How to Photograph Sportswear for Reselling

Mastering Sportswear Photography for Online Resale

As a seasoned online reseller, I’ve learned that eye-catching photography is crucial to boosting sales, especially with sportswear. Whether you’re selling a pair of vintage Nike shorts or a high-end Lululemon jacket, how you present these items can make or break a sale. Let’s dive into the specifics of capturing sportswear in a way that maximizes appeal and value.

Equipment Essentials

You don’t need a professional camera to take great photos of your sportswear. Most modern smartphones are more than capable, especially if you tweak the settings a bit. Here’s what you need:

• Phone Camera Settings: Set your camera to the highest resolution. Use the HDR setting to balance the lighting and detail in your shots. Avoid using filters that alter the true color of the item.
• Lighting Setup: Natural light is ideal for sportswear. Position the item near a window to get soft, even lighting. If natural light isn't available, a ring light is your next best option. Avoid using flash as it can create harsh shadows and distort colors.
• Backdrop Options: A plain white or light gray background works best. These colors help the item pop and don’t distract from the details. A large piece of white poster board or a clean sheet can do the trick.

Essential Shots: Capturing What Matters

Each piece of sportswear has unique features buyers are interested in. Here’s a list of must-have shots:

• Photo 1: Front view at eye level showing the entire item, neatly laid flat or on a dress form to maintain shape.
• Photo 2: Back view to display any additional design elements or logos.
• Photo 3: Close-up of the brand tag/logo clearly. Buyers often search by brand, so this is crucial.
• Photo 4: Feature detail shot — show any tech features like mesh panels, thumb holes, reflective elements, or zip pockets.
• Photo 5: Condition shot — capture any wear like pilling, logo peeling, or elastic stretching.
• Photo 6: Flat lay measurement photo with a tape measure across the chest and from top to bottom. This helps buyers get a true sense of size.

Accurate Condition Representation

Sportswear often shows specific types of wear, so it’s essential to depict this accurately:

• Pilling: Use a macro setting to capture close-ups of fabric texture, which shows pilling clearly.
• Elastic Stretch: Photograph the elastic while gently stretching it to show its condition.
• Deodorant Stains: Capture underarm areas with good lighting to reveal any white marks or discoloration.
• Color Fading: Compare your item to a retail photo to highlight any fading, especially for outdoor gear.
• Size Verification: For brands like Lululemon, include a shot of the size dot found in the pocket.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best equipment, simple errors can make your sportswear photos look amateurish:

• Using Hangers: Avoid hangers as they stretch the fabric and make items look shapeless.
• Ignoring Background Clutter: Always use a clean, neutral background to keep the focus on the item.
• Over-Editing: Avoid editing photos to the point where colors are unrealistic or details are lost.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing can enhance your photos, but moderation is key:

• Background Removal: Use apps like Adobe Photoshop Express to clean up backgrounds, but ensure the item remains true to life.
• Brightness/Contrast: Adjust these settings to ensure the item’s details are visible, but don’t exaggerate.
• Edit vs. Raw: Keep editing subtle. Buyers want to see the item as it looks in reality.

Platform Photo Limits and Strategy

Different platforms have varied photo allowances, so strategize accordingly:

• eBay: Allows up to 12 free photos. Use all available slots to cover every angle and detail.
• Poshmark: Limits to 8 photos. Focus on the most critical shots — front, back, features, and condition.
• Depop: Allows 4 photos. Be selective, prioritize brand visibility and condition.

Each listing should have at least 6 photos to provide a comprehensive view of the item.

Writing Descriptions with ListingGenie

Once your photos are ready, complement them with detailed descriptions. Tools like ListingGenie can help you craft concise and appealing text that highlights the item's features and condition, ensuring consistency across platforms.

FAQs: Photographic Queries for Reselling Sportswear

• How can I make colors pop without over-editing? Use natural light or a ring light and adjust the contrast slightly to enhance colors while keeping them true to life.
• Why does my sportswear look distorted in photos? Avoid using wide-angle lenses, and ensure the item is evenly laid out. Use a dress form for a more accurate representation.
• Should I include tags in my photos? Yes, always include a clear photo of the brand tag and any care labels, as these reassure buyers of authenticity.
• How do I photograph reflective elements? Use indirect lighting to avoid glare, capturing the reflective nature without washing out other details.
• What background works best for sports jerseys? A simple, dark background often highlights the vibrant colors and details of jerseys best.