When selling your car online in Kenya, your photos can make or break the sale.
A clean, well-lit photo can triple your chances of attracting serious buyers, while a dull or blurry image might get skipped instantly.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to take perfect car photos that make your listing on Automart.co.ke stand out — and sell faster.

📸 1. Clean and Prepare Your Car First

Before you even touch the camera, give your car a proper wash. Buyers can spot dust, fingerprints, and clutter from photos — and that can hurt your first impression.

Do this before shooting:

  • Wash and wax the exterior.
  • Vacuum and wipe down the dashboard, seats, and mats.
  • Remove personal items (air fresheners, bottles, clothes).
  • Park in a clean, open space — avoid cluttered backgrounds.

💡 Pro Tip: A spotless car not only photographs better but also signals that it has been well maintained.

☀️ 2. Shoot in the Right Lighting

Lighting is the secret to professional-looking car photos — and you don’t need a studio to get it right.

Best times to shoot:

  • Early morning (7 – 9 AM) or late afternoon (4 – 6 PM).
  • Overcast days are perfect — soft light reduces glare and shadows.

Avoid:

  • Shooting under harsh midday sun (causes reflections).
  • Using flash — it often flattens the car’s curves and colors.

🌅 Pro Tip: Always face the car toward the sun so its front is evenly lit.

🏞️ 3. Choose a Neutral Background

Your car should be the star of the photo — not your neighbour’s house or a busy road.

Good locations:

  • Empty parking lots
  • Open driveways
  • Smooth pavements
  • Green parks with open space

Avoid:

  • Crowded streets
  • Petrol stations full of people
  • Dark garages

✨ Pro Tip: A clean background helps your car “pop” and looks more professional on Automart.co.ke listings.

🚗 4. Capture Every Key Angle

Buyers want to see everything before they call or visit. A complete photo set builds trust and saves time answering basic questions.

Essential shots to include:

  1. Front view
  2. Rear view
  3. Left side
  4. Right side
  5. ¾ angle (front corner)
  6. Interior (dashboard, steering, seats)
  7. Engine bay
  8. Boot/trunk
  9. Tyres/rims close-up
  10. Odometer reading

📷 Pro Tip: Stand about 2–3 metres away from the car for exterior shots to capture full proportions.

🎥 5. Record a Short Video Walk-around

A 20–30 second video builds instant confidence. Show the car from all angles, open doors, rev the engine briefly, and show dashboard indicators.

On Automart.co.ke, you can upload Featured Video Ads — perfect for demonstrating the car’s condition and getting more serious inquiries.

✏️ 6. Keep Your Camera Steady and Sharp

Blurry photos scream “unprofessional.” You don’t need a DSLR — just a steady hand or tripod.

Tips:

  • Use your phone’s rear camera (better resolution).
  • Tap to focus before snapping.
  • Hold steady for 2 seconds after each shot.
  • Use HDR mode if available to balance shadows and light.

📸 Pro Tip: Avoid filters — buyers prefer natural, realistic images.

💡 7. Edit Lightly — Don’t Overdo It

You can slightly enhance your photos to look crisp and consistent, but don’t mislead buyers.

Use free tools like:

  • Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to brighten or crop.
  • Canva for resizing or adding your dealership watermark.

✅ Adjust brightness, contrast, and crop — but never hide scratches or damage. Honesty builds long-term buyer trust.

🔑 8. Upload the Best 8–12 Images to Automart.co.ke

When posting your free ad, upload at least 8 high-quality photos showing all key angles.
The first image becomes your thumbnail, so choose your best front or side shot.

💡 Pro Tip: Listings with 10+ clear images get up to 60% more inquiries on vehicle marketplaces.

⚙️ 9. Add a Strong Description to Match Your Photos

Good photos work best when supported by a clear, honest description.
Mention details like service history, ownership, and condition.

Example:

“2017 Toyota Fielder, accident-free, new tyres, 86,000 km, first owner.
Clean interior and runs perfectly. Call or WhatsApp for viewing in Nairobi.”

📈 Bonus: A solid description helps your post rank higher in Google search and inside Automart’s marketplace results.

🚀 10. Publish and Share Your Listing

Once your photos and details are ready, upload your ad for free on Automart.co.ke.

Then share your listing link on:

  • WhatsApp groups (family, colleagues, car enthusiasts)
  • Facebook pages
  • Instagram Stories

🔁 Pro Tip: The more visibility your listing gets, the faster it sells — especially if you use Automart’s Sponsored Promotions or Video Ad upgrades.

✅ Final Thoughts

Good photos sell cars. It’s that simple.
Clean your car, shoot in daylight, capture all angles, and upload clear, honest images.

Whether you’re selling a Toyota Axio, Mazda Demio, or Subaru Forester, these photo tips will help your ad stand out and attract serious buyers fast.

Ready to sell your car?
👉 List Your Vehicle for Free on Automart.co.ke