Listing Items
HOW TO TAKE PRODUCT PHOTOS THAT SELL
High-quality images make your listings easier to find and help buyers feel confident before they purchase. The more clear and detailed your photos, the better. Here's what you need to know.
SETUP & ENVIRONMENT
1. Use a clean, simple backdrop
Remove distractions so buyers focus on your item, not its surroundings. A white or neutral background works best, try a bent sheet of poster board or a large piece of Whatman paper. For shiny or reflective items like jewelry, a dark backdrop can help the item stand out.
2. Skip the flash and use soft, diffused lighting
Harsh flash creates shadows, glare, and washed-out spots. Use multiple soft light sources instead. You can diffuse light by placing a white sheet or frosted material in front of your lamp, bouncing light off a wall or ceiling, or using a lightbox for even, consistent illumination.
3. Set your camera to Auto White Balance (AWB)
Different light sources affect your photo's colour, incandescent bulbs add a yellow cast, while fluorescent lighting tends to appear blue. Setting your camera's white balance to "auto" corrects for this and produces true-to-life colours.
4. Stabilise your camera to avoid blur
Even slight movement can ruin a sharp photo. Use a tripod whenever possible. If you don't have one, rest your camera on a flat surface and use the shutter timer so you're not touching it when the photo is taken.
COMPOSITION & FRAMING
5. Fill the frame with your item
Centre the product in the shot and make sure it occupies 80-90% of the frame. Avoid excessive empty space around the edges, your item should be the clear focal point.
6. Show the scale
Help buyers understand the true size of what they're buying. If the dimensions aren't obvious from the photo alone, include a coin or ruler in one of the shots as a reference.
7. Leave out props
Additional props can obscure your item, create misleading shadows, or confuse buyers about what's actually included in the listing. Keep it simple, just the item itself.
DETAIL & ACCURACY
8. Capture every angle and detail
Take multiple photos from different perspectives, top, bottom, sides, and front. Use macro mode for close-ups of important features. If your item has any flaws, photograph them clearly. Transparency builds trust and reduces disputes.
9. Name your files in a logical order
Descriptive, numbered file names help you stay organised and ensure photos upload in the right sequence.
For example:
Vintage_LeatherBag_Brown_01_front.jpg
Vintage_LeatherBag_Brown_02_back.jpg
Vintage_LeatherBag_Brown_03_strap.jpg
Vintage_LeatherBag_Brown_04_inside.jpg
Vintage_LeatherBag_Brown_05_zipper.jpg
SHOOTING WITH YOUR PHONE
10. Get professional results with your smartphone
All the tips above apply to phone cameras too. A few extra things to keep in mind:
• Wipe the lens clean before you start
• Shoot at the highest resolution your phone supports
• Turn off the flash and use natural or diffused light
• Keep your phone steady, prop it up if needed
• Let autofocus do its job before tapping the shutter
• Try a third-party camera app for more control
SELLING FASHION & APPAREL
11. Put extra care into clothing and fashion listings
Fashion buyers pay close attention to fit, texture, and condition. To present apparel at its best:
• Show how the item fits using a model, mannequin, or dress form
• Include close-ups of patterns, stitching, hardware, and textures
• Clearly photograph any wear, damage, or blemishes
• Shoot from front, back, and sides
• Show the interior of bags, shoes, hats, and pocketed garments
• Include photos of all tags, labels, and original packaging