The Best Time of Day for Your Car Advert Photos - and How to Avoid Reflections

Trimmis, Switzerland – May 2026: Those photographing their car in spring benefit from longer days, clearer light, and a generally friendlier environment. Vehicles often appear more well- maintained and attractive in photos compared to the darker winter months. However, more brightness does not automatically mean better photos: at the wrong time of day, harsh reflections occur, glaring windows and surfaces that can quickly look like dents or scratches in images.

That is why the time of day is crucial. Soft light is better than harsh midday sun. Particularly suitable are the early morning hours up to about 10:30 a.m. and the late afternoon from about 4 p.m. to just before sunset. Then it's bright but not dazzling. The paintwork appears calmer, contours remain clean, and the vehicle looks more professional overall.

Another important point is the car's position. Instead of simply photographing the vehicle at its current location, it should be slightly turned towards the light source. The 45-degree logic has proven successful: the car stands slightly angled towards the sun or the bright sky area, so that side surfaces do not become mirror walls. Often, a small change in perspective helps more than any post-editing of the image.

Especially important are these seven quick tricks against reflections:

First: change the angle instead of making the image artificially brighter.

Second: avoid photographing directly next to glass facades, shop windows, or metal surfaces.

Third: choose a calm background so that no chaos reflects in the paintwork.

Fourth: position the car slightly angled towards the light source.

Fifth: if available, use a polarizing filter – otherwise, simply vary the perspective.

Sixth: do not photograph wet paint surfaces, as water greatly enhances reflections.

Seventh: when photographing the interior, open the doors and hold the camera slightly sideways instead of directly in front of the window.

Location also makes a big difference. Open spaces with a calm background, clean ground, and enough distance to the next object are ideal. A simple house wall or a clean parking lot usually works better than petrol stations, narrow courtyards, or busy commercial areas. Because restless backgrounds not only distract but often reflect exactly where potential buyers want to check the vehicle's condition.

For good photos, no professional equipment is needed. Modern smartphones are sufficient if the lens is clean, digital zoom is avoided, and the exposure is set on the vehicle instead of the sky. This way, the car remains visible and does not appear too dark.

Especially in car buying, first impressions count. This applies to car buying in Zurich as well as to car buying in Bern. Anyone looking for information about car buying or car buying in Switzerland in general will find the right answers with us.

Those who photograph in spring should not rely on maximum sun, but on controlled, soft light. With the right timing, a calm background, and a few simple adjustments, significantly better car photos can be created. And if the effort becomes too great, one can use the direct car buying service of Autoankauf-in-der-Nähe. Easy purchase service with enquiry, appraisal, collection, and prompt payment.

Address:

Autoankauf in der Nähe
Cholplatzweg 30
7203 Trimmis
Email: info@autoankauf-in-der-naehe.ch
Web: www.autoankauf-in-der-nähe.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Autoankauf in der Nähe / Photographer: milan degraeve