How to Photograph Furniture for Reselling

Photography Equipment Needed for Reselling Furniture

Improving your furniture photography can dramatically increase your sales, as I've discovered by tripling my sales with the right techniques. Here's what you'll need to start:

• Camera: A modern smartphone with excellent camera capabilities like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S21 can suffice. Ensure your settings are optimized for indoor shooting — adjust the focus, exposure, and turn on grid lines for alignment.
• Lighting: Natural light is your best friend when photographing furniture. Place the item near a window during daylight hours. If natural light is insufficient, use a ring light for even distribution without harsh shadows.
• Backdrop: Use a clean, uncluttered background. If space allows, dedicate a corner of your room with a neutral wall or a seamless paper backdrop to give your photos a professional look.

Essential Shots for Furniture Photography

Capturing the right angles and details is crucial. Here’s a guide to the shots you should include:

• Photo 1: Front View - Take a photo at eye level directly in front of the furniture to show its full profile.
• Photo 2: Side View - Capture one or both sides to give a sense of depth and style.
• Photo 3: Detail of Features - Zoom in on interesting details like carvings, handles, or any unique features.
• Photo 4: Interior Condition - Open drawers, doors, and display the interior to show functionality and condition.
• Photo 5: Maker's Mark or Labels - Photograph any brand names, labels, or stamps, as they can significantly increase value.
• Photo 6: Signs of Wear - Honestly capture any damage like scratches or stains with close-up shots. This transparency builds buyer trust.
• Photo 7: Scale Reference - Include a common object or person for size reference to help buyers understand dimensions.

Tips for Accurate Condition Photography

Buyers want a realistic view of what they're purchasing. Accurately photographing wear and damage will set clear expectations:

• Use Natural Light: It highlights the actual color and condition without artificial lighting distortions.
• Focus on Damage: Use your camera’s macro mode to highlight any significant wear, like water rings or scratches. This ensures transparency and reduces returns.
• Highlight Construction: Photograph joints, drawer slides, and the underside to show structural integrity, especially for solid wood pieces.

Common Photography Mistakes to Avoid

A few mistakes can make even the best furniture look unappealing:

• Cluttered Backgrounds: Keep your setup clean and simple to avoid distractions.
• Bad Lighting: Avoid dark, poorly lit photos. They make the furniture look dull and unattractive.
• Poor Angles: Shots taken from extreme angles can distort the furniture’s shape and size.
• Blurry Images: Use a tripod or stabilize your phone to prevent shaky, unclear photos.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing can enhance your images without misleading buyers:

• Background Removal: Use tools like Canva or remove.bg for clean, distraction-free backgrounds.
• Brightness and Contrast: Slightly adjust these settings to better reflect the furniture's true colors.
• When to Keep It Raw: Avoid over-editing that alters the actual appearance of the item.

How Many Photos to Include

Different platforms allow different numbers of photos. Here’s a quick guide:

• eBay: Up to 12 photos, utilize them all for maximum detail.
• Facebook Marketplace: Maximum of 10 photos, focus on both overall and detail shots.
• Etsy: Allows 10 photos, prioritize unique features and craftsmanship.

Using ListingGenie can help you craft compelling descriptions that complement your detailed photos, making your listings even more appealing.

FAQ Section

• What’s the best time of day to photograph furniture? Aim for late morning or early afternoon when natural light is at its peak without being harsh.
• Should I use a flash? No, flash can create harsh shadows and reflect off surfaces in an unflattering way.
• How do I photograph large items? Step back and use a wide-angle lens setting to capture the entire piece.
• What if my space is too small? Consider renting a storage unit temporarily or rearranging items to create space.
• How do I enhance the wood grain in photos? Use side lighting to emphasize texture and depth.

By using these photography techniques, you can make your furniture listings more attractive and authoritative, leading to faster sales and better prices. Remember, great photos paired with well-written descriptions are your keys to success.