YEP, that's what happens when you're not paying attention. IT IS UP-SIDE-DOWN!!
Pictures, it’s ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE!! For real.
I'm guilty of rushing this process (see above) and regretting the time it takes to go back and gather more details. It's especially important when the items for sale are located elsewhere, like a storage unit, your OLD home, at a friend's, or client's place. It's a total pain to get "back to it."
So prepare to handle ONE ITEM AT A TIME.
Take a breath and focus. It can be tedious and frustrating but worth it, in the end.
1. Gather like items you wish to sell.
2. Clean them.
3. Find best lighting.
4. FLAT Solid color base.
5. Clean the camera lens!
Remove any distractions from the surrounding space. Shooting with an angled wall in the background confuses the eye.
Three angles (emphasizing any chips, marks, discolorations) is best. Take a shot of the bottom, if there is a signature or stamp.
Good lighting is a must. You'll find, over time, the lighting changes and you may have to move around the room for best effect.
Solid colors like brown wood, black, or white enhance the colors. I like to place things on a wooden table (especially when it is ALSO for sale! The grain draws out details and color.
You can include something to help people get an idea of what 12” x 8” x 4” looks like (some standard thing like a pencil.)
Measurements are great as well. Helps people decide whether they can get it thru their doorway and how it fits in their space.
One tip I especially like is to group things together that create a nice ensemble. For example, I posted a chaise lounge for a client and placed a throw on the arm. It made the sofa pop in color and becomes an easy “add-in” when the buyer comes to look.
I include ideas for placement and consider a unique buyer. “Can you see this fab pull-out in your cozy Air B&B den?” or “Are you a fly fisher person wannabe? Put this in the trunk for a back-to-nature day out.”
Make sure to note if the things on top of the piece of furniture, for example, are for display only.
Enjoy the process of saying "goodbye" to your stuff and "hello" to The Cash Cow!
Stay tuned tomorrow for tips on pricing.