A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to my eBay class about photos and the importance of having PROFESSIONAL & CLEAR, DETAILED photos.
In a typical eBay (or other online platform) listing:
- Your listing title gets you the traffic.
- Your feedback, shipping & refund policies set you apart from the competition.
- Your description creates urgency & triggers the buyer’s emotional behavior.
- But it is your photos that SELL the item.
And NOT paying enough attention to them will make or break your listings on eBay, eBid, Etsy, Amazon (if you create your own listing), Craig’s List, TIAs etc.
One of the hardest things to photograph is an elephant… NOT a REAL elephant -
An elephant BROOCH with rhinestones and details.
Many, many eBay sellers try to wing it – especially if they don’t typically sell small, shiny, detailed objects.
But doing a half-assed job, will get you half-assed results or worse… no sale or only one opening bid, resulting in possible loss & a definite waste of time.
In the spirit of using “show & tell” to teach rather than just “talk theory”, I took a series of pictures of the exact same brooch, using various techniques and locations.
- With each photo below, I explain my thought process, reasoning, and end results.
- NONE of these photos have been retouched, cropped or edited in ANY way.
- Also note, that I did NOT use a tripod in ANY of the photos.
- This experiment is done in the spirit of me… the “cheap & easy” eBay lady.
- Click on each photo to see the larger version in a separate browser window.
This bears repeating…
Remember, in order to get the full effect -
Click the picture to enlarge and view it in a separate window.
Here are the seven RAW photos:
Photo #1:
Elephant Brooch is perched on the back ledge of my china hut.
A chandelier & table lamp are illuminated above & behind me.
The flash was turned off, but as you can clearly see, there is a shadow of my hands and camera in the photograph.
This photo could be cropped, but upon closer inspection the Elephant Brooch is blurry.
Photo #2:
Elephant Brooch is in the exact same position as Photo #1.
I used the same lighting situation with no flash.
The only change is that I am no longer standing directly in front of the elephant and I have taken the photo at an angle.
Again, the photo could be cropped, but the details are fuzzy.
At this point, I decided that maybe using a flash would work better.
However, if you suppress the flash on a digital camera, the shutter stays open for a bit longer than if you use the flash. The reason for this is light.
The shutter stays open longer in order to gather more light for the photograph. Since the shutter is open longer, the camera is more sensitive to movement.
Since I was NOT using a tripod, and was holding the camera in my hands, I decided that perhaps adding a flash would help with the blurry results and lack of fine detail.
And since I am demonstrating this concept without using any “special” or expensive equipment, I wanted to accurately show what the effects are of NOT using a tripod.
Photo #3:
The Elephant Brooch is still perched on the china hutch’s ledge.
The lighting is the same as in the first two photos.
I am standing directly in front of the brooch.
As you can see, the flash “filled-in” the lights behind me and eliminated the shadow. The flash shows up on the china hutch well above the brooch.
It would be VERY easy to crop the flash out of this photo.
The brooch is illuminated well, and the details are much clearer.
The photo is in focus now and I would deem it “good enough for government work.”
It is STILL far from perfect, but it is “acceptable.”
This is about the quality you would expect to find on eBay.
Photo #4:
I’m sure that you have heard that outside “natural light” is the best way to take photos. I would agree with this statement for “regular sized” stuff.
Even for small, shiny objects it is often the best way to get a good photo without the shiny areas and white spots that a flash may add. When I took the brooch outside it was drizzling, so the little spots on the white background are actually rain droplets.
I placed the Elephant Brooch on a white piece of paper. Since it was overcast, I did not have to worry about direct sunlight creating shiny areas. I did not suppress the flash, and the camera did not automatically use it (there was more than enough light).
I did NOT use a tripod; I stood over the brooch photographing it from directly overhead.
Although the result is VERY detailed and looks the best in terms of focus and detail, the pretty green, red and yellow rhinestones are dull and unnoticeable.
The next 3 photos are taken inside of a “light tent”.
A light tent is either a bought OR made contraption that filters the light and diffuses it in such a way that the object inside is photographed with good detail, no shadows and no flash or light spots. My light tent happens to be homemade.
