Revolutionize Your Dealership’s Online Game with the 360Booth®

by Jay Smithweck | Apr 3, 2025 | Solutions

In today’s digital-first car market, standout listings are non-negotiable. Enter the 360Booth with SHOOT it ai smart camera, a game-changer for automotive dealers. It slashes photo time by 50%, so your team can list inventory faster and keep the sales pipeline flowing. Plus, automatic lighting adjustments ensuring each vehicle shines online with pro-grade visuals that grab attention.

The result?

A proven 15% uptick in listing performance, turning clicks into customers. Speed, precision, and results—all in one sleek package.

Ready to see it in action? 

Let’s talk about how this tech can drive your dealership forward. Drop a comment or DM me!

The Misleading Promise of “Automation” in Vehicle Photography

by Jay Smithweck | Mar 25, 2025 | Solutions

In the fast-paced world of automotive sales, dealerships are constantly seeking tools to streamline operations and boost online visibility. Some p0hoto booth vendors promise a game-changing solution: automated, high-quality vehicle photography that delivers up to 200 photos per session. They tout “no-touch” automation for both exterior and interior shots, claiming it saves time and ensures consistency. But here’s the catch—when you peel back the layers, the automation isn’t as seamless as advertised, especially for interior photography. This raises a critical question: if a photo booth vendor  overemphasizes exterior shots (say, 40 to 200 photos) while leaving interiors to manual effort, are dealerships really getting the value they’re promised?

Let’s dive into booth vendors offerings, expose the gaps, and explore why more interior photos  actually drive sales more effectively than an exterior-heavy approach.

What’s on the Table?

Some photo booth vendors market themselves as leaders in automotive photography solutions, offering photo booths like the Carousel Photo Studio and Drive-Thru Studio. Their websites boast “automation from start to finish,” with systems that “automatically take pictures of interior and exterior” without a user touching a shutter button. They claim to deliver “50 to over 200 pictures per session,” depending on the studio, using Nikon camera arrays (5 cameras in the Carousel, 12 in the Drive-Thru) to capture everything from 360° exterior spins to panoramic interior views. What happens if one or more of those cameras break?

The pitch is compelling: speed, consistency, and a polished online presence that “wins the click” against competitors. They even highlight post-production automation, promising perfect images uploaded to your site in as little as 80 seconds. Truly misleading!

But here’s where skepticism creeps in. Automation sounds great for exteriors—park the car, let the turntable and cameras do their thing, and you’ve got dozens of angles. But interiors? That’s trickier. Some say their system “operates the camera” for interior stills once it’s placed on the armrest, but the act of positioning it still requires human and a poorer quality image harvest from the Rico Theta. What about detailed shots of features like leather seats, infotainment screens, memory seats, back up camera, navigation, and air filtration system? Those don’t magically happen with a single automated setup. The “200 photos” claim starts to feel inflated when you realize a chunk of those are likely redundant exterior angles, while interiors—where customers often make buying decisions—rely on manual effort disguised as automation.

The Exterior vs. Interior Divide: What Really Sells?

Let’s break this down with a hypothetical scenario based on industry norms. Suppose a vendors booth system delivers 50 exterior photos (a mix of 360° spins and stills) and just 7 interior shots per vehicle. That’s a 6:1 ratio favoring the outside. Sure, exterior photos matter—curb appeal draws eyes online. But car buyers aren’t just buying a shiny shell; they’re investing in an experience and want to see a lack of wear, features, and benefits. A 2023 Cox Automotive study found that 73% of online shoppers prioritize interior details (seating, tech, comfort) when narrowing options, compared to 58% who focus on exterior styling. Another survey by Autotrader showed listings with 12+ interior photos get 30% more engagement than those with fewer than 7.

Now, imagine a customer browsing your inventory. Forty+ exterior shots might dazzle them with angles, but if the interior photos (dark, and few)—say, one dashboard pic, a blurry seat shot, and a vague rear view—they’re left guessing about the features that seal the deal. Seven interior photos might cover basics (front, back, trunk), but what about the sunroof, proof of miles on the odometer, climate controls, or third-row seating in an SUV? A competitor with 15-20 detailed interior shots—highlighting benefits like heated seats or a premium sound system—could easily steal that click. A photo booth vendor touting automation seems to prioritize quantity over relevance, pumping out exterior overload while shortchanging the interior story that drives conversions.

