Background Article: Auctions Discover Value of Real-Time Photos
Black Widow Sets Record with 100% YOY Growth in Image Sets Captured
Its auction segment began in 2019 and has led the two segments with triple-digit growth for three years .

After a used vehicle is processed through servicing and minor damages such as dents and dings are repaired, the auto is driven through the Black Widow camera system.
Photo: Black Widow
Black Widow, a provider of high quality auto imaging, announced May 25 it has surpassed one million images captured among its users. The company saw a 134% growth in 2021 of images captured versus the previous year.
“Dealers are looking for high quality images to market vehicles with transparency because that what consumers want," said Darren Kemper, chief operating officer at Black Widow, in a news release. “Auctions are also looking to streamline processes and reduce labor costs while increasing the number of autos that run through their lanes. Blackwidow enables dealers to handle photography in house – minimizing investment while still maximizing quality.”
The company began capturing images in 2017 and has since grown in dealer and auction segments. Its auction segment began in 2019 and has led the two segments with triple digit growth for three years . Overall the company grew images captured by: 264% in 2018 over the prior year, 195% in 2019, 546% in 2020 and 134% in 2021.
Black Widow’s digital camera system captures images and completes a 360-degree interior virtual tours within seconds. After a used vehicle is processed through servicing and minor damages such as dents and dings are repaired, the auto is driven through the Black Widow camera system which is suspended from the ceiling. The cameras captures images abd the system automatically uploads them to a dealer’s software, enabling a faster to-market processing and transacting with a higher level of assurance.
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