How to Photograph Vintage Clothing for Reselling

Equipment You'll Need

Getting the right photos for vintage clothing isn't as complicated as it sounds, but it does require some specific tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Smartphone with a Good Camera: Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras. Ensure your phone is set to the highest resolution and use the gridlines to keep your shots straight.
• Lighting Setup: While natural light is ideal, it's not always available. A ring light is great for eliminating shadows, or consider a light box if you're shooting smaller items like vintage accessories.
• Backdrops: For vintage clothing, use a flat lay on a clean, contrasting surface. White backdrops for dark items and grey for lighter garments work best. This helps the item stand out and makes details more visible.

Essential Shots for Vintage Clothing

Each photo should aim to show a specific detail that vintage buyers care about:

• Photo 1: Full Front View - Taken at eye level, this shot should capture the entire garment. Ensure it's laid out flat and straight.
• Photo 2: Label/Tag Close-Up - Vintage buyers often determine authenticity by tags, so a clear, close-up image is crucial.
• Photo 3: Flaws/Condition - Use good lighting to highlight any flaws like stains or fabric wear. This transparency builds trust.
• Photo 4: Fabric Texture - A close-up shot to show the texture can help buyers imagine the feel of the fabric.
• Photo 5: Unique Details - Focus on any distinctive element such as buttons, embroidery, or graphics.

Photographing Condition Accurately

Vintage fabric is fragile and often has wear. Here’s how to capture it:

• Moth Holes: Hold the garment up to natural light to capture any small holes.
• Pit Stains: Use a warm light to highlight discoloration, making sure the yellowish tint is visible.
• Cracking Prints: Zoom in and use a side light to emphasize cracks in graphics.
• Elastic Waistbands: Gently stretch to show dry rot, capturing this detail adds value to your honesty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your vintage clothing photos look professional, avoid these mistakes:

• Ignoring Lighting: Poor lighting can make colors appear dull and hide important details. Always use a good lighting source.
• Busy Backgrounds: Cluttered backgrounds distract from the garment. Stick to clean, simple backdrops.
• Blurry Images: Ensure every photo is sharp; use a tripod if necessary to prevent shaking.
• Over-Editing: While adjustments to brightness and contrast are useful, avoid altering colors or removing details that buyers need to see.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing can enhance your images, but it’s important to strike a balance:

• Background Removal: This can help isolate the garment, making it more appealing.
• Brightness/Contrast: Use these tools to enhance details but avoid making the item look different from real life.
• Raw vs Edited: Show flaws in their raw form; buyers will appreciate your honesty.

How Many Photos to Include

More photos increase buyer trust and can lead to higher sales conversion. Here’s what works best on different platforms:

• eBay: Up to 12 photos. Use this to your advantage by showing every angle and detail.
• Vinted: Allows up to 20, but 5-10 well-composed shots are usually enough.
• Depop: Typically 4 photos, so make them count with a mix of full shots and close-ups.
• Etsy: Can handle 10 photos; use the extra space for detail shots if needed.

Don’t forget, good photos paired with detailed descriptions crafted using tools like ListingGenie can make a significant difference in your selling success.

FAQs

How do I ensure my photos are straight and not tilted?

Use the gridlines feature on your phone's camera to keep your shots aligned.

Is it better to use a model or a dress form for vintage clothing?

A dress form is often preferable as it focuses on the garment, avoiding background distractions.

Should I edit out all flaws from my photos?

No, be transparent about flaws. Edit for clarity and aesthetic, but highlight flaws to build trust.

How can I make the colors in my photos pop without over-editing?

Use natural light or a ring light to enhance colors naturally, then make slight adjustments in an editing app.

What’s the ideal number of photos for a vintage listing?

Between 5-8 photos is ideal, showing a mix of full garment shots and close-up details.