|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On another forum I'm involved with, someone's asked a great question: I want to sell products on eBay, but I want to include photographs with my items. How do I do that? What kind of camera do I need, and what settings should I use?
The first step is to buy a digital camera. You can use a film camera, get the prints developed and then scan them in, but you can now buy an entry-level digital camera for the same price as a low-end scanner, and it's a lot easier to use!
A few example cameras that have a good reputation, from Amazon: A very inexpensive camera - on sale currently - is the Digital Concepts VGA Camera (currently $49), and if you want to get a known brand, as I'd recommend, then you can't go wrong with the Fujifilm FinePix 1400 (about $70), the Kodak DC215 (about $60), or the slightly more expensive Epson PhotoPC 750Z (about $100).
Getting good results from a digital camera isn't trivial, however, particularly if you're trying to take a picture of a book, statue, CD cover or item of clothing. That's where it's nice to be able to take fifty pictures, download them all to your computer, and pick the best one of the lot. Unlike film photography, this won't cost you a nickel. Just time...
A general tip for taking good product shots is to have lots of light. If you're in a room with ceiling lights, turn 'em all on. If you have floor lamps, move them over and point them directly on the item. In addition, use a neutral color blanket or sheet as a background for the item: you don't want to distract potential buyers with your household clutter. Then hold your camera very, very steady (consider having it on a chair or, ideally, a tripod) and slowly click the button to take the shot. If your shots are blurry, try moving back a foot or so and taking another photograph.
Once you've taken a product photograph you like (and don't be discouraged if it seems hard. There are professional photographers who specialize in product and catalog photography and it's quite an art!) then crop it tightly so that the photograph is about the product and as little else as possible. If you're using a blanket as a background, for example, it should only be visible on the edges of the photograph. Bidders will appreciate a product photo that reveals a lot of detail about the product and nothing else.
Finally, within your photo editor (Photoshop, Paintshop Pro, Graphic Converter, iPhoto, whatever), make sure that the final image resolution is 75dpi, not 300dpi, then resize the image down to a maximum width of 400 pixels and a maximum height of 300 pixels: and do it with "keep image proportions" enabled so that you don't distort the photo. Save it as a JPEG, not a GIF, since it will keep the nuances of color much better.
Great. Now you have a photo ready to upload to eBay with your next auction! When you're entering the auction information, you'll get to a step where it offers you the chance to add a photograph, and that's what you want to do. Click on "upload photo" and pick your saved image, then it'll automatically be sent to the eBay servers along with your other auction information, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a true Powerseller!
When I add photographs to my eBay auctions, I use a rather more expensive (about $2000) camera setup, a Nikon D100 digital with studio lighting and similar gear. You can see some of my photographic work at Colorado Portraits.
Dave Taylor has been involved with online auctions for almost a decade, including having written the book "The eAuction Insider". His latest projects are startup info and Ask Dave Taylor!.
With more and more people getting online, many of them... Read More
Have you ever wondered how identical items can fetch such... Read More
You would like to increase your income by selling other... Read More
Launching your very own successful website is the dream of... Read More
For just a moment, try to comprehend the power of... Read More
The internet is packed with web businesses jockeying for the... Read More
Sometimes the simplest things can boost the number of visitors... Read More
An eBay purchase that turned sour.A story of fraud, deceit,... Read More
If you have dabbled at all in the world of... Read More
Why sell paper piecings on eBay?eBay is a great way... Read More
The way some auction sellers approach their auctions, it's clear... Read More
When my column on paying income tax on eBay profits... Read More
As I write this article, I am keeping an eye... Read More
You've heard about it many times in recent months. Being... Read More
Have you thought of using the online auction site eBay... Read More
Like many folks, you have heard of online auctions. Heck,... Read More
Knowledge is Power! And this statement could not be more... Read More
Your eBay listing has finished and you have made a... Read More
While the world continues to go catatonic over the Internet... Read More
There are many ways to start a home business online,... Read More
For many people, their first experience of working online involves... Read More
eBay trades in more than 33 international countries with over... Read More
So your auction closes. Now what?Hopefully you made a sale... Read More
Do you want to have a lot of auctions going... Read More
Online auctions continue to grow in popularity as an easy... Read More
There is an art to picking profitable products. It's not... Read More
You can find good deals on almost everything you need... Read More
With one brilliantly simple idea, eBay was born just a... Read More
Many of you will probably remember the days when the... Read More
Are you having trouble finding a great deal on a... Read More
Have you ever dealt with a salesperson or a waiter... Read More
Auction templates are simply a must for successful online auction... Read More
Like many folks, you have heard of online auctions. Heck,... Read More
Ebay money making opportunities are simply the best thing to... Read More
Do you know how many people in US are earning... Read More
Ok, let me just say right up front that I... Read More
Did you know that eBay will help you locate products... Read More
How Pop Culture collectibles can increase your Online Auction profitsWith... Read More
Ebay.com is a Tool. It is an awesome tool that... Read More
Artists, craftspeople and photographers are successfully selling their wares everyday... Read More
The internet is packed with web businesses jockeying for the... Read More
Greetings, Friend. So you've decided to go into business. Great.... Read More
eBay and Dropshipping go together like a hand in a... Read More
Selling an item on eBay should be simple but it... Read More
Have some vintage jewelry? There are several ways you can... Read More
This question has become one for the ages. There are... Read More
Unfortunately for those just breaking into the wholesaling business, drop-shipping... Read More
There are many savvy eBay buyers who use automated bidding... Read More
I'd like to begin with a question ? and I'll... Read More
You've heard about it many times in recent months. Being... Read More
Online Auction |