The Automation Lie: Where Some Photo Booth Vendors Fall Short

The “no-touch” claim unravels when you dig into the workflow. For exteriors, their Carousel Studio uses a motorized turntable and multi-camera setup—true automation, no argument there. Only to realize more to fail electronically. But where are the Interior photos? Some vendors sites claim you “place the interior camera on the arm rest,” and the system “automatically creates still interior pictures.” The Theta camera used in this operation Is strictly for interior 360 spins. The quality when harvesting still images Is unacceptable, and poor at best. That’s not full automation—that’s a human-assisted process with an automated trigger. Someone still has to frame the shot, adjust for lighting, and likely move the camera for multiple angles. Compare to a setup where a photographer shoots 7-10 or more curated interior shots from 360Booth (with 28 years of experience providing photo services to dealers); the time savings vanish, and the “automation” feels more like marketing spin.

Worse, their sites don’t clarify how those 200 photos break down. Are 150 exterior photos and 7 interiors realistic? Unlikely. X posts from dealership staff using similar booths suggest interiors often top out at 10-15 shots, with automation limited to basic panoramas. A Reddit thread from r/Justrolledintotheshop (2019) praised a dealership’s booth but lamented sparse interior coverage, with one user begging for “better and more interior photos” over exterior overkill. Vendors promise of “over 200 pictures” might technically hold if you count every frame of a 360° spin (many blurry), but that’s not practical value—it’s padding.

Why More Interior Shots Win—and How Vendors Miss the Mark

Shooting 47 exterior photos versus 7 interiors isn’t just imbalanced—it’s a strategic misstep, uncovering flaws and lies. Interior features and benefits are where customers connect emotionally and justify spending. A minivan buyer wants to see fold-flat seats in the floor; a luxury shopper craves close-ups of wood trim with lack of wear. Forty+ exterior shots might look impressive, but they’re redundant past a point—10-15 well-angled exteriors suffice to show condition and style. Doubling interior shots to 14-20, though, could showcase every selling point: tech, upholstery, storage, quirks. This isn’t speculation—listings with detailed interiors sell 15% faster, per a 2024 Impel report, because they reduce uncertainty and showroom visits.

Photo booth vendors boasting automation prioritize exterior volume over interior depth, and their “place-and-shoot” interior method lacks the flexibility to capture nuanced benefits. A human with the SHOOT it ai smart camera from 360Booth can intentionally highlight what matters—something some photo vendors rigid setup struggles to replicate. Not to mention inadequate data feeds, delays, and failures. 

The advantage of 47 (some blurry) exterior and 7 mostly dark interior photos? Speed and consistency, maybe. But the benefit of more interior clear, well-lit shots—say, 20-30—far outweighs that, driving trust, engagement, and sales.

The Verdict: Half-Truths and Missed Opportunities. STOP THE AUTOMATION LIE!

Lying outright—they deliver automation, just not the full hands-off miracle they imply. Their 200-photo boast leans heavily on exterior blurry shots, with interiors as an afterthought requiring manual tweaks. For dealerships, this half-baked automation risks mechanical breakdowns and failures, alienating customers who crave transparency inside the cabin. The real advantage lies in balancing the equation: fewer, smarter exterior shots and a robust interior gallery. Until these vendors rethink their approach, “good enough” dealerships might buy the hype, but savvy ones will see through the smoke and demand more.

We are the Dream Makers!

by Jay Smithweck | Mar 12, 2025 | Solutions

Absolutely! 

360Booth and SHOOT it ai aren’t just tools, they’re the Dream Makers of dealership photography.

For years, dealerships have invested millions into their facilities, customer experience, and branding To fulfill their dreams Yet, when it comes to vehicle photos, the first impression online many have unknowingly let their dream slip or honestly disappear. 

That’s where we come in:

 360Booth and SHOOT it ai bring those dreams back to life, ensuring every vehicle is photographed with perfect lighting, framing, and consistency. No more missed opportunities, no more amateur-looking inventory that look like dreams went to die. Just flawless, studio-quality images that reflect the excellence of your dealership. Once again making your dreams come true. 

If you’ve built a your dream dealership YOU deserves to stand out, we’re here to make sure your photo dream come true. 

We don’t just take photos, we make your photo dreams a reality.

The Future of Vehicle Photography

by Jay Smithweck | Mar 12, 2025 | Solutions

The future of vehicle photography at dealerships is shaping up to be a battle between innovative technologies like AI segmentation with fake background replacement and established solutions like the 360Booth vehicle photo studio.

