It is often quoted that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. This is more so for pictures that represent products that are to be sold online, where the potential consumer has to make a purchase decision based on an image he/she sees on a 2 dimensional screen. In fact, a picture or photo, as usually the case here, is more than a representation of the product for such a scenario. In my opinion, it carries an image of how professional the seller is on presenting the product and himself/herself. It goes on to show how much trouble the seller has taken to prepare the product for sale.

Based on my experience, most of our online purchase decisions are swayed by the attention attributed to the photo image quality of the item. It may differ from person to person and from product to product. However, it is no doubt that having a beautifully taken photo can sway some of us over the tip to click on the button, more than some of us may realise. The same logic explains why merchants spent mega dollars in creating sleek quality posters or audio-video production of their products or services.

Luckily, for us online seller, it only takes a little to improve the photo image quality of our product to generate more sales.

Photo 1 below shows a pair of ear rings taken with flash fired straight on. The lighting is harsh and direct. This cause the image to be flat with dark shadow behind. Photo 2 shows the same pair of ear rings taken with just window light without the flash. Using light from the window at the side reduce the dark shadow and harsh lighting as seen in Photo 1.

Photo 1   Photo 2

The quality of the image will improve significantly with the use of an inexpensive light box which is basically a box made of light reflective cloth or paper to reflect and diffuse the strong light from the flash all around the item to eliminate unwanted shadows and highlights. Photo 3 showed the image of the pair of ear rings taken within a lightbox, showing a much more glowing photo comparing to the previous 2 photos. The source of lighting comes from a camera flash light firing onto the box from the top. 

However, the diffused and low contrast of the lighting may cause the item to look rather flat and bland. By putting a piece of black paper by the side of the ear rings, the reflection of the black paper can be seen on the silvery surface of the ear rings in the form of a black rim. This gives it a more 3-dimensional look with depth as shown on Photo 4.

Photo3   Photo 4

Finally, Photo 5 shows the humble and inexpensive light box that can do wonders to the photo image of small items. 

Photo 5

I will be adding more useful reviews and guides which myself and my team encounters in the course of eBay life. Do remember to give a useful vote after reading this article so that we can feel your support!