How to Photograph Books for Reselling

Introduction

If you're looking to sell books online, mastering the art of photography is crucial. High-quality photos not only attract more buyers but also help you secure better prices. Having sold thousands of books myself, I've learned that great photography can triple your sales. Today, I'll walk you through the essential steps to capture perfect book photos that entice buyers.

Essential Equipment and Setup

Camera Settings

You don't need an expensive camera to take great book photos. A modern smartphone with a decent camera is more than sufficient. Set your phone camera to the highest resolution and ensure that the focus is sharp. Use the gridlines feature to maintain alignment and symmetry, which is vital for book covers and spines.

Lighting Options

• Natural Light: The cheapest and often the best option. Shoot near a large window during daylight for soft, even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows.
• Ring Light: Perfect for shooting in low-light conditions, providing consistent and adjustable lighting.
• Light Box: Offers a controlled environment with diffused lighting, ideal for smaller books like paperbacks.

Backdrop Choices

The backdrop should be neutral to keep the focus on the book. A plain white or light grey background works best. You can use a large sheet of paper, a foam board, or a light box for smaller items.

Essential Shots for Books

Showing your book from multiple angles and highlighting important details is key. Here's a breakdown of the shots you need:

• Photo 1: Front cover at eye level. Ensure the entire cover is visible and centered.
• Photo 2: Spine shot. Capture the title and author clearly, as many buyers search by these details.
• Photo 3: Back cover, showing any synopsis or blurbs.
• Photo 4: Open the book to photograph the copyright page. This informs buyers about the edition and printing.
• Photo 5: Capture any damage such as water stains, torn pages, or a broken spine. Be honest and detailed to build buyer trust.
• Photo 6: Photograph the page edges (top, side, bottom) to show any foxing or yellowing.
• Photo 7: For hardcovers, remove the dust jacket to show the book cover underneath, particularly for first editions.

Tips for Accurate Condition Representation

Photographing Wear and Damage

When photographing damage, use close-ups and ensure the lighting highlights the flaws without exaggerating them. For example, a slight tilt can help show a wavy page from water damage. Use macro mode or zoom in for small details like torn pages or foxing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blurry Images: Always use a steady hand or a tripod. Blurriness suggests carelessness and can discourage potential buyers.
• Poor Lighting: Overexposed or underexposed images can misrepresent the book. Adjust lighting as needed.
• Cluttered Backgrounds: Keep backgrounds simple to avoid distractions.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing can enhance the clarity of your photos, but use it sparingly:

• Background Removal: This can make the book stand out, but only if done cleanly.
• Brightness and Contrast: Adjust these settings to ensure details are visible without losing natural colors.
• Editing Caution: Avoid altering the appearance of the book to the point where it misleads buyers.

How Many Photos to Include

Each platform has different photo limits, but as a rule of thumb, aim for 6-8 well-chosen shots. eBay allows up to 12 photos, Vinted allows 20, while Etsy offers up to 10. Use ListingGenie to craft descriptions that complement your photos, making your listing even more appealing.

FAQs

• How do I photograph glossy covers without glare?
  Use indirect lighting or a ring light with a diffuser to minimize glare.
• What if the book has a musty smell?
  Mention it in your listing and consider airing it out before shooting photos.
• Do I need professional equipment for book photography?
  No, a good smartphone camera with proper lighting suffices.
• How can I show the book's scale in photos?
  Include a common object for reference, such as a pen, but avoid making this the focus.
• Should I edit out damage marks?
  No, accurately portraying the book's condition is vital for buyer trust.