Getting ready for an estate sale? Great photos can make all the difference in your listing’s success. Here’s how to make your items look their best:

Use Proper Lighting

Good lighting is key. Natural light works wonders, so try to take pictures during the day near windows and open blinds and curtains to allow as much sunlight into the room as possible. If you need to use artificial light, go for bright, white bulbs to avoid shadows and yellow tones. There are many affordable portable studio lighting kits available nowadays that are easy to commute with.

Declutter and Clean

Ensure everything is clean and the area is as clutter-free as possible. While clutter may be inevitable in many estate sales, doing your best to tidy up will make items look more appealing. Remove any background distractions to keep the focus on the items for sale.

Use a Quality Camera

While your smartphone can do a decent job, a high-quality camera can really elevate your photos. Set it to high resolution to capture all the details.

Show Multiple Angles

Take photos from different angles—front, back, side, and close-ups. This gives shoppers a full view of the item and builds trust by showing any imperfections. There is no such thing as too many photos. Most sellers take 1000 photos and list 200-500 quality shots per sale.

Stage the Items

Arrange items in a way that makes them look attractive. For furniture, set it up like it would be used. For smaller items, use a plain backdrop to make them pop.

Focus on Key Details

Highlight important features like brand names, serial numbers, and unique details. Close-ups of these can be especially valuable for antiques and collectibles.

Use Tripods

A tripod keeps your camera steady, reducing blurriness. This is especially helpful in low-light conditions or when using a slow shutter speed. If there are awkward spaces or time is of the essence, try to rest your camera on furniture to take steady shots. And if you do have to take them in your bare hands, a pro tip is to breathe out as you snap!

Edit Photos Sparingly

Editing can help, but don’t overdo it. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness if needed, but keep the photos looking natural. Avoid using filters or correction tools that change the authentic color of the items.

Include Measurements

Show the size of items by including a ruler or a common object (like a coffee mug or coin) for scale in some photos. This is particularly useful for larger items like furniture.

Organize and Label

Organize your photos logically and label them clearly. Group similar items together and add brief, accurate descriptions to make it easy for buyers to navigate your listing. Put your best photo of the property or top item first in your catalog! Remember, on EstateSales.NET the first sale picture is the one that will be used in email notifications when you buy Local, Regional & National features.

By following these tips, you’ll create a professional, appealing sale listing that attracts buyers and maximizes your chances of a successful sale. Great photos not only showcase your items but also build trust and interest.