Photo #5:
I used my homemade light tent for this photograph. I placed the light tent on its side, left the lid off and propped the Elephant Brooch against the back; it was “standing up” as in the photos on the china hutch. I am again inside, now with the light tent on the dining room table, with the same light set up as in the first photos and the flash was suppressed.
Again, VERY nice detail, BUT the head is a bit out of focus.
The rhinestones are still dull & unnoticeable. This particular image shows me that the effort it took to drag out my light tent made little difference in the final result – the image quality is slightly lower than merely putting it on a piece of paper outside.
One thing I DID notice is that I seem to get the best results with the Elephant Brooch laying FLAT. The overall focus seems sharper and the fine details were clearer.
I decided to lay the brooch flat inside the light tent & position the camera above it.
Photo #6:
I left my light tent on its side. I placed the Elephant Brooch flat on a piece of paper inside the light tent. Lighting, suppressed flash & no tripod are identical to Photo #5.
This photo is beginning to fit the part. The image is bright, detailed and the rhinestones show color. There are no shadows, nor any light spots, shiny areas or white spots from a flash.
All in all, I would say that of the six photos I have taken this is clearly the best.
My only critique is the small amount of fuzziness in the head.
Photo #7:
FINALLY, I decided to use the light tent as it was intended.
I placed the light tent right side up.
I placed the Elephant Brooch on top of a white piece of paper on the bottom of the light tent.
The illumination and flash suppression are identical to the previous two photographs.
I put the lid on and placed my camera so that the lens poked through the slot cut in the light tent’s lid. I’m not holding the camera, the slot is just small enough to “hold” the camera by the outside of the lens.
THIS picture turned out simply incredible!
The value of a light tent, used correctly is clear!
Even as a small photo, the detail is wonderful and the red rhinestones show well.
Make SURE to click on the picture for a good look at what a simple light tent can do!
My Homemade Light Tent… Better Known as the “Box of Shame”
The very FIRST thing I want you to understand is that you do NOT need to spend money on a “professional” set up.
Photo #7 was taken in a very rudimentary, homemade light tent. The lighting is ordinary interior incandescent lighting.
I used plain white ink jet paper as the background.
The idea of a light tent is to have a “structure” or frame that supports a translucent cover on four sides of the tent. The light from outside the tent is diffused and casts a soft full light on the object inside. The base and lid are solid and the lid has an opening that allows you to photograph the item from above.
MY “Box of Shame” is as pathetic as they come…
Make sure you click on both pictures to get a full detailed view of it, in all its glory!
As you can see this is in rough shape…
It is missing a piece of the “frame” on the top edge and has a hole in the plastic on one of the sides.
The total lack of professionalism is more than evident from the two photos.
We made it from an old styrofoam cooler.
My husband cut “windows” in all four sides and he also cut the slot in the cooler’s top.
I used white, thin, unprinted sides of plastic thrift store bags.
I stapled the ripped plastic bag pieces (I didn’t use anything other than a cheap pair of scissors and my hands to cut/tear the bags) to the outsides with a regular stapler.
I got two pieces of regular printer paper and threw them into the cooler so I would have something to cover the styrofoam ball texture.
If you were to buy a “professional” light tent off of eBay or elsewhere, you would be paying $100 or even more!
MY light tent cost me time, a HUGE mess in my screened-in porch of tiny little styrofoam balls that stuck to everything due to static electricity, an old styrofoam cooler that was not going to get used anytime soon and a couple of plastic bags – all in all it is a collection of trash (and staples).
What Type of Digital Camera Do You Need?
You can use any digital camera that has two basic functions:
- A way to suppress the flash even in “low light” situations.
- A “Macro” function that is specifically calibrated to take clear, detailed, close up shots of small objects.
A digital camera that has an optical zoom, rather than a digital zoom is also preferable.
An optical zoom is clearer and is a TRUE zoom, meaning it is performed by the lens.
A digital zoom is handled by software and can introduce focus problems, as well as a host of other defects in the final result.
I DO use my optical zoom when photographing objects in my light tent.
I hope this post has demystified taking GREAT photos of small, shiny objects; has taught you what a light tent is; and has helped you find a decent digital camera if you are in the market for a new one.
