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It really depends on the photographer and the type of photos you're looking for. For something casual, I’ve found some affordable options where I pay around $50–$150 per shoot, but if you’re looking for high-end, it can go up quite a bit. I also really like using a Nixplay frame to display my photos—it’s perfect for showing off pictures around the house. If you’re looking for something easy, you can find some great options here: Nixplay frame.
 
We work closely with a regional lot service company. One of the things I like the most about them for NEW cars is they employ a new car catalog / photo library. Why shoot the same '25 Honda Accord SE, White on Black, $32,110 MSRP more than once if the build sheets are identical?

Maybe other services do this as well, but some don't. Case in point below-- this photo guy got paid twice.

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Dealers have no idea how bad their pics are.​

Dealers that put time and effort into merchandising are KILLING it because so many dealer's suck.​

Uncle Joe, I couldn’t agree more! I started out as the photographer here and poured a ton of time into improving our process ( and quality) before stepping into my Marketing Manager role. Now, we’ve got an amazing photographer who’s not just talented but also one of the hardest-working and most genuinely awesome people on the team. When she’s not out there with the camera, she’s diving into the merchandising side—editing photos, adding overlays, and detailed descriptions. She tries to make sure the photos represent the vehicle in the best way possible. It’s an ongoing effort, and we’re constantly trying to making improvements!

We’ve had customers tell us our photos were the reason they came to us—it really shows we care about our vehicles (and our reputation!). Some of the stuff you see online makes you wonder if they even want to sell the car! Our process involves a quick intake photo set, whether it’s at our processing center for purchased inventory or the bullpen for trades, and then we do a full, detailed set after the car has been detailed. It’s work, sure, but it’s so worth it.
 
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Great photos sell cars! It’s all about first impressions—think of it like wearing a suit or tie when you’re selling in person.

High-quality inventory photography is a simple way to stand out from the competition. If you work with a professional service like mine, you’ll see the difference in month one: more views, more leads, and a consistent, polished look on your website. Plus, it’s way easier for salespeople to showcase vehicles right from their desks. Great photos are your online showroom—they prove you care.

Angles, lighting, editing, polarization, lenses, and even file size all impact the final quality of your site. Hiring someone passionate and skilled in both photography and cars eliminates the hassle of training.

Here are a few examples of our photos compared to what your current photographers might be shooting. I hope this helps!
 

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