Phone vs. Pro Camera: Improving Your Listing Photos

Dark or blurry photos make buyers hesitate. A recent smartphone is enough for good listing photos: what matters is light, background and showing the item honestly.

1. Light

Turn off the flash and warm lamps and shoot near a window in daylight. Neutral, even light can make colours easier to represent accurately, but screens and cameras still vary. Compare the photo with the real item and describe any colour uncertainty. Avoid direct harsh sun, which creates strong shadows.

2. Flat lay or hanger

Clothes: a flat lay on a plain sheet works well for t-shirts and jeans; coats and dresses look better on a hanger against a plain wall.
Shoes and objects: a neutral background; portrait mode can help separate the item from the background.

3. Edit, don't filter

Adjust brightness and contrast slightly, then compare the screen with the real item. Filters that change colours lead to disappointed buyers.

4. The four essential angles

Front: the whole item.
Back: often skipped, but buyers want to see it.
Label: brand, size and composition.
Defects: a close-up of every stain, pull or mark.

Example shot list for a jacket

Front on hanger · back · label · zip and buttons · cuff detail · close-up of a small mark on the sleeve. Six photos, all in the same light.

Photos and AI

SellFast AI uses up to 5 photos to draft the title and description. Clear photos of the label help it read brand and size; it may still get materials or measurements wrong, so check the label and measure the item yourself.