Photography

[statesplace]

What are some of your photography “best practices” 

I would love to hear how everyone takes their photos? 

I personally use a white backdrop and professional lighting kit as well as a mannequin (I’m a clothing seller) 

[a_c_green]

Previously I wrote: 
Oddly, it uses the same mini-USB outlet for data transfer as for power input, so it has to go to on-board battery power while it's talking to my computer, but otherwise I have it plugged into the wall.

---

Sorry, I have that wrong; I was thinking of a different camera. The PowerShot A540 has separate inputs for external power (coaxial plug) and for data transfer (mini-USB).

[timemachine777]

---

@a_c_greenwrote:

---

@timemachine777 wrote:

---

@disneyshopper wrote:

I use a Sony Mavica, that uses a floppy disk.

My background is made of gray flannel.  I have 3 different types of mannequins that I use.  The lighting is 2 fluorescent tubes, one on each side of the object.  I also have a black sheet that I use if the object is light colored.

---

I have 2 of them. I bought my 1st one back in the mid 90's. I loved using it. Now both have dead batteries, that lasted over a decade each. Nothing matched the 10x zoom. 

---

1) Are the batteries not replaceable? 

2) Can you buy a compatible external power supply?

My Canon PowerShot A540 ate batteries for breakfast. It only held two AAs in the first place, so long life was never a promise, but when its only use now is for tripod-mounted eBay photography, I can plug in an external power adapter (some aftermarket thing with a compatible plug and power rating) and never worry about battery life again. 

Oddly, it uses the same mini-USB outlet for data transfer as for power input, so it has to go to on-board battery power while it's talking to my computer, but otherwise I have it plugged into the wall. Can you do a similar setup for your Mavica, perhaps?

---

Yes. You just can't buy them at the store anymore. I just need to order one. The battery is the only power source.

[hioctane62]

---

@ericlovescameraswrote:
where you get a white background?

---

I use a white cloth shower curtain liner from the dollar store. It was either 3 or 4 dollars. It works well and you can wash it. If it ends up with a stain or two it replaces the rust water stained one in the shower and I get another one. 

I've been using a 15 year old, 4 MP Kodak easyshare, but it's dying and I just got a Nikon B700. 60X zoom, RAW file format capability, and 4K video, and lots of manual capabilities. I wanted to be sure I got a camera that will still be somewhat up to date with technology 10-15 years down the road, but not a DSLR that I'd have to carry 5-10 lbs. of lenses and accessories.

[sockmonkeydave]

@a_c_green

Yes the battery pack is removable, and it has a stand alone charger.

Mine only has a floppy drive, but I think  the later models  had a data port and cable.

It is an easy camera to use, and takes great pictures.

[cycle-dog]

Awesome question, and glad to hear.
Firstly, get a REAL DSLR if you doh't othewise have one (cam phones are fine, but even they no matter what the cell market says are not really good enough frankly to be examined / entered into photo evidence at court, at least FOR NOW; that may change). Nikon or Canon, whatever your pleasure -- the good old fashioned from 35mm Film days 60mm lens, macro function, the one journalists for details used (and bookeepers, librarians, spies, etc., historically that is, what went to microfiche), is the "ultimate" cut lens, perferct for fashion and product ops, along with your lighting system, OF COURSE. (Want any suggestions on lighting, just ask -- former pro photographer / Big City News Journalist-EDITOR, put myself through law school and then some, still shoot ! Happy to help! 🙂

[thatsallfolks]

---

@cycle-dogwrote:

Awesome question, and glad to hear.
Firstly, get a REAL DSLR if you doh't othewise have one (cam phones are fine, but even they no matter what the cell market says are not really good enough frankly to be examined / entered into photo evidence at court, at least FOR NOW; that may change). Nikon or Canon, whatever your pleasure -- the good old fashioned from 35mm Film days 60mm lens, macro function, the one journalists for details used (and bookeepers, librarians, spies, etc., historically that is, what went to microfiche), is the "ultimate" cut lens, perferct for fashion and product ops, along with your lighting system, OF COURSE. (Want any questions on lighting, just ask -- former pro photographer / Big City News Journalist-EDITOR, put myself through law school and then some, still shoot ! Happy to help! 🙂

---

A DSLR is absolutely not necessary. But I agree that a phone camera isn't adequate. There are lots of cameras in between, for not much money.

[cycle-dog]

Totally hear you and so glad we are agreed!--on most things! 😉

OP, you can actually get a USED Nikon D90 for 165 (OR LESS) - 200-some bucks --that's right, a D90, same res as the pro Nikon D3 (wow), PLUS VIDEO? REAL DS LR, same res., ability to change lenses, etc. PLUS video, too?! And yes, better and more detailed the photo, more easy the sale (Woo Hoo).

And yeah, hear you, Salt, why I recommend USED - all good! 🙂

[lewisburggold]

We just use a white sheet of paper and a galaxy 7 phone.  Its not the best but we have gotten by so far.  Best regards

[cycle-dog]

Glad to hear. Not sure what, exactly, it is you're selling, but if it's more than 50-plus bucks for item, then think how much, with more detailed photos you could actually do (your Galaxy cost more than a USED DSLR, then again, it's a phone not a CAM, right? OF COURSE -- same time, your DSLR ain't about to answer the phone / let you know a message came in, but hey, does what IT DOES, improve your sales, drive those messages yes? UP to you, and BTW, white board IS GOOD!!!! 🙂 Cheers.

[castlemagicmemories]

To the OP:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Photography-process/m-p/28236787#M1168106

[*coins]

---

@cycle-dogwrote:

Totally hear you and so glad we are agreed!--on most things! 😉

OP, you can actually get a USED Nikon D90 for 165 (OR LESS) - 200-some bucks --that's right, a D90, same res as the pro Nikon D3 (wow), PLUS VIDEO? REAL DS LR, same res., ability to change lenses, etc. PLUS video, too?! And yes, better and more detailed the photo, more easy the sale (Woo Hoo).

And yeah, hear you, Salt, why I recommend USED - all good! 🙂

---

And..what exactly is a seller going to need video recording for??

The camera is to take photos of items to sell..most cheap digital cameras let you record videos too anyways.

Although I do use a DSLR, I feel (and I'm sure most do) that a reguar Canon Powershot or Nikon Coolpix are perfectly fine (and a lot cheaper) for taking eBay photos.

Switching to a DSLR isn't going to raise sales, IMO.

[cycle-dog]

Whatever you say, and whatever YOU want. Totally and respectfully disagree, but hey, maybe I buy more than what your items are priced at, thus expecting more detail? ALL GOOD, and no problem. PEACE. ALL GOOD! 🙂