Photography Do's And Don'ts - How To Sell Books PHOTO GUIDE

One of the most difficult parts of selling a book (or any antique item in fact) is photographing it.

You want to show the all of the features as accurately and positively as possible.

The key to listing books on eBay is in showing every aspect of it through great photography.

Follow the guide below and you should manage to do just that.

The Photography Dont's:

Object position

Don't lay the book on it's side unless it won't stand up.

Even then try to prop it up from behind so that it appears to be standing.

Bad:

This one is better but again, photographing the book standing up is clearer and more professional.

Adequate:

The best way to show the book is to photograph it standing, with a light background and with the spine visible.

Good:

Background

Don't photograph the book against a dark or dirty background.

White walls or carpet suits best.

Try the bath, a kitchen surface or even on top of a washing machine for a clean and simple backdrop.

If all else fails you can try the back of a rug or laying a sheet.

Bad:

Good:

Focus

Focus is an important way to get your book to appear clear and realistic.

You want the writing on your book to be easily visible and any decoration to be bold and clear..

If it's blurry and out of focus then use your camera's Macro mode.

Try taking the photo in a well-lit room also.

If all else fails then flash can capture text clearly but be careful with it.

Keep trying until the photo looks clear - a buyer won't want to buy a book they can't see properly!

Bad:

Good:

Flash

Try taking photos of your book in a well-lit environment, with a lamp or light close by to accentuate the details of the book..

Only use flash as a last resort as it can be too harsh for photographing clearly.

It gives an uneven and unrealistic visualization of light and colour and isn't ideal for photographing books.

Bad:

Flash can be used well in some cases - try moving the camera further away and zooming in so the flash isn't too bright on the pages. You will often get a reflective section on shiny surfaces (colour pages or book covers) so beware.

Good:

The Photography Do's:

1. Exterior shot

If there's a Dust Jacket present then keep it on the book for the first photo.

1.5 Dust Jacket shot

If the book does have a Dust Jacket then try to photograph it completely unfolded on a flat surface so the buyer can see any flaws and you don't get caught out when describing the book.

2. Covers

If the book has a Dust Jacket then take a photograph showing the book without its cover.

Remember what I wrote about setting, lighting and focus.

3. Front papers

Now show the very first pages (Front papers or inside cover)

This isn't always important unless they are decorated nor interesting e.g A map.

4. Cover Details

If there are any nice details on the cover such as gilt patterns, a picture or nice font then show this - it can only help.

5. The Title Page

One of the most important photographs you can take is of the title page.

This gives buyers important information about the book - make sure the writing is clear.

6. The Print Details

Now take a photograph of the section that people often miss.

Most books will have a page behind the Title Page (or on the back of the title page) showing the publication details of the book.

This gives vital information to the buyer concerning the year and edition etc.

7. Sample Page

Now try showing a standard page to the buyer so they know what to expect.

Perhaps choose one with an illustration or take several photos if there are quite a few illustrations.

 Once you have taken all of your photographs check through to make sure they are accurate, clear and free from obvious flaws.

By displaying the details above of your book you will stand a much greater chance of selling for a higher value,especially if it is a rare or collectible book

Thanks for reading and please take a look at my other posts.

Email me if you need and help or have any questions;

vaugc002@gmail.com