1. Get outside

Move your aircraft out of the hangar and in the sunshine. If the weather allows, using natural light is preferred. Sunrise and sunset are generally good times to capture good lighting.

2. Choose a good backdrop

Get your plane in front of a simple background. You can use the side of a building or hangar, a group of thick trees, or an open field and blue sky. Do your best to avoid busy backgrounds with other aircraft or distractions.

4. Catch it all

Don’t hide problems with the aircraft. Dents, fading paint, rust or other damage is important to document. It’s better to show any flaws up front, before a buyer discovers it after a sale.

5. Start with a clean plane

Vacuum the interior. Rinse and dry the exterior. Clean the glass. A little elbow grease will make your aircraft look good as new.

6. Final Checklist

Here are the shots we like to capture. Keep in mind that there’s no such thing as too many photos. This is about the minimum number of shots you can capture and satisfy a buyer.

Exterior
1. Straight front 
2. Straight back
3. 45 degree angle from the front
4. 45 degree angle from the back
5. Both wing’s leading edges
6. Tail from the side
7. Propeller or jet fan blade detail
8. Underside and landing gear 

Interior
9. Instrument panel
10. Avionics detail
11. Seats and interior condition
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Under the hood
12. Engine from above
13. Engine from the side

7. Bonus Shots

If you want your aircraft to really stand out in a crowded market, consider adding these shots to your list.

Exterior
1. Front door open looking into the cabin
2. Rear door open looking into the cabin (if applicable)
3. Anti-collision, beacon lights, strobe lights detail
4. 45 degree angle detail of the vertical stabilizer
5. Flight control surface detail (aileron, elevator, rudder)

Interior
6. Avionics, radio powered and unpowered
7. Hobbs meter, tach timer, etc. detail
8. Detail of each seat
9. Passenger perspective view
10. Flooring detail
11. Cargo hold
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Under the hood
12. Engine air intake detail
13. Exhaust detail