They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That being the case, it is important to use photos as a tool to sell auction items.

Background:

Use a neutral backdrop in your photos. You want potential buyers to focus on the auction item, not on the background. If the background is busy or crowded, it may be difficult for bidders to see the item clearly. Remember that you are trying to sell the item.

Border:

Keep the auction item in center of the camera's viewfinder so it frames the item all the way around.

Artistic:

Remember that you are selling the auction item, not the photograph. Clarity is more important than overall effect.

Clarity:

Bidders want to see a clear shot of the item for sale. Don't alter or "doctor" your photos. Buyers may detect this and assume you are trying to misrepresent the item.

Lighting:

Use as much natural lighting as possible. Auction item images should be lit brightly with lots of diffused lighting. Sometimes lighting can make an item look different than it does in real life. Do your best to capture the real color, texture, and condition of the auction item for sale.

Flash:

Don't use a flash, unless you are a professional photographer. The flash will likely wash out an item.

Focus:

Use a tripod, you will find that pictures will be sharper. Tripods will result in a sharp, clear pictures. Photographers not using a tripod will often experience blurred images in their acution item photos.

Closeups:

Be sure to take closeup photos of any auction item damage, so customers will not be surprised when they receive the item. It is also a good idea to take closeup photos of brand-name labels or stamps, as well as any certificates of authenticity. When taking a closeup, move close to the object. A tripod or an image stabiliser in the lens is a huge bonus. Handheld closeups are often blurry or overexposed, a tripod will minimize this on close-up shots, especially if the photograph is of a physically small item. Multiple

Angles:

Use as many photos as you need to capture the appearance of your item. You can use up to 12 photos in a standard eBay auction listing, and you can pay a little extra to include even more pictures, if you feel they will help sell the auction item.

By presenting a clear sharp image of your auction item, you can often increase the amount of auction bids that your product receives.

Copyright 2006 Francesca Black