On classifieds, the main photo decides in under two seconds whether a buyer taps or scrolls. Good photos get 2–3× more contacts at equal price.
1. Natural light, always
Daylight (9–11 a.m. or 4–6 p.m.) is your best friend. Avoid yellow ceiling lights. The difference is immediately visible.
2. Clean uniform background
A couch photographed against a messy kitchen sells poorly. Light wood table, white sheet, or swept tiled floor for small items. Empty parking lot or neutral wall for cars.
3. Tight framing
Most common mistake: shot from too far. The product should fill at least 70% of the main frame.
4. Several angles, not duplicates
Five to eight different shots: front, back, side, detail (label, flaw), in-context (bag worn, chair in room). Five sharp shots beat twenty blurry ones.
5. Show flaws
Counter-intuitive: photograph defects. A hidden scratch triggers a return; a photographed scratch builds trust and speeds the sale.
6. No heavy filters
Instagram-style filters that shift colour are the enemy. Light brightness adjustment is fine; turning your couch from beige to pink isn't.
7. Strong main photo
Pick the angle that best summarises the product. Three-quarter front for a car. Lit screen on a clean background for a phone. Living room for an apartment. This photo determines whether the buyer clicks.
8. Consistent series
Take all photos in the same session, same light, same framing. Visual consistency signals a serious seller.