Let’s be honest, if you’re booking a private shoot with iJAG Photography, your car isn’t just a way of getting from A to B. It’s your pride and joy. Whether it’s your first set of keys, a perfectly restored classic, or a modern collector’s masterpiece worth more than most people’s houses, it deserves to be captured at its best. Izzy, the face behind iJAG, knows a thing or two about getting the perfect shot. With a camera in hand and a love for countryside backdrops or open airfields, she’s photographed everything from Ford Fiestas to Ferraris, daily drivers to million-pound rarities. Want to get the most out of your session? Here’s how to prepare your car, and yourself, for a shoot that’ll do your four-wheeled friend justice.
Top Tips to Prepare Your Car
Clean Like You Mean It
It might sound obvious, but giving your car a proper clean is one of the most important parts of prepping for a shoot, and not just the kind of clean you’d do before nipping to the shops. Think showroom-level. This is your car’s big moment, and a few smudges on the bonnet or dust on the alloys can easily show up in high-resolution shots.
Go beyond the basics. Pay attention to the tyres, wheels, grill, mirrors, and the little badges that make your model unique. Don’t forget the inside either, dashboards covered in dust or seats full of crumbs might not be the focal point, but they still matter. Once you’ve done the hard work, pack a small valeting kit to bring with you. A quick touch-up on location can work wonders, especially after a country lane drive to get to the shoot site.
Think About the Look You Want
Before the day arrives, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the vibe you want from your shoot. Do you want your car to look moody and dramatic, or clean and classic? Should it scream speed and power, or lean into its heritage and character? Having a feel for the kind of images you love helps Izzy choose the right spot, lighting, and angles to bring it to life.
If you plan to be in the photos too, and why not, especially if the car is part of your story, think about your outfit. What colours go well with the car? What kind of style fits the theme? It might sound excessive, but a simple change of jacket or a quick switch from jeans to chinos can completely shift the tone. Layering is your best friend here. Bring options. The British countryside is as unpredictable as ever, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Location, Location, Location
Izzy has access to some fantastic private countryside locations, from grand estates to wide open airfields like Kemble. If you’re not sure where to shoot, she’s more than happy to suggest spots that match your car and your vision. That said, if you’ve got a dream location in mind, whether it’s a family farm, a twisty driveway, or even your own back garden — bring it to the table. As long as it’s accessible, has the right permissions, and doesn’t have wheelie bins in the background, it’s probably doable.
Whatever location you go with, keep in mind that peaceful surroundings, good light, and clean scenery make all the difference when it comes to capturing your car properly. And if you’re lucky enough to have somewhere quiet and special in mind, don’t be afraid to ask if it’s shoot-friendly.
Timing is Everything
Lighting is a game-changer in photography. The best natural light usually falls during golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, when the shadows are soft, the colours are rich, and reflections look natural rather than harsh. Izzy always aims to plan shoots around the best lighting conditions, but this is the countryside we’re talking about, and the weather doesn’t always play ball. The key is flexibility. If you can work around the light and the forecast, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, atmospheric photos.
If golden hour isn’t practical, don’t worry. Izzy’s used to making the best of whatever the clouds throw at her, and sometimes an overcast sky actually softens things up perfectly. Just be prepared, and maybe pack a flask.
Check the Details Before You Roll Out
Before you set off, give your car one final once-over. Is your number plate straight? Any stickers or sunshades you don’t want showing up in the shots? Have you cleaned your exhaust tips or checked your tyre pressures? It might sound like overkill, but the little things add up in photography. You’ve done the hard work cleaning and prepping, now’s the time to double-check that it all holds up under a lens.
It’s also worth thinking practically. If you’re planning to sit in or next to the car, is the seating comfortable? Need a stool or a small prop? Do you have everything packed , cleaning kit, clothing changes, keys, and yes, enough fuel?
This is your car’s moment, and preparation is what turns a good photo session into something you’ll want to frame and show off.
Your iJAG Checklist to Prepare Your Car
- Full exterior clean: wash, wax, tyres, glass
- Interior clean: dashboard, seats, mats, remove clutter
- Mini valeting kit for touch-ups on location
- Outfit(s) planned (and packed if needed)
- Layered clothing (it’s the countryside, not a fashion runway)
- Decide if you want to be in the shots
- Let Izzy know if you have a dream location
- Double-check lighting/timing plan
- Clear your boot – it might end up in a shot!
Ready to Capture Your Car?
Your car tells a story, whether it’s a lifelong love affair or a brand-new obsession, and a professional shoot with iJAG Photography is the perfect way to celebrate it. Izzy’s relaxed, experienced approach means your session will feel more like a road trip with a mate than a formal studio shoot. The only difference? You’ll come away with images you’ll want to show off to everyone.
Follow @iJAGPhotographyServices on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, client galleries, and ideas for your own shoot. When you’re ready, reach out to discuss a tailored photoshoot for your individual car or entire collection. Let’s give your pride and joy the attention it deserves.