WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG or What You See Is What You Get

They say a picture is like a thousand words. That saying is even more apt when selling online. One of the biggest challenge areas to selling online, is the lack of tactile interaction between the object and the buyer. To overcome this deficit, I recommend using the very best photos you can get. The following is a list of ideas to help you capture that perfect shot:

• Try to capture the piece as realistically as possible. (avoid using multiple objects in your backgrounds as this confuses the eye and can detract from the subject)
• Choose plain backgrounds (especially for cover photos)
• Use different angles, move the piece around to see which ways look best.
• Include pictures of the Front/Back/Side Top or Bottom (collectors really want to see how a piece was constructed)
• Move the lights around, if you use them. (sometimes, certain gems, for instance, look better in low light or indirect light)
• If you use sunlight, try to take your photos at different times of day to see which light makes the item look its best.
• Place the item into scenes or vignettes that might suggest how to use it. (a ring on a finger, a trinket box on a dresser top)
• When using vignettes, make certain the object for sale is the star. Avoid cluttering up the shot with unnecessary items, use the fewest possible to tell your story to avoid confusion.
• Give a recognisable size reference. (use a universally understood size reference - keep in mind that coins from different countries can vary in size nd pencils can be differently sized as well)
• Take a shot of any markings, stamps or signatures (this is often a huge selling point so use it!)
• Take a shot of any damaged areas or signs of wear (this way you reduce the chance of poor feedback or returns)
• Include a shot of the item in it's box or original packaging if it still has it, this can really add to the saleability factor! (items in original tags/boxes/paperwork can add as much as 30% to the asking, depending on the particulars)

Use every opportunity available to show the item off! Use each available slot allowed for photos. A couple last thoughts on this subject are to refrain from using photos that show items other than the one you're selling. ie; photos of several rings on a hand, several items on a dresser top etc. This can cause confusion that may lead to hesitation to purchase the actual item you want to sell. Your goal is to be as clear as possible in all the information you give, to create a lasting impression and make that shopper want to have/use/wear/gift YOUR item, rather than your competitors. Finally, by showing clear and informative photographs, you reduce the chances of returns due to an item being "not as described" and reduce the chances for poor feedback reviews. What I strive for is to best reflect that old saying, What you See, is What you Get!

A Clean Shot, Using a Plain White background really helps this Boucher Butterfly Pop

A Less Than Successful Close Up Shot To Help Illustrate A Condition Issue With This Ring - A Bit of Verdigris (The Colored background - Blue - Caused the Green To Appear White)

A Black Background and Indirect Lighting Really Helped Make Those Art Glass Moonstones Shine