How to Photograph Items for Reselling: A Complete Guide

When it comes to reselling, your photos often matter more than your words. A buyer’s first impression of your product comes from your images, and great photos can dramatically boost your click-through rate, buyer trust, and overall sales. In fact, studies across e-commerce platforms show that listings with high-quality images are twice as likely to sellcompared to those with poor or blurry ones.

Whether you’re selling on Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, or your own Shopify store, learning how to photograph items for reselling is a skill that pays off long-term. This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from lighting and backgrounds to editing and platform-specific tips.

1. Why Photography Matters in Reselling

First Impressions Count: Buyers often scroll quickly. A crisp, well-lit image will stop them in their tracks.
Builds Buyer Trust: Clear photos show authenticity and reduce doubts.
Reduces Returns: Good photos set realistic expectations and prevent “item not as described” cases.
Boosts SEO & Visibility: Many platforms prioritize high-quality images in their search rankings.

2. Essential Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional studio to take professional-quality photos. Here’s the starter kit:

Smartphone Camera (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel – modern smartphones are more than enough).
Ring Light or Softbox Lighting ($30–$80) for consistent lighting.
Tripod or Phone Stand to avoid shaky images.
Backdrop (white poster board, fabric, or wall).
Flat Lay Surface (wooden floor, table, or foam boards).

Optional but useful:

Mannequin for clothing to show fit and drape.
Steamer/Iron to remove wrinkles from clothes.
Lightbox for small items (jewelry, shoes, accessories).

3. Setting Up the Right Background

Neutral Colors Work Best: White, gray, or light neutrals keep focus on the product.
Avoid Clutter: A busy background distracts buyers and looks unprofessional.
DIY Backdrop: Use poster boards, sheets, or rolls of paper taped to a wall.
Platform Standards: eBay and Amazon prefer white backgrounds, while Depop allows creative, lifestyle backdrops.

4. Mastering Lighting for Product Photography

Lighting is the single biggest factor separating amateur photos from professional-looking ones.

Natural Light: Shoot near a window during the day for soft, even light.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: It causes harsh shadows and color distortion.
Artificial Lighting: Use ring lights or LED softboxes for consistency.
Golden Rule: Always light from the front or side—never from behind the item.

5. How to Photograph Different Types of Clothing and Items

Clothing

Flat Lay: Lay clothing flat on a neutral background. Works for T-shirts, jeans, sweaters.
Hanging: Hang dresses or coats against a clean wall for a natural drape.
Mannequin/Model: Best for fitted clothing like jackets, blazers, and dresses.

Shoes

Capture from multiple angles: side, top, back, and sole.
Stuff shoes with paper for shape.

Accessories (Bags, Hats, Jewelry)

Use a lightbox or flat lay.
Zoom in on textures, brand logos, or tags.

6. Angles and Shots Every Reseller Should Capture

Front View – the main image.
Back View – shows the full item.
Close-Up of Details – fabric, tags, zippers, logos.
Defects or Flaws – scratches, stains, tears (builds trust).
Lifestyle Shot – optional, but helps buyers visualize usage.

Pro Tip: Capture 8–12 photos per listing to maximize trust and conversions.

7. Editing and Enhancing Your Photos

Editing should enhance clarity, not mislead buyers.

Brightness/Contrast Adjustments – correct exposure.
Crop & Align – remove dead space, keep photos centered.
Color Correction – ensure colors match real-life.
Apps to Use: Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, Canva.

8. Platform-Specific Photo Best Practices

eBay: White background, at least 6–12 photos.
Poshmark: Square format, lifestyle photos perform well.
Depop: Trendy, creative backdrops encouraged.
Mercari: Multiple angles, avoid stock photos.
Shopify: Consistency across all product pages is key.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Blurry Images: Always use steady hands or a tripod.
Poor Lighting: Dark or yellow-toned photos reduce trust.
Messy Backgrounds: Buyers don’t want to see your laundry pile.
Over-Editing: Misleading photos lead to refunds and negative reviews.
Ignoring Defects: Always disclose flaws visually and in the description.

10. Case Study: How Better Photos Increased Sales by 40%

Michael, a part-time reseller on eBay and Poshmark, struggled with slow sales. His listings had dim, cluttered photos taken at night. After investing in a ring light, tripod, and simple white backdrop:

His average sales increased by 40% in 3 months.
Return rate dropped because buyers had clearer expectations.
His shop gained repeat customers who praised the “professional look.”

Lesson: Small investments in photography can yield huge ROI in resale.

11. Final Thoughts

Photography is one of the most important skills for resellers. You don’t need a fancy studio—just consistency, good lighting, and attention to detail. The difference between a $15 sale and a $50 sale often comes down to presentation.

By mastering how to photograph items for reselling, you’ll not only attract more buyers but also build a reputation as a trustworthy seller.

Action Step: Start with what you have—clear a corner, use natural light, and take 10+ shots per item. As profits grow, reinvest into lighting and editing tools for even greater results.