Photo tips by body style
- Sedan (3 Series, M3): a front three-quarter shot from about 45° is the default, with the whole car in frame from the front bumper to the end of the trunk. The maker works out the rear from it. If the back of your car matters most to you, a rear three-quarter shot that still shows the whole car gives the maker the tail lights and bumper directly, because the clip is filmed from behind.
- SUV (X5 and other tall models): step back further than feels natural. The roof, all four wheels and the ground under them should be in frame; a cropped roof or bumper is guessed, and guessed parts rarely match. Shooting from about waist height keeps the height of the car reading correctly.
- Convertible: a photo with the roof up gives the maker a clear roofline. With the roof down, the cabin and the top of the car are rebuilt by the model and can change between attempts.
- Badges and plate: no need to hide them; the maker removes every badge and blanks the plate anyway. A plain background with no other cars behind yours helps more.
- Your portrait: one person, face to camera, daylight, no sunglasses. Use your own photos, or photos you have permission to use, of the person and of the car. No celebrities or public figures.
