You’ve got the right camera, you invested in a tripod and you have learned a few tricks regarding focusing, now it’s time to shoot those items you want to sell on eBay, right? Not so fast. There are a few more tips you want to keep in mind prior to pointing and shooting. In this blog we’ll discuss how proper lighting will help you achieve prize-winning photos that will attract more potential buyers to your auction item.
Avoiding Hot Spots. If you are shooting in direct sunlight or illuminating your auction item directly under an unfiltered bulb you run the risk of creating a hot spot in your photo. To avoid this it’s important to diffuse the light. For example, if you are shooting outside it’s best to do so on a cloudy day. Shooting on a bright sunny day will create harsh shadows on your subject. Otherwise, place your item in a shady spot where the sun is saturating it. If you are shooting indoors I would recommend purchasing a plastic light cover to diffuse your lighting source or use a light tent such as the EZ Cube. Most serious eBay sellers swear by this device. (You can order one by clicking here.) It is very easy to use. You simply place an object inside the light tent and shine the lights on the outside of the cube and you end up with usable diffused light. By placing your item in the cube you also eliminate unwanted reflection from shiny objects.
Avoiding Underexposure. This problem often occurs when you are shooting objects on a white or bright background or if you are shooting outside in direct sunlight. Doing so can trick your camera’s automatic light meter, which means your camera will try to adjust to the surrounding bright light rather than the object. If your cameras doesn’t come with an over/under exposure compensation adjustment try using the EZ Cube and adjust your camera’s exposure setting to allow more light to hit your auction item.
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