This is a problem I have encountered all too often on Ebay: pictures that totally misrepresent an item.
I don't expect all sellers to run out and buy a soft light box to take those beautiful, professional quality pictures, I just expect them to take accurate photos depicting the item for sale. Also, taking a picture of the ACTUAL product, not a stock image of what's supposedly for sale. I don't trust the stock photo sellers, but that's a completely different thing.
Sometimes taking a picture using the flash on your camera is a good thing, sometimes it's not. But you have to make that judgment when you look at the picture you've taken of your item. Set the item next to you as you look at the photo and compare the two. I'm going to use a couple pictures I put on a different review for the perfect example.

I don't expect all sellers to run out and buy a soft light box to take those beautiful, professional quality pictures, I just expect them to take accurate photos depicting the item for sale. Also, taking a picture of the ACTUAL product, not a stock image of what's supposedly for sale. I don't trust the stock photo sellers, but that's a completely different thing.
Sometimes taking a picture using the flash on your camera is a good thing, sometimes it's not. But you have to make that judgment when you look at the picture you've taken of your item. Set the item next to you as you look at the photo and compare the two. I'm going to use a couple pictures I put on a different review for the perfect example.
The picture on the left is a false
representation of the item. It looks as though it's possibly made out
of brass with the gold-tones and all. The picture on the right is the
actual product with more lighting and a flash. Big difference! What
looks better, more appealing? The one on the left does, of course. It's
shiny and pretty. But is it worth the buyer to be disappointed,
possibly leaving bad feedback because you took a shiny, pretty picture?
I don't think so. Plus, the picture on the left is hiding flaws, flaws
the buyer needs to know about.
Anyhow, try different lighting setups, take your item outside, take it in the bathroom (it's brighter in my bathroom for some reason) or even buy a natural light-my favorite.
In the end, you'll feel good knowing you're selling the correct representation of the item, and not worrying whether that shiny and pretty photo will result in an unhappy buyer!
Anyhow, try different lighting setups, take your item outside, take it in the bathroom (it's brighter in my bathroom for some reason) or even buy a natural light-my favorite.
In the end, you'll feel good knowing you're selling the correct representation of the item, and not worrying whether that shiny and pretty photo will result in an unhappy buyer!
Guide created: 08/09/06 (updated 08/01/08)


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