Will 360Booth’s professional, real-photo approach will outlast AI-driven methods and whether dealerships using AI segmentation will face significant hurdles due to quality and process issues.

Will the 360Booth Succeed in the Long Run for Most Dealerships?

The 360Booth vehicle photo studio is poised to remain a dominant choice for dealerships prioritizing professional, high-quality photos over cost-cutting alternatives like AI segmentation and fake backgrounds.

Here’s why we succeed in the long term:

Consistent and High-Quality Results 24/7:

Our 360Booth operates in a controlled studio environment indoors with professional lighting and clean, distraction-free studio background. Our studio design ensures every photo is visually appealing, uniform and 24/7 unaffected by external variables like weather or time of day. For dealerships, this consistency strengthens their brand image, critical in an industry where first impressions drive sales. In contrast, AI segmentation often starts with outdoor photos, which can vary widely in quality due to unpredictable lighting conditions, making it harder for budget-focused dealerships to maintain a polished online presence regardless of time or day or weather.

Efficiency Without Compromise:

Time is money at dealerships, especially high-volume ones. Our 360Booth streamlines the photography process by capturing sharp multiple angles and 360-degree views in a single, quick session, no need to reposition vehicles or wait for ideal outdoor conditions. This efficiency reduces labor costs, speeds up inventory listings and giving dealerships a competitive edge. AI segmentation, while potentially cheaper upfront (shooting outside avoids studio costs), often requires extensive post-processing to fix errors (wasting time), negating some of those savings and slowing the workflow.

Authenticity Drives Trust:

Customers shopping online demand transparency. The 360Booth delivers real, unmanipulated sharp images of vehicles, accurately showcasing their condition and features in the finest lighting. This authenticity builds trust, a key factor in converting browsers into buyers. Dealerships using AI to slap fake backgrounds onto photos risk coming across as artificial or deceptive, especially if the results look inconsistent or unrealistic. In an era where customer reviews and word-of-mouth can make or break a business, the 360Booth’s genuine approach aligns better with long- term inventory photo success.

While some dealerships might adopt AI segmentation to “save a dollar” by shooting outside, the trade-off in quality, professionalism and waiting for better weather could hurt them in a market that increasingly values polished, trustworthy listings. The 360Booth’s investment upfront pays off by delivering a superior product 24/7 that meets customer expectations and industry standards

Will AI Segmentation and Fake Background Dealerships Suffer Greatly?

Dealerships relying on AI segmentation and fake background replacement face significant challenges that could undermine their success, especially when compared to the structured advantages of the 360Booth. Let’s explore the specific issues you mentioned—inclement weather, reflections, inadequate data feeds—and how they contribute to potential struggles:

Inconsistent Quality from Outdoor Shooting:

AI segmentation typically begins with photos taken outdoors, where conditions like rain, overcast skies, or harsh sunlight can wreak havoc. Inclement weather can dull a vehicle’s appearance, while reflections from clouds, trees, or nearby objects can distort its surface, making it look scratched or dirty. These flaws carry over into the segmented image, even with a fake background, resulting in unprofessional photos that fail to impress buyers. The 360Booth sidesteps this entirely, its indoor setup eliminates weather and reflection issues, ensuring every shot is pristine 24/7 hours a day.

Software and Data Limitations:

AI segmentation depends heavily on advanced CV software, robust data sets and data teams knowledge in data feeds to accurately isolate a vehicle from its background and integrate it with a fake one. When the software struggles with complex reflections or shadows, or if the data feeding the AI is inadequate, the results can be disastrous. Vehicles might appear “floating,” edges might look jagged, or the background might clash unnaturally with the car. Dealerships using subpar software companies could see their photos riddled with these errors, damaging their credibility. The 360Booth, by contrast, doesn’t rely on such issues, it captures the real scene as-is, avoiding these pitfalls.

Legal and Ethical Risks:

Fake backgrounds replacement (FBR) introduce a risk of misrepresentation. If a vehicle’s condition or surroundings are altered in a way that misleads buyers—say, hiding damage or suggesting a pristine lot when it’s not, dealerships could face legal action for deceptive advertising. Even without legal trouble, the ethical hit to their reputation could drive customers away. The 360Booth’s real photos eliminate this risk, offering a transparent view that aligns with consumer protection standards and builds long-term trust.

