How to Prep Your Car for a Photo Shoot (and Pick the Right Session)
Most of a good car photo is decided before the camera comes out: the car's condition, the location and the light. Here's what to do before a session, and how to pick the right one.
Before the shoot
Wash it. A quick rinse the day of is usually enough. It doesn't need a full detail. Wheels, tires and glass are the parts that show up most in frame.
Clear the cabin. Take out phone mounts, chargers, air fresheners and anything hanging from the mirror. Interior detail shots show everything.
Bring fuel. Rolling shots mean driving, sometimes the same stretch of road several times.
Tell me what the photos are for. A sale listing, a build feature and a social post each need different frames. Knowing up front means the shot list covers it.
Have a spot in mind? Say so. Otherwise I'll pick a location that fits the car.
Light
Sessions are scheduled around golden hour whenever the weather cooperates. Low sun gives paint depth and keeps highlights under control. That's also why the date is set after booking, not before.
Picking a session
Reel, $75. A 1-hour shoot at one location. You get 8 edited, color-graded images and a 15-second vertical reel, delivered within 5 business days. Good for a debut post or a quick refresh.
Feature, $150. A 2-hour shoot at one location. You get 20 images with color grade and retouch, plus a 30-second cinematic reel and a vertical cutdown, delivered within 7 business days. Full build coverage.
Showcase, $250. A half-day (4-hour) shoot across up to 2 locations. You get 35 images, a 60-second cinematic feature with sound design and a vertical cutdown, delivered within 10 business days. Bring an alternate set of plates if you have them.
Add the air
Top-down reveals and rolling tracking shots come from the drone, flown under an FAA Part 107 certificate. Aerial is quoted per project. See Aerial & Drone.
Where and how it's delivered
I'm based in Washington, IL. Peoria, Pekin, Bloomington–Normal and the rest of central Illinois are covered at no extra travel charge. For anything farther, message before booking. Every session is delivered as a private gallery link. Images are for personal use, and commercial licensing is available on request.
Book a session or see the work. Questions: 309-501-1640 · benjaminhoffman@silvades.com
