Your photos determine whether buyers click or scroll past your listing. You could have the most desirable item at the best price, but if the photos are dark, blurry, or cluttered, it will sit unsold while competitors with better images make sales.
The good news: you do not need expensive equipment or professional training. Modern smartphones take excellent photos. What you need is technique. This guide covers everything about product photography for reselling, from basic setup to advanced tips that help your listings stand out.
Why Photos Matter More Than Anything Else
Research from major marketplaces confirms what experienced sellers already know: listings with clear, professional-looking photos sell faster and for higher prices.
Photo impact by the numbers:
- Listings with 5+ photos get significantly more engagement
- Well-lit photos increase buyer trust and reduce questions
- Poor photos are the #1 reason buyers skip otherwise good deals
- Professional-looking images justify higher prices
Buyers cannot touch, hold, or try on your items. Photos are their only way to evaluate what they are buying. Every question about condition, size, or color that photos fail to answer becomes friction that prevents sales.
Essential Equipment (Budget to Pro)
Budget setup ($0-30)
- Your smartphone (iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel cameras are excellent)
- Natural light from windows
- White poster board or foam board for backgrounds
- Free photo editing apps (Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile)
Mid-range setup ($50-150)
- Ring light or LED panel light
- Phone tripod or stand
- Photo backdrop (fabric or paper roll)
- Light box for small items
Pro setup ($200+)
- Mirrorless camera or DSLR
- Studio lighting setup
- Multiple backdrop options
- Photo editing software (Adobe Lightroom)
Most successful resellers operate somewhere between budget and mid-range. Your smartphone plus good lighting produces professional results.
Lighting: The Foundation of Good Photos
Bad lighting cannot be fixed in editing. Good lighting makes mediocre cameras look professional.
Natural light (free and effective)
- Position your setup near a large window
- Overcast days provide the most even, flattering light
- Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows
- Morning and afternoon light works better than midday
Artificial lighting (consistent results)
- Ring lights provide even, shadow-free illumination
- LED panels offer adjustable brightness and color temperature
- Position lights at 45-degree angles to reduce harsh shadows
- Use two light sources to eliminate shadows
Common lighting mistakes
- Yellow indoor lighting (makes colors inaccurate)
- Overhead lighting only (creates unflattering shadows)
- Mixed light sources (causes color inconsistency)
- Shooting in low light (results in grainy, blurry photos)
Background and Setup
Background options
White backgrounds: Clean, professional, works for everything. eBay and Amazon prefer white backgrounds. Use poster board, white sheets, or a dedicated backdrop.
Lifestyle backgrounds: Work well on Depop, Poshmark, and Instagram-influenced platforms. Wood floors, textured walls, or styled scenes add visual interest.
Contextual backgrounds: Show items in use. A jacket photographed on a person communicates fit better than flat lay.
Consistency matters: Whatever background you choose, use it consistently across your shop. This creates a cohesive, professional appearance that builds brand recognition.
Setup tips
- Eliminate clutter from the frame
- Check for distracting elements (cords, shadows, reflections)
- Create a dedicated photo area you can use repeatedly
- Keep backgrounds wrinkle-free and clean
Photography Techniques by Item Type
Clothing
- Flat lay (laid flat on a surface) or hanging on a hanger
- Mannequin shots show shape better than flat lays
- Modeled photos (on a person) work best for fit-dependent items
- Include close-ups of tags, fabric details, and any flaws
- Steam or iron items before photographing
Shoes
- Show top, side, sole, and interior
- Include close-ups of brand labels and size tags
- Photograph any wear on soles or scuffs
- Stuff shoes with paper to maintain shape
- Show both shoes together and individually
Electronics
- Show all sides and ports
- Include serial numbers and model information
- Display screens powered on when possible
- Photograph any scratches or wear
- Include all accessories in at least one photo
Jewelry and small items
- Use macro mode or close-up lens
- Light boxes work exceptionally well
- Include sizing reference (coin, ruler)
- Show clasps, backs, and any markings
- Multiple angles reveal dimension
Furniture
- Photograph in a styled setting when possible
- Include overall shots and detail close-ups
- Show measurements with a tape measure in frame
- Document any damage or wear
- Photograph from multiple angles
Composition and Angles
The main image matters most
Your first photo appears in search results. It determines whether buyers click to see more.
Main image requirements:
- Show the entire item
- Clean, uncluttered frame
- Bright, even lighting
- Item fills most of the frame
- No text overlays or collages
Standard angles to include
- Front/main view
- Back view
- Side views (both sides if different)
- Detail shots of important features
- Flaw documentation
- Scale/size reference
Number of photos: More is generally better. Use all available photo slots on each platform. Buyers who cannot find the angle they want often do not ask, they just move on.
Documenting Condition Honestly
Photographing flaws prevents returns and disputes. Hiding damage backfires when buyers receive items.
How to photograph flaws:
- Use close-up mode
- Ensure good lighting on the flaw
- Show the flaw in context (where on the item it appears)
- Multiple angles if the flaw is significant
- Mention the flaw in the description as well
Honest photography builds trust: Buyers appreciate transparency. Many will purchase items with documented wear if the price reflects the condition. What they will not accept is surprise damage they did not see in photos.
Photo Editing (Keep It Natural)
Light editing improves photos. Over-editing misrepresents items and leads to returns.
Acceptable edits:
- Adjusting brightness and exposure
- Correcting white balance for accurate colors
- Cropping to improve composition
- Minor background cleanup
Edits to avoid:
- Removing visible flaws
- Dramatically altering colors
- Excessive filtering
- Adding text or watermarks to main images
Recommended editing apps:
- Snapseed (free, excellent tools)
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile (free with premium features)
- VSCO (good for consistent looks)
Platform-Specific Requirements
Different platforms have different expectations:
eBay: White backgrounds preferred, 12+ photos for expensive items, detailed shots of condition and included items
Poshmark: Styled photos work well, flat lays common, community responds to personality
Depop: Editorial/lifestyle aesthetic, modeled photos perform best, creative backgrounds acceptable
Mercari: Clean, clear photos, white backgrounds work, 12 images available
Etsy: Lifestyle photos for context, consistent branding important, multiple photos expected
Creating a Consistent System
Efficiency comes from repetition. Establish a photography workflow you can repeat.
Batch photography
- Set up your lighting and background once
- Photograph multiple items in one session
- Process and edit photos in batches
- Store photos organized by item or SKU
Time-saving tips
- Keep your setup ready to use
- Create presets in editing apps for consistent looks
- Use a checklist for required shots
- Photograph new inventory immediately (before it gets lost in storage)
When Photos Meet Listings
Great photos need great listings to convert. When you are ready to list across multiple platforms, tools like Voolist let you upload photos once and create listings that push to eBay, Etsy, Shopify, and more. The AI writing assistant can even generate descriptions from your photos, saving additional time.
Combining quality photography with efficient listing processes is how successful resellers scale from hobby income to business-level sales.
For more strategies, check out our guide to selling on multiple platforms or explore our list of best items to resell.