Remember, taking photos for online presentation is a function of initial quality NOT “higher resolution”.
In fact, images only display at a maximum of 72 dpi on-screen.
So even IF you take photos with a 20 Mega Pixel camera at 500 dpi resolution, the only thing you are getting is a better ability to crop and enlarge the final image.
If you take your photos at the proper size and distance in the first place, this is again another moot point.
Hi Deb: I have been spending a lot of time experimenting with pictures of small objects. I have studied your pictures and I can’t help thinking, but what do I know, that the best picture of your elephant brooch is number three. It was taken with a flash but as you say the flash spot can be edited out. The final picture is clear cut with ample detail but number three shows the shine on the rhinestones. I do not see the out of focus. I mean it is not fuzzy at all.
This is the picture that appeals to my uneducated senses. Am I wrong about this?
Thanks, Betty
Betty –
That one appeals to me too, but it just doesn’t seem to show ALL the details. As I said, either would be fine. The trouble is that getting the color correct, the flash out of the picture altogether and no shadows makes the process for number 3 harder to get a good picture from just one shot! When you pop something into a light tent, as long as your camera doesn’t move, then you have a pretty good chance of getting perfect shots with just one click of the camera.
Best ~Deb
Hi, Debs
I have often thought about making a photo lightbox, even more so since i cannot keep my hand steady anymore. Always put off making one though.
Your post on this and the results you have had, have now got me to get my finger out and make one.
Each year i go around collecting the spent rocket sticks, after bonfire night. I usually use them to make other things like dolls furniture, mini grandfather clocks and all manner of other things. I am now going to attempt to make a lightbox with some of them and see what happens, i may even make an extending tripod as well.
Thanks for a brilliant post and insight into this crucial part of ebaying.
Vince.
Vince -
When you finish your light box (and tripod), I just GOTTA see a pic! Please send me the pics via email and I’ll post them as a follow up on my blog for all to see!
Also, if you have any pics of the dolls furniture and clocks you make I’d LOVE to see those too! There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you create something of beauty and/or value out of everyday “trash!”
Best ~Deb
I suggest you get a cheap tripod. You can move the camera closer and not worry about hand vibration and fill the whole picture with your jewelry. You can also shoot at a slower speed which will let in more light. Use daylight or light bulbs balanced to the sun. No need to have brite sun. Use a side window and avoid glare. If your item has glare just find out where it is coming from and put your hand there. Or block it with white paper. This will make more sense to you if you are into photography. My tripod costs $29 and lasted for 8 years of documentary photography. Oh if you use a tripod click the shutter slowly or use a cable release. Hope this is helpful to you. Sincerely,Gail Goodman
Thanks for the tips Gail!
I have a question, do all camera support using a cable release, or is that a feature that is available only on certain camera types or models?
Thanks!
Best ~Deb
Hi Deb,
Great post, as I agree, pictures are the most important part of selling on eBay. I sell used costume jewelry, so I take A LOT of pictures of “small shiny objects” and the best way I’ve found is using natural sunlight (coming in through my window) and holding a handheld magnifying glass in front of my camera (a little awkward but it’s a square one and just the size of my camera so it works). I also used suppressed flash. So, whenever it’s a sunny day here in the Midwest you’ll find me snapping away at my desk! Thanks for all the great info you share with us! Diane
Thanks Diane!
That’s a cool tip! Never thought of using a magnifying glass. Neat!
Best ~Deb
thanks for the excellent info. i always take lots of photos. thank goodness that there is a delete key in picasa. small sparkly things are always a problem. i also have a problem with shirts…i don’t have a dummy…and they do not always look great flat. any suggestions that don’t require an iron….thanks. you must be feeling better. how is your 50 plan going? i’m still suffering from ebay sourcing disease here in texas. golli
Hi Golli –
I do have a couple suggestions… first, there ARE flat backed dummies that are made of a lightweight plastic. They are usually just the neck and abdomen form, and some can be “hung” on a hanger.
These forms will fill out the front of a shirt, even if you just have it lying on the bed. I have seen these types of forms on eBay for a very modest price.
Believe it or not, I have a few of these myself (what a surprise! NOT!).
