Natural Light Is Your Best Tool
Shoot near a window with indirect natural light β not direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Overcast-day window light is ideal. Fluorescent indoor lighting creates yellow or green color casts that make items look different from real life, eroding buyer trust before they've even read your description.
Keep Backgrounds Simple
A white sheet of paper, a light-colored bedsheet, a clean table surface, or a plain wall are your best backgrounds. Busy or cluttered backgrounds draw the eye away from your item. Remove laundry, trash, or other personal items from the frame before shooting.
Shoot Multiple Angles
- Full front view β the complete exterior at a glance.
- Back and sides β especially important for electronics and clothing.
- Brand logo or label β proves authenticity and confirms the model.
- Scratches or wear β show honestly; it builds more trust than hiding.
- All accessories together β box, cables, manuals laid out in one shot.
Use Your Camera's Built-In Settings
Tap the center of the item to lock focus and exposure. Enable HDR mode for scenes with mixed bright and dark areas. Bump exposure slightly for brighter, more appealing photos. Use the self-timer or a flat surface for overhead shots to eliminate hand-shake blur.
Edit Minimally
A slight brightness and contrast adjustment is fine. Heavy filters, airbrushing out scratches, or dramatically changing colors create false expectations and are the number-one cause of post-swap disputes. The goal of your photos is accurate information, not advertising.