Q: Why use professional photography for a car listing?
A: As collector and enthusiast vehicles are more commonly sold through online marketplaces without in-person inspections, buyers increasingly rely on photographs to make purchasing decisions. Professional cameras capture more light and detail, resulting in higher quality images compared to phone cameras. Professional photos make your listing stand out, catching the eye of serious buyers and boosting their confidence in your vehicle, leading to more inquiries, better offers, higher bids, and a quicker sale.
Q: How many photos and videos will I receive?
A: Typically around 200 photos are taken per vehicle, presenting the exterior, interior, engine bay, undercarriage, service documentation, spare parts, and collectibles. The photos will cover every area of your car with multiple angles. Additionally, three high-resolution videos are recorded: a vehicle walkaround to showcase its cosmetic condition, along with an engine start and in-car driving videos to demonstrate its operating condition. The photos and videos will be delivered within five business days after our session.
Q: What is a photo session like?
A: We will meet at our location and position the car with the surrounding environment and lighting for the best appearance. I will begin by photographing the exterior, interior, engine bay, and undercarriage. Additionally, I'll photograph any service documentation, spare parts, or collectibles you bring. After that I will film videos of the exterior, interior, and startup, followed by a short drive for the in-car driving video. The session will take about two to three hours.
Q: Are the photos digitally edited?
A: My goal is to showcase your car looking its best. I will make standard adjustments to lighting and color and may also digitally remove distractions like litter and street signs. No edits will be made that alter the car's condition, as it is important for it to be accurately represented.
Q: Should I detail the car before the photo session?
A: The car does not need to be professionally detailed, but it should be as clean as possible. Wash and dry the exterior, clean and vacuum the interior, and remove everything from the interior that won't be included with the car.
Q: Will you need to drive my car?
A: I do not need to drive your car and I will not ask. I respect your personal property and am focused on taking photos, not joyrides. Unless requested otherwise by the owner, they will operate the car if it needs to be driven or repositioned.
Q: Where are the photos taken?
A: Our photoshoot will take place at a location near your preferred area or north San Jose where I am based. I can suggest a location or use one you already know. A good location has space to walk around the car with minimal interruptions such as an empty parking lot of a business, park, or church and is free of other vehicles, people, or security patrols.
Q: How do I schedule a booking?
A: Booking is easy! Click on any of the ‘Request a booking’ links on the website and fill out the booking form. I will be in touch shortly to answer any questions and to suggest some dates for our session. When everything looks good, I will share a link where you can sign the contract and pay the retainer or total balance to reserve our booking.
Q: How does payment and the retainer work?
A: The session price includes a 30% non-refundable retainer due at booking. The retainer reserves my availability for our scheduled photoshoot time. The 70% remaining balance is due 24 hours before our scheduled time to confirm our session. If unpaid, our session is considered canceled and you forfeit the retainer and any rescheduling fees.
Q: What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
A: Your session includes one complimentary rescheduling if you provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Each reschedule after the first complimentary reschedule will incur a $50 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling requests with less than 24 hours’ notice may not be accepted and considered a cancellation. If our session is canceled, you will receive a refund minus the retainer and any rescheduling fees. Rescheduled sessions must be completed within 60 days of the original date.
Q: Why is there a retainer and rescheduling fee?
A: This policy is in place because each scheduled time is reserved for you, limiting my availability to serve other clients on those days. I understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan so I try to offer fair accommodations with a low retainer and a complimentary rescheduling.
Q: I have a question not listed here.
A: Contact me and I’d be happy to answer them!
Q: Do you photograph anything other than car listings?
A: Yes I do! While cars are my passion, I am also a family and event photographer. You can see my other work at garnetphoto.com.