Second, you could use pillows, fabric, stuffing or any other type of “filler” and stuff it into the arms and shirt (or pants) while having it lay on the bed. This will add some dimension to your item and should help with your pictures.
My 50 plan disappeared along with my tumor last June… LOL! But I REALLY do need to get back to it — Especially with the holidays coming, and the eBay selling season kicking up!
Stuart and I have pretty much finished the content for our Prints Make Profits Workshop Kit… all that is left is the sales page. Once that is done and dusted, I will have time to actually LIST on eBay and concentrate on clearing out… again!
Thanks for asking… and yes, my disease has been running rampant here in Maryland as well!
Take Care!
Best ~Deb
This is really great information. I will now invest in another camera which allows for flash suppression.
I’ve been using the same 3.2 mp camera since 2003 and have not been happy with the results on my eBay photos.
Will put to use your excellent tips to have better photos for my listings.
Thanks again Deb.
Hi, This was your best post yet. I finally figured out the Macro setting on my camera, but I was still having a problem with glare. I think I have a styrofoam box, too. Do you think a cardboard box with a white interior would work also? Thanks for the tips.
Deanna
Wow Deanna!
Thanks for the compliment!
The box or frame is really unimportant, although a white interior is a good idea as it will reflect the diffused light.
The key is to have a frame that is sturdy enough to be handled and moved about, but light enough to be handled and moved about. Got that???
Using the translucent white shopping bags is a KEY ingredient.
Keep thinking… and experimenting. If you use trash to make it, and it doesn’t work out, then go find some more trash and give it another go!
Good luck!
Best ~Deb
Thank you so much Deb. I had something like it home-made but it wasn’t much help. Now I see what was wrong with it. From looking at pictures of tents for sale I thought the whole front should be open.
Carol
Thanks very much for the very useful info Debbie, it’s refreshing to have some genuinely useful information and not have to opt-in to yet another list to get it.
Thank you Dawn for noticing!
I am all about giving, teaching and helping! As I wrote this post, the thought actually DID cross my mind that I could sell it as a $5 dollar report. But I am trying to fill my blog with really GOOD content. Not content that is meant to sell you yet another report or opt in to yet another list…
From the comments, it appears that my content HAS been helpful and well received.
I makes me happy to know that my time and effort actually has HELPED a bunch of people and taught some information that is not necessarily easy to find.
Best ~Deb
Hi Deb…
I really like your “box of shame”,very ingenious ….I have sold many items on ebay but have not always been entirely happy with the photos 100%, sometimes taking up to 20 shots maybe more just to achieve a shadow free.. “good”… picture to upload??…A non-reflective white background does seem to give the best results….Many thanks for all the tips & info you share here at your 1 stop ebay tip shop….
Take Care .
all the best ~ Mike
Hi Deb-
Great tips. I have a Canon Powershot A630. I have never used it. Would this camera be adequate?
Hi Bob!
Yes, this camera is 8 Mega Pixels, has a 4x optical zoom, a manual, auto and suppressed flash and a Macro function. This camera does NOT have built in image stabilization, but if your hands are steady, or you use either a tripod or a stable, flat surface you’ll be just fine!
Best ~Deb
Amazing info. I spent ages trying to photograph an intricate cocktail ring with little success, put it on eBay and I don’t think anyone took a second look as the photo was lacking in detail. Thank you very much for this info. I don’t have a styrofoam cooler but do have some styrofoam sheets, sellotape, thin white plastic carrier bags and staples – static bobbles here we come (oh no they will stick to the cat too!). Thank you so much. I hope your head is now sorted.
Dear Deb: This is wonderful information. It has come at the right time for me. As a photographic dummy I just purchased a light tent hoping to improve my efforts. I didn’t know you could make one. It shows how much I knew when I tell you that I thought the camera went inside the tent rather than the subject. Many many many thanks for this. Betty
Deb,
This is great information for those of us looking to stand above the crowd. And, you are absolutely correct, you do not have to spend a fortune on all the professional gadgets either. Learning to be a little creative is a lot less expensive, especially if your just starting out and have a very tight budget. Again, thank you so much for this great info. Looking forward to more tips from you.
Kind regards,
Kevin