Lack of Process Structure:

Outdoor AI shoots lack the rigid, repeatable process that the 360Booth provides. Weather delays, lighting adjustments, and manual fixes for segmentation errors make the workflow unpredictable and time-consuming. The 360Booth’s structured environment, consistent lighting, fixed camera positions, and quick turnaround, creates a smoother, faster pipeline. For high-volume dealerships, this reliability is a game-changer, while AI-dependent workflows could bog them down with inefficiencies.

These challenges suggest that dealerships leaning on AI segmentation and fake backgrounds might suffer in terms of quality, customer perception, and operational headaches, especially when pitted against the 360Booth’s proven strengths.

The Bigger Picture:

While AI technology is advancing and could eventually address some of these limitations (better segmentation algorithms, improved data feeds), its current state doesn’t match the reliability and professionalism of the 360Booth. Dealerships aiming to stand out in a crowded online market need photos that inspire confidence and showcase their inventory at its best. The 360Booth delivers that with a structured, high-quality process that combats the unpredictability of outdoor AI shoots.

In the long run, the 360Booth’s focus on authenticity, efficiency, and consistency positions it as the smarter choice for most dealerships. AI segmentation might appeal to budget-conscious operations, but its risks—lower quality, potential misrepresentation, and process inefficiencies—could cost more in lost sales and reputation than it saves in dollars. For now, and likely well into the future, the 360Booth remains the one to beat in vehicle photography.

The Three Tiers of Automotive Photography: Finding the Right Solution for Your Dealership

by Jay Smithweck | Mar 5, 2025 | Solutions

For nearly three decades, we have been at the forefront of lot photography, photo studio solutions, and cutting-edge AI technology. After countless consultations, installations, and discussions with dealerships nationwide, we’ve identified three distinct tiers of vehicle photography—each with its own strengths, limitations, and opportunities. No matter which category your dealership falls into, we have a custom-tailored solution to elevate your images and drive sales.

First Class: The Full Studio Experience

The gold standard in vehicle photography is a dedicated studio environment. A dealership that invests in a 360 Booth Vehicle Photo Studio ensures flawless lighting, perfectly clean floors, and AI-enhanced precision, creating magazine-quality images that inspire buyer confidence.

Why First Class Works:

• Consistency & Professionalism: Every vehicle is showcased in ideal lighting conditions, with no distractions or environmental inconsistencies.
• Trust & Credibility: High-end, studio-quality images communicate a level of care that enhances perceived value and speeds up online sales.
• Efficiency & Automation: With AI-driven workflows and SHOOT it ai, dealerships can capture and upload high-quality images in minutes.

If you want the best of the best, a 360Booth Studio is the answer—giving you complete control over image quality, lighting, and branding.

Second Class: The DIY Photo Space

Not every dealership has the space or budget for a full studio, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice quality. The DIY photo area is a structured but more flexible solution, designed to maximize image quality while working within existing dealership space.

How the DIY Model Works:

• Designate a consistent photo area with proper lighting and backdrops.
• Utilize the Shoot It AI Smart Camera, which guides users through each shot, ensuring perfect framing and removing the need for extensive training.
• Implement AI-powered lighting and post-processing tools to enhance images in real time.

With this cost-effective and highly scalable solution, dealerships can achieve studio-quality results without a dedicated studio.

Third Class: The Open Lot Photography Approach

For dealerships that rely on outdoor lot photography, challenges like inconsistent lighting, poor reflections, and distracting backgrounds are inevitable. But this doesn’t mean you have to settle for subpar photos.

How to Improve Open Lot Photography:

• The Shoot It AI Camera automatically adjusts for lighting conditions, ensuring better color accuracy and sharper images even in unpredictable outdoor environments.
• AI-enhanced 3D modeling replaces cluttered backgrounds with seamless, professional-grade backdrops.
• Intelligent image enhancement tools correct shadows, reflections, and distortions—eliminating the headaches of shooting in uncontrolled conditions.

For dealerships that can’t create a dedicated space, our AI-powered tools ensure the best possible images—no matter the conditions.

No Matter the Tier—We Have the Solution

Whether you’re investing in a full photo studio, setting up a DIY space, or capturing images directly on the lot, we provide industry-leading technology to improve efficiency, save time, and produce high-quality images that sell cars faster.

Our suite of solutions—including the 360 Booth Studio, Shoot It AI Smart Camera, and AI-enhanced image processing—ensures that every dealership, at every level, can deliver top-tier photos.

Ready to Upgrade Your Photography?

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s find the perfect solution to enhance your vehicle images and increase buyer confidence.