What photos are required?

CARSMOTORCYCLESROAD ARTTRACTORS

Lead photo: three-quarter (¾) angle of the vehicle’s entire exterior. The consignment should be shown entirely, and no portion of the item should be cut off. For vehicles, all the doors, hood and trunk should be closed. Photo should be taken in a landscape/horizontal orientation (used for the majority of marketing publications).

Additional photos required: photo of VIN plate, odometer, trim tag

// How many photos can I submit?

Consignors may submit an unlimited number of images, and Mecum experts will ensure that the widest selection of the imagery that is deemed most informative and of highest promotional value is posted to the website.

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// How do I prep my consignment for photos?

KEEP IT CLEAN

In the case of most items and vehicles, it’s recommended that the consignor wash and dry the exterior and clean and vacuum the interior if applicable, removing everything from the interior that will not be included in the sale. However, if the consignor is taking photos of something that is valued for its “as-found” condition or its unique, vintage patina, this step may not apply.

REMOVE LICENSE PLATES AND STICKERS

Remove license plates and/or frames with current registration, dealer license plates or vanity plates that could disclose information about yourself or your business. Plates relevant to the vehicle’s make or model may stay on the vehicle (examples: NCRS, Bloomington Gold, HEMI, etc.).

CHOOSE A SIMPLE BACKDROP

Your vehicle or item should be the sole focus of the photo. Keep the background simple—a wall, trees, a fence or open space all work well. Be sure there are no poles, signs or distracting or obtrusive trees behind the vehicle and that there are no people shown within the photo.

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// What types of photos should I provide?

BEST PRACTICES

Use your Smartphone OR Digital Camera and find an outdoor location to take your photos. Locations on pavement with an attractive or simple background are recommended (free of people, other vehicles, and distracting clutter). Take your photos in a widescreen format (landscape). Hold your phone or camera horizontally and back up until the entire vehicle fits within the screen. *Digital Camera users: within your camera settings, set image size at, or close to 1500 KB (equal to 1.5 MB or higher) and select 16:9 aspect ratio setting.

PHOTOGRAPH THE EXTERIOR

The best way to showcase a vehicle, tractor or motorcycle in a photograph is outside on a paved surface. Unless the weather is inclement and the vehicle cannot be driven, moving the vehicle outside is preferred and recommended in all cases. Please contact [email protected] for approval on the usage of indoor photography. 

EXTERIOR SHOT LIST

Front three-quarter (¾) view – driver’s side
(REQUIRED lead photo for cars)

Side profile view – driver’s side
(REQUIRED lead photo for cars, motorcycles and tractors)

Side profile – passenger side

Rear three-quarter (¾) view – driver’s side

Front three-quarter (¾) view – passenger side

Rear three-quarter (¾) view – passenger side

Front of vehicle – straight on

Rear of vehicle – straight on

PHOTOGRAPH THE INTERIOR

Open the door and photograph the interior from both the driver’s side and the passenger side. Capture the details such as the steering wheel, gauges, odometer, dash controls and pedals.

INTERIOR SHOT LIST

Interior – driver’s side

Interior – passenger side

Odometer

PHOTOGRAPH THE ENGINE

Open the vehicle’s hood and ensure it is free of leaves or debris. Photograph the entire engine bay from above and from each side including as much of the engine bay in the shot as possible.

ENGINE SHOT LIST

Engine – driver’s side

Engine – straight on

Engine – passenger side

PHOTOGRAPH THE DETAILS

Detail shots, underbody shots and paperwork are all important details that a potential buyer may want to see. It’s important to get photos of documentation relevant to the vehicle. For service records, lay them out like a fan and take one shot from above. If they include personal contact information, block it out before taking the photo.