What makes a good photo for an online auction lot?

A good lot photo is sharp, well lit, and honest. Use soft, even light, such as daylight from a window or a pair of inexpensive lights, and avoid harsh flash that creates glare. Shoot against a plain, uncluttered background so the item stands out, and fill the frame without cutting anything off.

Take several views: front, back, sides, the bottom, and close-ups of marks, signatures, labels, and maker's stamps. Just as important, photograph any damage, repairs, chips, or wear. Showing flaws up front builds trust and cuts down on disputes and returns after the sale.

Include something for scale when size is not obvious, or list measurements in the description. Keep color accurate by avoiding mixed lighting, and resist heavy filters or editing. Buyers bidding from a distance rely entirely on your photos, so they should see what they will actually receive.