Taking pictures at Dealerships?

[search231GT]

Hello Everyone,

So I am relatively new to car photography, but I'm getting deep into it. I post pictures on my blog, Flickr, and I contribute to an automotive site ( I don't get paid in any way). I haven't been able to find a solid answer on the web, so I wanted to ask here. Would dealerships let me take pictures of some of theirs cars for me to upload online? I'm curious about this because there are a lot of car dealers near where I live and I see them getting all the new models that I'm interested in. I mean it would be free advertising for them and could possibly help me make connections.

Again, I'm just curious about this and if they would actually let me do it. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

[480sparky]

They might. All you can do is call and ask.

 

[john*thomas]

They are generally sitting out in the open after hours. Would they let you take one to photograph it in a more picturesque spot? I'd say most probably wouldn't.

 

[SkvLTD]

I need to stroll on down to one exotic dealer around here once my D600 comes in and I test it all out, and have a chat with them regarding similar notion. Who knows, maybe get lucky and get some payment for it, and they have a spot in the back for more isolated shots too.

They've seen and liked my shots of their stuff from our Auto Show, so its not a totally lost cause.

 

[Pretzel]

I'd say it would be better to ask the dealership instead of us. We'll all say YES, but they might not.

 

[Moab Man]

I would talk to them, show them what you do and how the photos would be used. Then credit the dealership and thank them for each use on your blog.

Never hurts to ask, but dress appropriately so they take you serious.

 

[Mike D90]

Many dealerships, particularly those that also sell used cars, love to have photos of their vehicles because they often put them in printed ads.

I would make an offer to give them a disc of all the images in return for letting you do some photography. While you are at it, throw in several shots of other cars and different shots of each car including the interior.

If you are doing a jam up job next thing you know they will need photos and will call you to do them.

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

What he said ^^^^^^^

I think Mike has it right. Do a good job, dress professionally, offer them a copy for free of what you shoot. They may ask you to come in and shoot and pay you some for it. Can't hurt to ask. If no then go on Sunday afternoon when they are closed and shoot away.