How to Photograph Vinyl Records for Reselling

Equipment Needed for Vinyl Record Photography

When photographing vinyl records for resale, you don’t need a professional camera setup to achieve great results. A modern smartphone camera is perfectly capable, but understanding its settings and combining it with the right lighting and backdrops will make a huge difference.

Camera Settings

• Resolution: Always set your phone camera to its highest resolution. This allows potential buyers to zoom in on details without losing clarity.
• Focus: Use manual focus if your phone allows it, especially for capturing detailed shots like the label or matrix/runout details.
• Gridlines: Turn on gridlines to help center your shots and maintain consistent framing.

Lighting Setup

• Natural Light: The best and most cost-effective option. Shoot near a window during the day but avoid direct sunlight which can create harsh reflections.
• Ring Light: Great for evening shoots or when natural light isn’t available. It provides even lighting, reducing shadows that might obscure details.
• Light Box: Ideal for consistent results, especially if photographing numerous records. It diffuses light evenly across the record's surface, minimizing glare.

Backdrop Options

• Plain White Sheet or Poster Board: Keeps the focus on the record and provides a clean, professional look.
• Black Velvet: Absorbs light and reduces reflections, making it excellent for highlighting the vinyl surface.

Essential Shots for Vinyl Records

Getting the right shots can make or break a sale, so here’s a checklist of photos you need for each record listing:

• Photo 1: Front Sleeve - Take at eye level to provide a clear view of artwork. This is the first thing collectors look at.
• Photo 2: Back Sleeve - Captures track listing and additional artwork or information. Also check for barcodes or pressing info.
• Photo 3: Vinyl Surface - Hold the record at an angle under light to show condition, looking for scratches or warp.
• Photo 4: Labels - Photograph both sides of the label to show pressing info, catalogue numbers, and unique identifiers.
• Photo 5: Inserts and Extras - Any inserts, lyric sheets, or posters, especially if they add value (Japanese pressings’ obi strips).
• Photo 6: Damage - Clearly document seam splits, ring wear, or writing on the sleeve. Honesty is key to building buyer trust.

Tips for Showing Condition Accurately

Record collectors are serious about grading. Accurate photographs help prevent returns and boost your credibility.

• Photograph Under Light: Use natural or diffused artificial light to reveal imperfections. Avoid flash as it can obscure details.
• Angle for Scratches: Hold the record slightly tilted to capture light reflecting off any scratches.
• Detail Shots of Wear: Focus close-up on the edges of the sleeve and the record's surface where wear is most evident.

Common Photography Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your listings look as professional as possible:

• Overexposed Photos: Too much light washes out details. Adjust exposure settings or reposition your lighting.
• Cluttered Backgrounds: Keep the focus on the record by using a plain backdrop. Avoid busy or colorful backgrounds.
• Lack of Detail: Skipping close-up shots of important features (like matrix numbers) can deter serious buyers.

Photo Editing Tips

Editing can enhance your photos, but there’s a fine line between improvement and misrepresentation.

• Background Removal: If using software, ensure it doesn’t cut into the record, which can make it look poorly edited.
• Adjust Brightness/Contrast: Enhance details but keep it realistic. Over-editing can mislead buyers and lead to returns.
• When to Keep Raw: If your photos are clear and well-lit, minimal editing may be best to maintain authenticity.

How Many Photos to Include

Platforms like eBay allow up to 12 photos per listing, and you should use as many as possible to cover all angles and details. Platforms like Etsy and Mercari have fewer slots, so prioritize the most informative shots: front and back sleeves, vinyl condition, and any extras.

Complementing Photos with Descriptions

Great photos tell most of the story, but a detailed description is essential. Use tools like ListingGenie to craft descriptions that highlight unique aspects uncovered in your photos, such as limited-edition pressings or rare inserts.

FAQ

• How do I photograph glossy vinyl without reflections? - Use a light box or indirect lighting to minimize reflections. A ring light with a diffuser can also help.
• Do I need professional equipment to take good photos of records? - Not at all. A smartphone with proper settings and good lighting is usually sufficient.
• What’s the best way to show a scratch on vinyl? - Tilt the record under a strong light source to catch the scratch in the reflection and then focus the camera on it.
• Should I edit out imperfections? - No, it's crucial to show any imperfections clearly to maintain transparency and trust with buyers.
• Is it necessary to take photos of both sides of the record label? - Yes, as label details can indicate pressing information that affects value.