DIY Network

Taking Digital Photgraphs for Online Auctions Use digital photography to make your auction items sure-sellers. From "The Whole Picture" episode DTWP-113

Items should be well-lit and placed against a background that will show them off favorably.

Have you ever had something you wanted to sell in an online auction but been intimidated by the process? Fear no longer. In this digital photography lesson, we show you how easy it is to take digital shots of items you'd like to sell and then upload those photos to the auction website. We also provide tips on photographing objects in a manner that's sure to help them sell.

Materials:

digital camera (with the macro function)
camera manual
tripod
clamp lights
backdrop

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A lighting platform is an ideal way to shoot multiple items. If properly lit, a black backdrop can highlight the object in a striking way.

Shooting to Sell

In this lesson, professional photographer Erin Manning discusses basics of composition and lighting that will not only give the buyer a clear and descriptive view of an object, but will also result in a beautiful photograph that will help entice potential buyers. Once the photos are taken, Erin shows how to re-size images so that they are appropriate for online auction sites and how to upload them so that potential buyers can view them.

Composing the Picture

Creating a dynamic presentation area depends on the size of the item and the space available to set up the shot. If you're doing this at home, work with a large flat area like your kitchen table. Begin by removing any objects that will inhibit you from taking the photo. Once cleared, you'll need to place a backdrop over the area to create uniformity. The easiest thing to do is use a solid color bed-sheet or a piece of neutral colored fabric. a solid background won't call attention to itself and it puts the focus directly on the item being photographed.

Figure A

Some items, picnic baskets for example, are better highlighted with brightly colored or patterned fabric. Whatever you choose, check your LCD screen to make sure the object and the background blend together for a seamless effect.

Close-ups and shots from different angles are helpful in showing detail and representing the object fully. For a "key image", take a medium to wide shot that shows the entire image (figure A).

Once you have a representative image that you're happy with, you can then move on to taking close-ups to show detail (figures B and C).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

For extremely large items, it's best to photograph them where they are (figures D). Your objective is to show the context of space in relation to the product offered.

Clear away any objects that impede or inhibit the view of your subject. Then, check your LCD to make sure the item fits in the center of the frame and that the background is completely blocked out.

Once you have your item and space presentable, you're ready for lighting. Proper lighting is essential for getting a good representation of your sale item. Aside from providing information about the object, a well-lit photo may make the item appear more enticing. On the flipside, a dimly lit and poorly shot photo may even discourage a potential buyer.

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Lighting Tips

Lighting small items is easily done with a utility clamp light. Simply clip the light on an everyday item like a coat rack and position it at a 45 degree angle, casting a spot light on your subject (figures E and F).

To get light to the dark shadow side, position a white reflector board and bounce light towards your subject. Take a look at the effect in the viewfinder and move the light back and forth as necessary. Buyers want detail so get as much of the subject in the LCD screen as you can. also, you want to be as close as possible to your subject without creating distortions (figures G). If the item gets too close to the edge of the frame, adjust the focus of your camera.

It's essential to make sure the subject is well lit. At times, you may need to exercise more control over the amount of light being used. Dimmers allow amateur and professional photographers a practical way to adjust the amount of light needed. Another way to maintain consistent light is by investing in a lighting kit. Lighting kits are inexpensive and create the perfect amount of light for online photographs.

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