Choosing the right background for car photography can make your listings look professional, enhance your dealership’s brand, and build trust with potential buyers. A clean, well-chosen background helps the car stand out, attracts more views, and presents a polished, reliable image that positively reflects on your dealership, leading to higher customer interest. On the other hand, cluttered or distracting backgrounds can detract from the car, making listings appear low-quality and potentially turning away customers. 

In this guide, we will cover three main types of backgrounds: Outdoors, Indoors, and Virtual. Each has its own benefits and points to consider.

Outdoor Backgrounds

Outdoor backgrounds can give your photos a natural, inviting look, especially when the lighting is right. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Choose a Clean Location: Avoid taking photos on shabby roads or places with garbage, debris, or clutter in the background. A messy background can give an unprofessional impression and distract from the car.

A messy background can take the focus away from the car. Ensure your outdoor shoots are taken in backgrounds that are clear. 

Watch for Shadows and Reflections: Be mindful of where the car is parked. If it’s under a tree or near tall buildings, you might get unwanted shadows or reflections on the car, especially on the windshield. These reflections can make it harder for buyers to see the car clearly.

Check for reflection of trees or buildings on your car - these can ruin an otherwise good shot.

Ensure Good Lighting: Outdoor lighting can vary throughout the day, so aim for natural, even light. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal, as the light is softer and warmer. Avoid harsh midday light, which can create strong shadows. 

White cars can look gray in the shadows. Ensure there is enough lighting to show the car colors. 

Indoor Backgrounds

Indoor backgrounds can give your photos a clean and controlled look, which is ideal for a consistent style across listings. However, there are some factors to consider:

Choose a Clean, Clutter-Free Space: Make sure the walls are clean, with no stains or marks, and the floor is free of oil spills, tools, or clutter. A messy environment can make your photos look unprofessional and may turn off potential buyers.

A clean and clutter free indoor environment in essential to highlight the vehicle

Mind the Lighting: Indoor lighting can affect the way the car’s color looks. Make sure the lighting doesn’t alter the car’s appearance. For example, gray cars can sometimes appear green under certain artificial lights. Test your lighting to ensure it brings out the car’s true color.

Avoid Distracting Elements: If there are other cars or equipment around, make sure they aren’t in the frame. The focus should be on the car you’re photographing, with no distractions.

Virtual Backgrounds

Virtual backgrounds can be a great option if you don’t have access to a perfect setting. With editing software or apps like HelloRamp.ai, you can replace the background with a virtual one. However, here are some tips to keep it realistic:

Avoid Overly Busy Backgrounds: A virtual background that is too colorful or detailed can draw attention away from the car. Choose a simple, clean design that complements the car without overwhelming it.

Keep It Realistic: Avoid backgrounds that look overly futuristic or obviously fake, as they can make the listing feel artificial. Choose backgrounds that reflect real-world environments buyers might imagine driving in.

HelloRamp.ai provides multiple virtual backgrounds that look realistic as if the pics are shot in a studio

Make It Consistent: If you’re using virtual backgrounds across multiple listings, try to keep them similar. This gives a cohesive look to your dealership’s listings and reinforces the brand image. It is a good idea to add your brand’s logo so as to increase brand awareness and recall. 

Tips and Tricks for All Backgrounds

No matter what background you choose, here are some general tips to ensure high-quality images:

• Consider Color and Contrast: Make sure the background contrasts with the car so the vehicle stands out. A dark car against a light background or vice versa creates a clear and professional look.

• Lighting is Key: Good lighting can make or break a photo. Ensure there’s enough light to show off the car’s details without creating harsh shadows. Natural light often works best, but if you’re indoors, make sure the lighting is even and doesn’t distort colors.

• Show Minor Imperfections: Buyers appreciate authenticity. Showing minor imperfections like small scratches or dents can actually build trust, as the car will look closer to what buyers will see in person. Avoid heavy editing that hides the car’s real condition.

• Use Editing Carefully: Light editing to adjust brightness, contrast, and white balance is helpful, but don’t go overboard. Apps like HelloRamp.ai offer tools for background removal, brightness adjustment, and color correction, which can enhance your photos without making them look unnatural.