Taking photos of items for sale in online auctions is fairly simple, but it does require some equipment. The following hardware and software items will help you do it right:

1.. A digital camera capable of taking a clear photo in varying light conditions.

2.. A scanner.

3.. Image editing software that can be used to crop, scale, and adjust brightness and contrast.

To take your photo with a digital camera, find a place where you can set it up without other visual distractions. I use my diningroom table, which has a pleasing wood finish, and I make sure that the rest of the room is tidied up so distractions are minimal.

Take about three shots, with the item or items included in the auction all grouped together, and laid out in a way that looks attractive, and which also gives clear detail of the item(s). Take closeups of any particular identifying features, or of any damage (it is imperative that you show existing damage, if possible).

Load the images onto your computer. Pull them up and choose the photo that shows the product in the best way. Only use more than one if there is additional detail that needs to be shown.

Crop the photo to remove excess photo area. You do not need any extra in the image, it won't help sell the item better, and may result in confusion if other items inadvertently get into the image. A seller with a cropped photo is perceived as more professional than one with images that take up the whole screen just because the seller did not know how to crop or scale them.

Scale the image down to snapshot size or smaller - your program will have a Scale or Resize command. Do not use a larger image unless there are critical details to show, and even then you are better with a small close up combined with a more distant shot.

If you have an item that is small that needs a very close shot, lay the item on your scanner bed, and drape a piece of plain fabric over it. Scan the item directly for a superior image. Be careful not to scratch the glass on the scanner. We used this technique with an antique watch, a small computer part, an agate, a doily, the extended warranty label on the bottom of a laptop, and other items that need very close detail to properly appreciate.

Your goal is to keep the images small enough to be convenient to the viewer, but large enough to show good detail and impact. Good photos need not be large, and the less important the item is, the less the quality matters. No one really cares about getting a high quality shot of a used DVD case, but they DO care about getting a good shot of a used laptop with a broken screen latch - they want to see that the rest of the laptop is good, that the computer works (we take the shot with the laptop running), and they want to see the damaged latch.

Once your auction is posted, be sure to check and see that your image is displaying as you want it to on the auction page. This step can save you some grief and get better results!

Anyone can learn to take good photos for auction. Detail and clarity are the key here, and if you can show that, your items will sell much better, and you will look much more professional.

Written By Laura Wheeler, Owner of Fabulous Frugal Websites - http://www.fabulousfrugalwebsites.com - Laura writes instructional materials, produces infosites, and builds affordable websites for her business startup and small business clients. Laura works with small businesses in a way that no other website designer does, and always with the business owner's best interests at heart. Laura is a busy mom of eight, homeschooler, and home business owner.

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