I have a gripe about photography

[Bill Hollinger]

The more "for sale" items I'm seeing the more horrible the photos. Sellers are putting their items up for sale and the photos are out of focus, angles are bad and lighting is bad. Taking photos is not that difficult. I think the best thing the photographer should do is review your photos on your computer prior to posting them. This way you can dump the bad ones and edit some of them to improve the shot like lighting, contrast, etc.

Use the "macro" feature on your camera when taking up close, detail shots. Take photos in natural light when possible, indirect florescent light works also. Use a neutral back drop/back ground. Don't ever use white or black. Don't use card board. A green or gray, like an old Army or Navy blanket works great. I medium blue or green towel works great. The idea is you don't want the flash to reflect back with white or the black to absorb all the flash to make the subject item to look too dark. If you have an item with a reflective surface, turn it slightly away (even 5 degrees makes a difference) so the flash doesn't reflect back. Don't take photos of your item sitting on the dinner or coffee table.

If you don't know how to use the camera you have then ask someone. An 11 year old kid will be able to tell you anything and everything about your camera if you are unwilling or too lazy to look at the manual or get on the net for advise. Practice taking shots with your camera until you have it figured out and have mastered the art of photography.

It ain't rocket science!

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