Top 3 Mistakes Internet Sellers Make With Their Photos - By Rebecca Minew

If you supplement your income with Ebay or another internet source like so many do these days, you are probably aware of the importance of good photographs. At any given time you can browse listings that feature out of focus, dark or distant objects. It is frustrating for the buyer and a potential lost sale for the seller. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words when money is involved, and a description can only do so much. In the end, the photo sells the product. Of course, we can't all have a professional studio in our home, but we can reserve a corner of a spare room for taking pictures.

One mistake many sellers make is a good professional background. So many harbor a busy background that distracts, or worse they include carpets, dirty counter tops, or even a hand in the way. I have found that for a couple of dollars, white poster board is an incredibly valuable tool. Place a stand in a corner where you can leave it set up for quick access. Tack a white board on the wall and lay another on the stand. Even a white sheet will work well. Just make sure it's clean. Most items look their best with white behind them, but you can experiment with colored construction paper as well. Even adding a prop can catch the buyer's eye just long enough to encourage a bid. A vase or cut flower can draw traffic. Try it! I've had customers asking to purchase the prop. I have also found that china pieces look exceptional on a lace doily or tablecloth. Leaf through a catalog for some great ideas from the pros but definitely keep it simple.

Another mistake commonly overlooked, is proper lighting. Too many blurred or darkly shadowed products are circulating. How can you possibly make a sale! A well-lit room is a must, even with a flash on your camera. A second lamp nearby is also helpful. Just make sure it isn't throwing shadow. You can lighten a photo afterwards on the computer if you need to, but that only helps to an extent. Take photos from different angles so you have number to choose from.
Lastly, and probably most important, get to know your camera. A digital is almost a must in the business. Understand the settings that allow you to take close-ups and features that tell when more light is needed. I went nearly two months not understanding the Macro function and how important it was for clarity. When photos download into your computer program there is an array of features that help crop and resize them. They are indispensable so try them out.
Photos don't need to mirror perfect catalog spreads, in fact, that also deters buyers who may think they are catalog stock. They do, however, want to see close up, clear and clean items.
With a little practice your photographs will put you at the top of the game. Let the bidding wars begin!