-Got a new (or old) phone and want to take advantage of the best camera yet on a Craigslist sale?
-If you’re selling on Ebay or Facebook Marketplace, great photos are key to a quick sale.
-Here are some photo tips for taking great product photos with your phone, so you can get the most money for your stuff!
It’s no secret that a good photo is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to selling things online, that adage couldn’t be more true. If you’re selling on Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace, great photos are essential to getting buyers interested in your product – and ultimately, to making a sale.
With the release of new phones with ever-better cameras (hello, iPhone 7!), it’s easier than ever to take great product photos that will make your stuff look irresistible to potential buyers. Here are some tips for taking advantage of your phone’s camera to get the best possible photos of your items for sale:
1. Clean up your backdrop. You don’t need a professional studio or expensive lighting equipment to take great product photos – but you do need a clean, clutter-free backdrop. A simple white or light-colored sheet makes an excellent background for small items, and for larger items, try taking pictures outside on a sunny day for best results.
2. Make use of natural light. Speaking of sunnies days, natural light is always going to give you the best results when taking pictures with your phone camera. Avoid using flash whenever possible, as it can often wash out colors or create harsh shadows that make products look less appealing. If you’re taking pictures indoors, try to position your item near a window with plenty of natural light coming in.
3. Use props wisely. Props can be helpful in showing off certain features of your product, but use them sparingly and make sure they complement the item rather than overwhelm it. In general, less is more when it comes to props – too many can make your photo look busy and cluttered.
4. Shoot from multiple angles. Get in close and shoot from different angles to show off all the details of your item – buyers want to see what they’re getting! Again, avoid using flash whenever possible as it can create unwanted glare or reflections on shiny surfaces like glass or metal.
5.} Edit your photos before posting them. There’s no shame in using photo editing apps to touch up your shots before posting them – in fact, it’s expected! A little cropping and color correction can go a long way in making your photos look their best; just avoid going overboard with filters and effects that might make your pictures look like they were taken by an Instagram influencer (unless that’s the aesthetic you’re going for, of course).
