How to Sell on eBay: A Beginner’s Guide
How to start selling on eBay: setting up your account, researching sold prices, writing listings that sell, auction vs Buy It Now, fees, shipping and ratings.
Product Photos With a Phone: A Seller’s Guide
How to take product photos that sell using just a phone: light, backgrounds, angles, showing flaws honestly, simple editing, and marketplace photo requirements.
Key takeaways
- Soft natural light and a plain background matter more than an expensive camera.
- Shoot every angle, close-ups of details and any flaws.
- Keep editing light: straighten, crop and correct brightness, but never hide defects.
On this page
Photos are the first thing buyers see, and often the reason they click. You don’t need a studio. A phone, a window and a few minutes of setup are enough.
1. Use soft natural light
Shoot near a window during the day, avoiding direct harsh sun. Turn off overhead lights, which can cast yellow tints.
2. Choose a plain background
A white wall, sheet of card or neutral surface keeps attention on the item. For larger items, a tidy, uncluttered corner works.
3. Get the angles
| Shot | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Front, straight on | The main thumbnail |
| Back and sides | Shows the whole item |
| Close-ups | Labels, materials, texture |
| Scale | Item next to a common object, or with measurements |
| Flaws | Builds trust and avoids returns |
| In use | Clothing worn or furniture in a room |
4. Keep it steady
Use a small tripod or lean against something. Tap the screen to focus on the item.
5. Edit lightly
Crop, straighten and adjust brightness. Don’t use filters that change colours, and never hide defects: it leads to returns and bad ratings.
6. Follow platform guidelines
Marketplaces have rules about image size, backgrounds and text overlays. Check them when you list; see our guides to selling on eBay and choosing a platform.
For clothing
Hang or lay items flat, smooth out creases and show labels and measurements; see how to sell clothes online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional camera?
No. Modern phones take excellent product photos with good light.
How many photos should a listing have?
As many as needed to show the item fully, often six or more.
Should I show defects in photos?
Yes. Clear photos of flaws build trust and prevent disputes.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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