The Auto Success Executive Spotlight: Transforming Dealership Photography with EZ360’s Automated Studio
In this interview, Izzy Alpert, CEO of EZ360, talks about the differences between outdoor AI-powered photography and an automated studio setup. He explains how both options can improve photography for dealerships and make showcasing vehicles easier and more effective.
Auto Success: Izzy, let’s start with the basics. You’ve talked about shooting photos outside using AI to create studio-quality images. Then there’s the option of using an actual photo studio. If the photos look the same, what factors make someone choose one over the other?
Izzy Alpert: “Great question. AI is expensive to operate because of the computational power involved, like running NVIDIA servers. Shooting photos outside with AI processing costs about $2 per vehicle. Add a subscription ranging from $495 to $995, depending on volume, and that covers everything.
With a photo studio, the pricing is comparable, but instead of AI costs, you have hardware costs—like multiple cameras and lighting. So while a studio might be slightly cheaper long-term, the difference isn’t huge.”
Auto Success: So the photo studio costs a bit less, but it’s close.
Izzy Alpert: “Exactly. Both options can be covered under the same subscription package.”
Auto Success: If I were running a dealership, how would I decide between the two?
Izzy Alpert: “It depends on your volume. If you’re selling fewer than 70 cars a month, stick to a manual setup—maybe add a small covered area to improve the process. Shooting one or two cars a day manually is manageable.
But once you’re moving over 100 cars a month, the photo studio is a better investment. Yes, it costs $50,000–$70,000 upfront, but it’s like comparing hand-washing cars to installing a car wash tunnel. At a certain scale, automation just makes sense.”
Auto Success: What’s the main advantage of the photo studio at that scale?
Izzy Alpert: “Several things. First, you streamline the process. Every photo is consistent, and you eliminate issues like bad lighting or weather. It’s all controlled. The studio’s lighting setup ensures every image is sharp and evenly lit—even inside the car.
Second, the total cost of ownership over 10 years is much lower. The same team that washes the cars can operate the studio—no special skills required. This reduces labor costs significantly.”
Auto Success: So the same person washing the car could handle the photography too?
Izzy Alpert: “Exactly. The workflow is seamless. After the car is washed, it goes straight to the photo studio. Push a button, and the system does the rest. Exterior photos can be taken immediately, so the car is listed online within minutes, even before interior detailing is done.”
Auto Success: That’s smart. You’re minimizing downtime.
Izzy Alpert: “Right. During the 7–10 days it might take to fully recondition a car, it’s already visible to buyers with initial photos. You can always update the listing with interior shots later. The system makes it easy to combine images or add more, and it only takes 5–10 minutes to finish production.”
Auto Success: Is there any training involved for employees?
Izzy Alpert: “The app includes built-in training. It guides users step-by-step: where to stand, which angles to capture, and how to handle close-ups. It’s intuitive, so even someone with no prior experience can handle it.”
Auto Success: That sounds like a time-saver.
Izzy Alpert: “Absolutely. Automating mundane tasks like running around with a camera or uploading photos frees your team to focus on more meaningful work. Empowering employees this way not only boosts productivity but also improves morale.”
Auto Success: So it’s not just about the photos; it’s about the bigger impact on operations.
Izzy Alpert: “Exactly. It’s about creating a smooth process that benefits both the dealership and the employees. With the right tools, even entry-level staff can contribute significantly to the dealership’s success.”
Auto Success: Makes perfect sense. Thanks, Izzy!
ABOUT EZ360
Compete with Carvana using EZ360’s custom-built photo studio designed for flawless 4K images and full-screen custom vehicle display pages (VDPs). With 300,000 lumens of LED lighting, a diffuser, and rounded photographic walls, every shot is consistent and professional. The 18′ heavy-duty turntable captures perfect 360° spins at the press of a button.
EZ360’s automation lets you photograph and process a vehicle in under 10 minutes, with images instantly published to your website. Advanced tools like Smart Crop and Smart Enhancer automate post-processing, saving you hours daily. Get started at https://ez360.tv or call (888) 88-EZ360 (888-883-9360)!
