Five EZ Techniques To Create Great Photographs For Internet Sales

1) Use a digital camera
You can use a film camera for your eBay listings. The problem is that it with film you can’t see the results right away. Digital cameras have an LCD screen that gives instant feedback about the shot. Another factor is time; it adds up running back and forth to the film processor. Lastly, the cost of putting those images into digital format will add up quickly.
It’s a wiser choice is buying a digital camera.
    What do you look for when purchasing a digital camera?
  A Brand Name
    3 megapixels or better
    A macro (or close-up lens)
    Flash-off
You do not need an 8 to 12 mega pixel monster. Those mega pixel cameras are designed for photographers who want to print and enlarge their photos.  With eBay, buyer’s only see images on computer monitors (and they should be small) so 2 or 3 mega pixels is all that is needed.
Choose a camera with the ability to focus close up, as close as a few inches from the item you are photographing. This close-up feature is called ‘Macro Focus’ Do not buy a camera with a fixed focus that will not allow you to get close-up.  A fixed focus camera will not allow you to get closer than three feet from your subject. A postage stamp will look very small shot from three feet away.
And lastly, be sure your camera is not so automatic that you can’t turn the built in flash off. In product photography items will look best under soft diffused, or natural light.

2) Watch the background
Keep it simple and solid color - no patterns. Having a background that is busy ruins a good photograph. Before hitting the shutter release ask yourself: “Can I move myself or the item to display the item in a better manner?” Sometimes just moving a few inches up or down or sideways can improve the photo. If you can’t improve the background by moving your point of view it may be time to try adding a backdrop. A simple white piece of flexible poster board can isolate your item from its surroundings. Remember to keep the backdrop a solid color, no patterns. You are trying to keep the buyers eyes focused on the item you are selling.

3) Turn off your camera’s flash and use existing light
Using the on-camera flash can wash out or create reflection spots on the item you are shooting. Using a flash can create deep, distracting shadow.
To avoid these problems use soft diffused light. A simple technique is to shoot outside on an overcast day. The clouds act as natural diffusers. The light is soft and allows the detail and color of the item to show clearly. If you can’t wait for an overcast day you can create the same effect in your studio. One technique is to use an eTent – which is a nylon box that allows light to enter but diffuses the light rays. You simply place your item inside the eTent, put one light on each side and shoot. Another method photographer’s use is umbrellas designed to bounce or diffuse light before it falls onto the subject. If you don’t have a set of reflective umbrellas, that’s OK. You can diffuse light by putting a sheer material between the light source and the subject. That material can be anything from a clear plastic shower curtain to translucent shrink wrap.

4) Use a tripod
A tripod is a useful and important tool in product photography. Yet, tripods are often the last thing people reach for. If you have one it’s time to dust it off and put it in service, ASAP! If you don’t own one, they sell on eBay for as little as $20.00.What is so important about using this seemingly awkward tool? When you use natural or diffused light the amount of light falling on the subject is less intense. Your camera’s shutter will need to stay open longer to get a proper exposure. When the shutter stays open for more than 1/60 of a second any slight movement, even the movement of pressing on the shutter button, will cause the picture to be blurry. If your camera is on a tripod it will remain stable and the photo in focus.
Small items that are shot in macro or close-up face a similar problem. The very slightest movement will be magnified and the photo will appear soft or out of focus. You might not be able to tell that it is soft by looking at the LCD screen. It won’t be until you get it into your computer that you notice the focus problem. At that point you will have to go back and start over.
Have I convinced you how important a tripod is? If not, here is one more reason for a tripod. If the camera is on a tripod, the photographer’s hands are free to move the lights and adjust other elements in the photo before shooting. Having you hands free is a big help when setting up the still life photograph.

5) Learn to use photo editing software
Learning a few simple commands to fix up your photos can go a long way to improve the final product image. I’ve never taken a photograph that couldn’t use a little touch-up. I’m not talking about advanced photo techniques. I referring to things like cropping out the extra around the subject to isolate it, or flipping the image so it is right side up. One important command to learn is to resize your image to about 600X800 pixels so it loads quickly in your buyer’s browser.
Photo editing software can really fix-up a less than perfect shot, and I strongly encourage you to at learn some basic commands: crop, rotate & resize. Fixing up your photographs is perfectly acceptable as long as you are not trying to mislead your customer about the product.
 

If you use these five suggestions you are sure to improve the quality of your eBay product photography. With over 1.3 million sellers worldwide the competition is getting fierce – and having a top quality photographs is one way to turn browsers into buyers!
For more information, tips & techniques, including how to set up a photo studio on a shoe-string budget, check out Easy Auction Photography by Cindy Shebley.

If you use these suggestions and create a product photo you are proud of send them to me along with information about how you shot them and I will post them on the EZ Auction Blog at ezauctionphotos.blogspot.com.  If it’s an active listing don’t forget to include the URL and I’ll make it a clickable link back to the eBay listing.

About The Author:
Cindy Shebley became the first person in Northwest America - and one of the first 10 people nationwide - to become an eBay Certified Business Consultant, as well as Education Specialist. She has been interested in photography since her uncle handed her a Kodak Brownie when she was 9.
Cindy worked in the photography field for over 15 years, taking thousands of photos, before changing careers. She and her partner opened a successful garden store, which blossomed during the 1990’s. She has since become an Internet merchant.
In this book, Cindy shares the lessons she has learned as an eBay Power Seller, photographer, and bricks-and-mortar storeowner. Every chapter of Easy Auction Photography is built around the techniques she uses every day in a thriving online business.
In addition to selling photo & educational supplies, Cindy offers photography services.