A still photograph gives the viewer time to look, so the car in it has to be right. CarSeen provides photoshoot car hire in London for fashion, editorial, lookbook, e-commerce, automotive-lifestyle and brand shoots. We source cars from private owners, collectors and specialists, cast them to your moodboard, and handle the logistics of getting them to your studio or location.
There are over 2,600 cars in our catalogue, from pre-war classics to current models.
Cars for fashion, editorial and brand shoots
Photographers and stylists come to us for:
- Classic cars. Classic cars for heritage and vintage-styled shoots, such as a 1968 Jaguar E-Type or a 1960s saloon for a retro lookbook.
- Luxury. Luxury and executive cars, Rolls-Royce and Bentley for high-end fashion and jewellery campaigns.
- Convertibles and sports cars. Convertibles and sports cars for summer campaigns and travel stories.
- Characterful small cars. From the Mini and Citroën to microcars like the Peel P50, for playful, colourful shoots.
- Modern cars. Contemporary cars in clean, current colours for lifestyle, tech and e-commerce imagery.
- Vans and campers. Campervans and vans for festival, outdoor and road-trip stories.
Catalogue images are representative of each model. Your shortlist shows the real cars available for your date.
How it works
- 1. Send a brief. Share the moodboard, the date, the location or studio, and how the car will be used: as a backdrop, sat in, leaned on, or driven.
- 2. Get a shortlist. We suggest cars that suit the palette and the story, including colour options where we have them.
- 3. Confirm and quote. Each shoot is quoted on its own, based on the car, the hours, transport and any driver.
- 4. Delivery. We coordinate delivery and collection with the owner and your production team, and confirm call times in advance.
Studio or location?
Studio shoots. Check the studio's vehicle rules before booking. Many ask about access door sizes, fuel levels, battery isolation, drip trays and floor protection. Tell us the studio and its load-in details, and we'll pass them to the owner. Some cars arrive on a transporter to keep them clean and to make the timing precise.
Location shoots in London. For small, hand-held crews, street photography in London can be fairly simple. Larger set-ups, parking suspensions and anything that blocks the pavement or road usually need the local Borough Film Service, and TfL red routes need TfL permission. Film London publishes guidance. Our London picture car guide also covers ULEZ, the Congestion Charge and parking.
Getting the best from a car on a shoot
- Colour. Tell us your palette. A car that clashes with the styling is hard to fix in post.
- Contact with the car. If models will sit on the bonnet, stand on the bumper or wear jewellery, studs or heels near the paintwork, say so in the brief. Owners want to know, and it affects which cars we suggest.
- Interiors. If you're shooting inside, ask for interior photos on the shortlist. Trim and dashboards vary a lot, even within one model.
- Number plates. Plates can be a styling point or a distraction. Tell us if you'd like period plates or plan to remove them in post.
- Time. Build in time for positioning. Moving a car a few feet takes longer than moving a light.
Credits
Our team have worked with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC, Channel 4, Paramount, Apple TV, Meta, Google, Disney+ and Discovery. See credits.
Related
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a car for a photoshoot in London?
Every shoot is quoted on its own. The cost depends on the car, the hours, transport and whether a driver is needed. Send a brief and we'll confirm it on your quote.
Can you deliver a car to a photo studio?
Yes. We coordinate delivery with the owner. Please send the studio's address, load-in details and vehicle rules with your brief.
Can models sit on or touch the car?
Often, with the owner's agreement. Tell us exactly what's planned so we only suggest cars where the owner is comfortable with it.
Do I need permission to shoot with a car on a London street?
Small hand-held crews can often shoot on the street without formal permission. Bigger set-ups, parking and anything that causes an obstruction need the local Borough Film Service, or TfL on red routes.
Can I hire a car for just a few hours?
Tell us the hours you need in your brief. The length of hire is one of the things we confirm on your quote.
Are the photos on your site the actual cars?
No. Catalogue images are representative of each model. The shortlist we send shows the real cars.
Planning a shoot?