Over the past few years, online auction Web sites, such as eBay, have exploded in popularity, giving the “average Joe” the ability to make a buck by selling just about anything.
The products you’ll find available for bidding on these Web sites can run the gamut, from high-end collectibles, to automobiles, to sports memorabilia and more. But one thing remains the same no matter what’s being sold – the better the images, the better the chance that it will sell!
The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to be a professional to take great looking photos of the item you wish to sell in an online auction. By following these quick and simple tips, you can take impressive photos of your items which will undoubtedly increase the interest in what you’re selling and hopefully lead to a quicker and more profitable sale!
- Make sure your camera is focused: Don’t post an image that’s out of focus. As was discussed in previous tips, most digital cameras offer a MACRO or CLOSE UP setting. Switching your digital camera to this mode will allow you to focus in on specific details which you’ve shared in the description of your item. Showing such detail to those interested in your item validates its condition and can effortlessly help answer a variety of questions they might have.
Simplicity: Choose a simple background so that your item will stand out in the image and that nothing distracts potential buyers. Plain white or gray is an ideal color to use and you can create a makeshift studio, with a base and backdrop, using inexpensive crafting paper or even a clean bed sheet. However, if you’re shooting an item which happens to be clear, like glass, make sure to use a color other than white, so that you can better accentuate its details.Forego the flash: Try taking a photo of your item using natural light. If you use your digital camera’s built-in flash, you’ll risk hot spots, overexposing the image and creating harsh shadows which can drown out detail. Be sure to turn off your camera’s flash and utilize natural lighting from outside (even moving your shoot outdoors if the weather permits) or lights within your home to fill in darker areas. If you’re using a Samsung digital camera, turning off your camera’s flash is easy. As was mentioned in previous tips, simply press little lightning bolt icon on your camera’s five-way mode dial and select the option to disengage the flash.
Steady as She Goes: By turning off your camera’s flash and utilizing natural light, your camera will have to use a slower shutter speed to properly expose the image; and, as was mentioned before in previous tips, slower shutter speeds can increase the risk of blurry images. The best way to make sure your images are crystal clear and sharp is to use a tripod and of course to turn on your digital camera’s stabilization. If you’re using a Samsung SL420, you can easily turn your camera’s Optical Image Stabilization on or off by pressing the “menu” button. After pressing the “menu” button, select FUNCTIONS, and then scroll down and select OIS.
If you’re about to sell an item in an online auction, give these tips a try. Following the steps above and paying more attention to the quality of the images you provide for your auctions can make all the difference between having to relist an item because of a lack of bidders or finding yourself caught in a bidding frenzy!
- Tip 1: What does the little flower mean?
- Tip 2: Using Flash on a Sunny Day
- Tip 3: The Rule of Thirds
- Tip 4: Locking the Focus and Tip 5: Be Candid and Spontaneous
- Tip 6: Go Vetical and Tip 7: Get Low
- Tip 8: Better Family Photos and Tip 9: Shoot Video Too!
- Tip 10: A photo tip for Moms
- Tip 11: Effortless black and whites (and other colors too) and Tip 12: Use your TV as a picture frame
- Tip 13: The benefits of a wide-angle lens
- Tip 16: Avoiding Red-Eye
- Tip 17: Great graduation photos
- Tip 18: Perfect Profile Photos
- Tip 19: Slower Shutter Speeds
- Tip 20: Slower Shutter Speeds
- Tip 21: Better beach photos
- Tip 22: The Dutch Tilt
- Tip 23: Up Close and Personal
- Tip 24: Great Action Shots
- Tip 25: Vacation Photo Tips
- Tip 26: Better Sunset Photos
- Tip 27: Capture that Warm Smile
- Tip 28: Using a Histogram
