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eBay's Photography Resource Center
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January 2003 - eBay's vast marketplace is a prime tool for collecting. Many merchants sell collectibles on eBay to reach beyond their local area, and collectors enjoy a selection as big as the world. With so much to chose from, what's most likely to draw the bid or seal the deal?
Clean, sharp, detailed photos!
The best pictures bring the best prices.
Collectors on eBay want to see photos of the items they are considering. As the quality of a photo increases, so does the number of interested bidders. With that in mind, eBay helps sellers give it their "best shots" with the site's own Photo Expert, Rick Sammon, a professional, award-winning photographer and the author of 20 photography books.
In his online eBay column, Rick offers guidance in selecting products for taking professional-quality pictures, as well as tips and recommendations about lighting, backgrounds and overall presentation of collectibles for sale on eBay.
Here are some of Rick Sammon's expert tips for photographing collectibles: - Take the time to set up a pleasing composition.
- Fill the frame with your item (unless the surrounding area is important).
- If details seem lost in the shot - a common problem with antique furnishings - add contrast to the scene by placing the item near a bright light source or by a door or window for sidelighting. Don't use your flash.
- If there is too much glare - which can happen when photographing jewelry, coins, artwork under glass or items in clear packaging - try shooting the item outside in the shade on an overcast day. Or inside, set up the shot under a bright light source and move it around until you get minimal reflection.
- Don't let a busy background distract from the item you're focused on. Select a plain background or a simple fabric backdrop.
- You don't need a large file for posting online: a 5x7, 100 DPI, JPEG image is fine. If you don't have a digital camera or scanner, you can turn your pictures into digital files with the Kodak Picture CD (a service available on many photo processing envelopes).
The eBay Photo Expert's column can be found on eBay's Photography Resource Center: The eBay Photo Expert's column can be found on eBay's Photography Resource Center: http://www.ebay.com/photoexpert/
The complete article featuring Sammon's photography tips can be
found at: http://www.ebay.com/photoexpert/November.html Visitors to the site can submit questions directly to the Photo Expert at [email protected]
About eBay
eBay is The World's Online Marketplace(TM). Founded in 1995, eBay created a powerful platform for the sale of goods and services by a passionate community of individuals and businesses. On any given day, there are millions of items across thousands of categories for sale on eBay. eBay enables trade on a local, national and international basis with customized sites in markets around the world.
  
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