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When using an Internet auction website to sell your goods and services, the quality of the photographs affects not only the product’s value, but also the seller’s confidence.

Have you ever seen fuzzy, indecipherable pictures on an Internet auction? Did you bid on that item? Probably not. Many people just don’t take adequate pictures of their items for sale. This article will help ensure your product photographs adequately do the job to sell your products and services at an Internet auction website.

• Taking pictures of opaque or low gloss items – If you are taking a picture of an object that is low gloss or is opaque – you need to follow some simple rules. Fix your camera to a tripod, avoid the use of a speed light, and take advantage of indoor light or incidental light from the sun coming through a window. Remember to use the exposure compensation and white balancing functions on your camera to adjust the brightness and color respectively.

• Background. Most people don’t think about the background of their photos. However, your background selection for your auction photo is essential. It plays a very important role in showing the meaning, image and usage of a product. Browse any auction site and you will see that people tend to use white paper or bed sheets; however, those materials aren’t recommended because they lack interest and provide no intuitive information on the product size.

A wooden desktop is a better alternative because it gives a friendly impression and provides intuitive information on the product size.

Don’t be afraid to include other objects in the photo because they provide size comparison. For example, you could include a computer keyboard and mouse on the desktop when you are shooting smaller objects.

• Zoom and camera position - For Internet auction website photos, make sure you think about how you are framing your photographs. After you’ve chosen your background, your goal is to make the product look prominent and not to place too many elements in the background of the product. Take your picture directly across from or at a slightly lower angle to your product and zoom in for the best product profile.

• Lighting – Lighting is another essential consideration. Various light sources can be used for lighting your product. Sunlight coming through a window, desktop lamps, and camera lighting devices are all good options. Try your auction photos using different lighting sources to see which one gives you the best results. Your goal is to highlight the product without creating gloomy shadows.

• Clothing is popular on Internet auction websites and perhaps one of poorest photographed items. The best way is to have a fashion model or dressmakers dummy wear your clothing items because the silhouette and pattern present a three-dimensional effect. If you don’t have access to either a model or mannequin, follow these tips:
• Take the shot from above. Place the item on a clean floor and smooth it out. By shooting from above, you reproduce the shape and pattern of the item.
• Exhibit the texture clearly – It can be difficult to highlight the softness and texture of cloth in a photograph. It’s a good idea to take an extreme close up to show the texture and design of the fabric. Using indirect sunlight works well.
• Consider giving the clothing a three-dimensional affect by preparing pads and balls made by rolling a piece of paper or a plastic shopping bag.