How to Photograph Streetwear for Reselling

Getting Started with Equipment

To kick off our streetwear photography guide, let's talk equipment. You don't need a DSLR to shoot great product photos. A modern smartphone with decent camera specs is more than enough. Here’s how to optimize your phone for streetwear photography:

Phone Camera Settings

• Resolution: Set your camera to the highest resolution. This ensures detailed photos that capture every nuance of your item.
• Grid Lines: Turn on grid lines to help center your shots and maintain symmetry, crucial for streetwear layouts.
• HDR: Use HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to balance out bright and dark areas in your photos, perfect for high-contrast pieces.

Lighting Setup

• Natural Light: If available, shoot near a window where soft natural light can illuminate your pieces without harsh shadows.
• Ring Light: A good alternative to natural light, especially for close-ups or if you shoot at night. It provides even lighting and reduces shadows.
• Light Box: Ideal for smaller items like hats or accessories. They deliver consistent lighting and a clean backdrop.

Backdrop Options

A clean white or neutral backdrop is the gold standard for streetwear photography. This keeps the focus on the clothing. You can use a simple white sheet or invest in a backdrop stand for more stability. Remember, less is more.

Essential Shots for Streetwear Listings

Streetwear buyers expect certain shots to make informed purchasing decisions. Here's a breakdown of the essential photos you’ll need:

• Photo 1: Front View at Eye Level - Showcase the item laid flat. This should be the main image on all platforms.
• Photo 2: Close-Up of Tag and Labels - Capture the brand name, size, and materials for authenticity checks.
• Photo 3: Design Print Close-Up - Ensure the graphic is clear and wrinkle-free. Focus on capturing the texture and color accuracy.
• Photo 4: Back View - Show the full back of the item, especially for pieces with back prints.
• Photo 5: Detail Shots - Include close-ups of unique features like embroidery, patches, or any special stitching.
• Photo 6: Condition Specifics - If there are any flaws, such as cracking prints or slight yellowing, photograph them clearly.

Photographing Condition and Wear

Streetwear enthusiasts value authenticity, so capturing the true condition of your items is crucial. Here’s how to photograph wear and damage effectively:

• Cracking Prints: For vintage items, a bit of cracking can add character. Make sure to capture these in sharp focus.
• Yellowing: Yellowing can significantly affect pricing, especially for white pieces. Use close-ups and highlight this in your description.
• Stitching and Labels: Show any wear on stitching or fading on labels as these are authenticity markers.

Common Photography Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to keep your listings looking professional:

• Cluttered Backgrounds: Ensure nothing distracts from the item. Keep backgrounds simple and clean.
• Over-Editing: While enhancing brightness is good, avoid over-saturating colors as it misrepresents true tones.
• Unclear Tags: Blurred label photos can raise doubts about authenticity.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing is essential but must be done right:

• Background Removal: Use tools like Canva to remove backgrounds if needed, ensuring the item pops.
• Brightness/Contrast: Adjust to match the real-life look of the item without distorting colors.
• Raw vs Edited: Keep your edits light. A slightly polished look is better than an artificial one.

How Many Photos to Include and Platform Limits

The number of photos you can include depends on the platform:

• eBay: Allows up to 12 photos per listing.
• Depop: Permits 4 photos, so choose the most informative shots.
• Poshmark: Supports up to 8 photos, letting you show multiple angles.
• Etsy: You can upload 10 photos, which is great for detailed shots.

Maximize each platform’s allowance to give buyers a comprehensive view of the item.

Using ListingGenie for Descriptions

Once your photos are ready, pair them with precise descriptions. ListingGenie is a great tool for crafting engaging and detailed listings that complement your visuals, ensuring potential buyers have all the information they need.

FAQs

• What type of light is best for shooting streetwear? - Natural light is ideal, but a ring light offers a good alternative for consistent results.
• How can I ensure my photos show authenticity? - Include close-ups of all tags, stitching, and any unique details that prove authenticity.
• What common mistakes should I avoid? - Avoid cluttered backgrounds and over-editing that misrepresents the item's appearance.
• How many photos should I use? - Use as many as each platform allows, prioritizing shots that show condition, tags, and design.
• Is editing necessary? - Yes, but keep it minimal. The goal is to enhance clarity, not alter the item’s actual look.