How to Take Basic Commercial Truck Photos – WeGoLook

Front/Rear Full View

Stand directly in front of the truck and position the camera parallel to the center of the vehicle. Capture the full view of the vehicle and eliminate as much of the background as possible. For the best angle, you may need to back up several steps depending on the size of the vehicle. The following photos are required:

a. Front Full View

b. Rear Full View

2. Right Side/Left Side Full View

Take several steps away from the side of the truck. Center the frame of the photo to capture the entire vehicle straight on in one shot and eliminate as much of the background as possible. The following photos are required:

a. Right Side Full View

b. Left Side Full View

3. Corner Views

Take full views of the vehicle from each of the 4 corners. Be sure to include the entire vehicle at that angle (include top and bottom of vehicle).

a. Full View of Vehicle From Driver Side Front Corner

b. Full View of Vehicle From Driver Side Rear Corner

c. Full View of Vehicle From Passenger Side Front Corner

d. Full View of Vehicle From Passenger Side Rear Corner

4. Tires

You will be taking photos of each tire/wheel. Position the tire tread depth tool in between the tire tread. Take photos straight on of each tire with the tool. Try to eliminate fingers/hands and background in the photo. An approved WeGoLook tire tread tool is preferred. However, a penny or tire tread tool from a local auto supply store is also acceptable. Try to eliminate cutting off portions of the tire/wheel in the photo. Repeat for each tire/wheel and take the following photos:

a. Right Side of Front Tire/Wheel

b. Left Side of Front Tire/Wheel

c. Right Side of Rear Tire/Wheel

d. Left Side of Rear Tire/Wheel

5. Engine (Full View, Hood Open)

Take a full view of the engine from each side of the vehicle. Try to capture as much of the engine, from the highest angle possible, looking down.

a. Driver’s Side Engine View

b. Passenger Side Engine View

6. Engine VIN

Locate the data plate or sticker that shows the engine VIN, if visible. Position the camera directly in front of the sticker and capture the FULL VIN. Be sure to check your photos before you leave the site to verify that the numbers are visible.

7. Fifth Wheel Area/Hitch

The Fifth Wheel Area is the area on a commercial truck where a trailer attaches. Not all commercial trucks have a Fifth Wheel Area. If the vehicle you're inspecting does not have a Fifth Wheel Area, please take photos of the hitch instead.

8. Attachments

Some commercial vehicles have an attachment, such as a boom, lift, dump, crane, etc. Include photos of the attachment as a whole and a photo of the attachment VIN or Serial Plate, if visible. You can use the Extra Photo slots to take additional photos of the attachment, if needed.

9. Odometer/Hour Meter

Ask the owner or onsite contact to start or turn on the vehicle. Locate the odometer on the dashboard and take a straight on photo of the odometer. If the odometer is not working, take a photo of the odometer location and note in the report that it is not working. If both an odometer reading and an hour meter reading are available, take photos of each. Be sure to check your photos before you leave the site to verify that all numbers are visible.

10. VIN

Locate the manufacturer sticker on the vehicle (typically on the driver’s side door frame). Position the camera directly in front of the sticker. Zoom in toward the printed text and eliminate as much background as possible. For best results, you may need to take 2-3 extra photos. Be sure to check your photos before you leave the site to verify that all numbers are visible.

11. Damage

Inspect the exterior and seat of the vehicle. Specifically look for dents, scratches, or signs of an accident. Zoom into the location of the damage on the vehicle and take a straight on shot. Eliminate any glare from the sun as well as unwanted background images. Be sure to note the damage in the 'comments section' of the report and provide approximate measurements with a brief description of the location of the damage on the vehicle.