So, you no longer need those dishes or that old toy, and you want to sell them on an on-line auction. Having a great photograph really improves your chances of making the money you were hoping for. If your pictures are too dark, or too light and don't show the item well, then it might not be bid on like you would hope.
1. Use a digital camera or borrow one if you don't have one. This will make it easier to upload the images on-line. Also, use a smaller image size so you won't have to resize your images before uploading them. If your image is too large, people will have trouble viewing it. Read the guidelines on the auction site to see what their specifications are. I used a simple point and shoot camera for the images on this post.
2. Simple backgrounds work best. You want the buyers eyes on your item, not your cluttered living room. Use a plain wall or even set up a simple backdrop. Towels and sheets clamped to the back of a chair work well. Just be sure to keep them smooth and with as little wrinkles as possible.
3. Good lighting. It is important to have the item well lit. Simply adding a few spotlights might be all you need. If you are photographing something white though, be careful with incandescent light, it gives off a yellowish hue and can make the item look dingy. See if there is an incandescent setting on your camera to help. Shooting the object in the shade or on a cloudy day takes advantage of soft lighting and shows more of the detail. Use window light for a softer look.
4. Show detail. This means get in close. Get as close as you can and have the item still in focus. A sturdy tabletop tripod might come in handy if your hands are shaky. Try out the macro mode on your camera and see if that lets you show off the details. It is okay to take more than one image. Take a picture of the entire item, then get in close to show one of it's distinct features that make it unique and appealing to buyers.
Pamela Powell is a photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.
You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting: http://pamelapowellphotography.com
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