it.
- Then scrub the interior so it shows the car has been respected, not neglected.
- Make sure windows are wiped down and free of any streaks.
- Break out the vacuum and suck up anything that is trying its best to hide in your carpet and seats.
- When it comes to wheels and tires, ask yourself, “w.w.a.d.d.”, what would a detailer do? Then go about doing good by making sure the wheels are scrubbed free of any dirt or brake dust debris. Get a good polish on the tires and make them sparkle.
Commandment Two: Thou Shall Not Take Photos in Thy Garage
One of the most critical decisions is where you take your photos. And unless you have a multi-million-dollar shop that looks more like a museum and has state-of-the-art lighting, follow this commandment: take it outside. Once in the fresh air, be sure to pick a neutral, low-key background. Something that doesn’t clash with your aesthetic and complements that sexy paint job. Then, give her some space. Make sure you have enough room, eight to ten feet, to capture every angle perfectly, without risk to yourself or your ride.
Commandment Three: Thou Shalt Worship The Light
Shame upon those who photograph in dark garages and expect glory. Shadows will swallow your details, flatten your paint, and turn craftsmanship into question marks. That hot rod was built to shine, so let it!
- Take it outside and let the natural light do the work for you.
- Early morning and late afternoon, usually an hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset, are the times to shine. This is when curves pop, chrome behaves, and paint shows depth instead of glare. It’s not called the “Golden Hour” for nothing.
- Avoid the harsh overhead sun. It’s difficult to get great shots at this time, but if midday is your only option, find open shade or use a neutral backdrop that softens the sun’s rays.
- Also, avoid shooting in the dark whenever possible. It’ll cast all sorts of nasty shadows and reduce the contrast against the background.
Commandment Four: Thou Shall Not Use Photoshop or A.I.
Wo unto those who would dare alter the already beautiful classic car with Photoshop or artificial intelligence, for they have lost their souls. We do not celebrate, build, and drive classic cars because they are digitally enhanced. NO! We drive them because they’re real, they ground us into reality, and help us feel alive. Also, it’s just uncool to ever try to sell a car that’s been digitally altered. In fact, it’s also a sin. Be honest with the condition of your vehicle and don’t do it. Your car is wonderful just the way it is. So say it with me, “No A.I. No Photoshop.”
Commandment Five: Thou Shalt Not Hide Thy Flaws
This does echo our previous Commandment, but it gets a double tap because it’s that important. It’s a major transgression to hide, conceal, or “miss” any cosmetic flaws of the vehicle. Like Momma always says, “honesty is the best policy,” and words have never rung truer. Because not telling, or in this case showing the truth, is just as much a sin as bold-faced lying about it. When you’re honest, the buyer will trust you, and frankly, it will improve your results. Remember, you only have one reputation, so protect it by doing the right thing, always.
Commandment Six: Thou Shalt Take Many Photos
A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to take at least one hundred photos of your car, if not more. There are many locations that are often overlooked but are just as crucial to your listing’s success. The goal is for the buyers to feel like they just performed a 100-point inspection without ever seeing the car in person. So follow this list to ensure every nook and cranny is documented.
- Exterior
- Interior
- Engine bay
- Trunk
- Undercarriage
- Suspension
- Flaws and damage
- Documentation
Commandment Seven: Thou Shalt Mind The Details
The small things always seem to make the biggest difference. So mind your details and make sure your car looks ready to be on the cover of a magazine. Here are a few helpful tips to make sure that happens:
- Straighten out your steering wheel for interior shots.
- Ensure that all chrome is polished and fingerprint-free.
- Ensure that the photo is reflection-free.
- Light up the headlights and dash for a few of your shots.
- Turn the wheels slightly towards you for exterior shots.
- Ensure all panels are aligned – hoods, doors, and trunks closed tight.
- Always, always, always make sure your camera lens is clean
Commandment Eight: Thou Shalt Show Documentation
A picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s especially true when it comes to documentation. Seeing proof of your build has a profound effect on buyers’ confidence. Make sure to capture photos of your title, service records or maintenance history, any manuals or booklets for the car, receipts, and build sheets. Honestly, the more the merrier in the world of documentation. Many of the best-selling cars show that not only do they have this documentation, but also that it’s well preserved. So don’t be afraid to invest a couple of bucks in a binder and plastic sleeves to show people that not only do you care about the car now, but that you also cherish its past and future. Here are some tips for getting good document photos:
- Good lighting with no shadows and, of course, natural light works best.
- Flat, clean surface with a neutral background.
- Square, not angled, so it’s readable.
- Multiple shots for multi-page docs
- Close-ups of key details, such as dates, VIN codes, etc.
Commandment Nine: Thou Shalt Record Video As Well
You didn’t think we’d forget about this, did you? The only thing more bitchin’ than seeing your car propped perfectly against the desert landscape? It’s good to hear that motor singing too! A video adds depth to your listing by showing buyers exactly what they’re in for when they win the keys to your car. We recommend at least three videos and also uploading them to YouTube.
- Cold start: There’s nothing as menacing as a big block that just woke up from its slumber. Touch the top of your motor (when it’s cold!) to show it’s a true cold start, then fire it up.
- Walk-around: While she’s running, walk around the vehicle. Have fun with it. Tell people its story, highlight its custom features, but most importantly, show them that the car runs under its own power and idles well.
- Ridealong: Mount that camera to your head or have a co-pilot join you as you take potential buyers on a ride. Make sure to take time and care in showing that she’s street-worthy, safe, and reliable. Showcase that all switches, electronic functions, and mechanical operations work properly. And just why does someone need to put your ride in their garage?
In all honesty, we like to have a little fun here at BuyTheCar.com, but we take selling your classic seriously. That’s why we’ve listed an even more in-depth “how-to” information here. Not only do you have access to our education blog posts and depth guides, but you will also have the confidence in knowing we have a liaison waiting to assist you. Selling your car is a milestone in life, and we recognize that. Follow the commandments, and let’s have a great time selling your ride!
