For decades, automotive dealerships and auction houses have relied on traditional vehicle photography methods to capture images of their inventory. Taking such high-quality, professional images manually, however, requires skilled photographers, proper lighting, and large chunks of time. Together, these factors drive up operational costs and slow down vehicle processing.

Fortunately, automated vehicle photography has emerged as a better and more efficient alternative. Black Widow Imaging is leading the charge, offering a cutting-edge solution to simplify and enhance the vehicle photography process for dealerships, manufacturers, and auction houses alike. 

The Traditional Vehicle Photography Workflow

The biggest shortcoming of traditional photography is its speed, or lack thereof. Photographers need to set up lighting, adjust camera angles, and edit images. These steps are slow and typically lead to the following challenges:

• Delays in vehicle listings
• High operational costs
• Difficulty maintaining a consistent brand image
  

In response, some dealers and auction houses have been trying to cut corners by capturing photos with smartphones. But that only leads to even more inconsistencies in image quality, which diminishes consumer trust in vehicle listings and slows down inventory turnover. 

The Rise of Automated Vehicle Photography

Automated vehicle photography eliminates the pain points outlined above by leveraging technology to capture, edit, and publish images with minimal human effort. Black Widow Imaging provides a comprehensive solution. Our drive-through imaging system pairs world-class software with high-quality lighting and cameras. 

By adopting automated vehicle photography, your business can accomplish things such as:

• Capturing and generating publish-ready images in minutes
• Ensuring uniform lighting and standardized backgrounds
• Processing large numbers of vehicles quickly
  

Don’t let vehicle photography be a pain point for your business — capture better photos faster with Black Widow Imaging. 

How Automation Is Revolutionizing Dealership Workflows

Automation doesn’t just capture images faster; it transforms your entire workflow. Working with Black Widow Imaging will empower your dealership to do the following:

• Photograph, edit, and upload pictures instantly. No more stock photos or missing images.
• Eliminate the need for professional photographers or a dedicated photography staff. 
• Capture consistent, high-quality photos to boost buyer confidence
• Quicker time-to-market with images online the day the vehicle arrives on your lot
  

Better photos mean higher engagement and conversion rates. Buyers will be more intrigued by the vehicles in your inventory if they can view them from every angle via high-quality online photos. Automation ensures that every vehicle is seamlessly integrated to your website, allowing you to close more deals faster.

Why Dealerships Should Embrace Automation Now

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving. Chances are high that you are facing more online competition than ever before, as today’s consumers simply do not feel obligated to visit their local dealer. High-quality vehicle photography, therefore, is no longer optional; it is essential for maintaining your competitive edge. In fact, according to Kelly Blue Book, 90% of vehicle shoppers would prefer to view actual photos of vehicles vs stock photos or no photos at all. 

By investing in automated vehicle photography, your dealership will gain the following advantages:

• A faster, more efficient workflow that keeps inventory moving
• A cost-effective alternative to traditional photography services
• A stronger online presence with consistent, visually appealing images
  

The sooner you adopt automated vehicle photography technologies, the sooner your business can unlock these powerful benefits.

Black Widow Imaging: Leading the Charge in Vehicle Photography

Black Widow Imaging provides a fully automated drive-through imaging system designed to integrate into your existing workflow. Here’s a glimpse into the image-capturing process:

• Park Vehicle: The driver positions the vehicle under the Black Widow unit
• Retrieve Phone: They exit the vehicle and retrieve a phone from the kiosk
• Scan VIN: The driver selects the vehicle type and then scans the VIN plate with the phone
• Capture Manual Images: The driver captures manual shots of the odometer, radio, and a few other key angles by following the phone’s guidance
• Capture 360 Images: The driver places the 360 camera on the center console and clicks the “Capture” button 
• Capture Exterior Images: The driver steps out of the view of the shot and clicks the “Capture” button, which triggers the exterior Black Widow cameras
• Return Devices: The driver returns the phone and 360 camera to the kiosk
• Drive Away: The driver gets back in the vehicle and leaves

Dealerships and auction houses have racked up major savings with Black Widow Imaging. Average savings include:

• $40+ per day saved by reducing holding time
• $25-$50 per vehicle saved by eliminating photography services fees
  

With instant imaging and publishing, clients experience up to 20% faster inventory turnover. 

Modernize Vehicle Photography With Black Widow Imaging

If you’re ready to step into the future of car sales, you need to be prepared to maintain your competitive edge with modern vehicle photography solutions. Book a demo with Black Widow Imaging today to get started,