I just got another sweet email complimenting me on the photos that I use in my listings, so I thought I would share what I've learned about taking pictures of costume & vintage jewelry.

 I started selling on ebay over 7 years ago--mostly jewelry.  Like most people starting out, I really didn't have any props to help "sell" the jewelry, & certainly didn't have the money to invest in a lot of fancy fabrics, bust forms & silk flowers, gloves, scarves, etc. 

Well, as I had a little success, I was able to buy the props--and then I found that I really didn't need them!

Plus my bust forms keep....wandering off. 

I don't use a tripod, & I don't have any special light fixtures.  I don't have a steady hand, either.  I just have patience.  My goal is to take good, CLEAR photos--photos that make you say, "I WANT that!"   I want each picture to look like a magazine ad.

The trick is the lighting--and after struggling for years, trying to take pictures indoors, I finally learned that natural lighting is best.  I take my pictures outdoors, in my garage, on the trunk of my car---usually in the early afternoon, usually in indirect sunlight.

My neighbors all think I'm crazy, but I'm used to that.

If you don't have a garage, find the shadiest tree you have, & set up a card table.

I have a gazillion fabric squares & samples, but the ones that work best are an old green stretch velvet shirt  (yes, it's a shirt, folded so that the seams don't show) & a piece of foam core that I got at the grocery store.  But I've also used felt, & even typewriter paper!

Remember shiny surfaces REFLECT light, softer surfaces ABSORB light.  When I want a reflection, or light bouncing off the surface, I use my foam core or typewriter paper.  Both are really effective with shiny sterling pieces.

The green velvet LOOKS rich, & gives a softer edge than black velvet.

I've also used old coats, sweaters & jogging suits--whatever COLOR highlighted the jewelry.  All of the flowers that I use were purchased at thrift stores, usually for a dollar or two.

That's it----total expenditure: about $10.00.

Close-ups work wonders, especially in gallery photos.  Get as close as you can.  You want your picture to stand out.  Have you ever seen listings where it looks like the seller took the picture from the next COUNTY?  I usually take a photo of the entire piece (or set), plus several mid-range shots, then move in for an extreme close-up or two.

 I use an older Nikon Coolpix 2500, but I think any good digital camera would do..  I know virtually nothing about digital cameras--but my Nikon takes fairly good close-ups.  It was a MID-range camera, in the $300 range.  I've never felt the need to upgrade, & as long as I can find batteries, I probably never will.

Good luck--and MUCH success on ebay!