How to Take Photos for eBay or Your Photo Blog
I thought I’d do a post on how to get the best photos you can to make your items most attractive. I see horrible pictures on eBay
all the time. Why don’t people realize how much this affects which items people bid on and which items go for more money?
Next to a decent camera, lighting can make the biggest difference. Scanning is probably the best, but not everyone has the time to scan everything they want to post. A good album to use for demonstration is appropriately named Contrasts, by Erroll Garner.
Both these photos are untouched except for cropping and my retrohound.com logo, which you can’t see because it’s red. The first picture was taken inside under a compact florescant bulb. The second was taken out in bright sunlight, that’s the only difference. However, some photos work better taken in the shade, like a porch, on a sunny day instead of in direct sunlight. For an even starker contrast, let’s look at the back side.
The one taken in the sunlight obviously has blue tinted photos which you would not know if you only saw the one taken inside. Now here’s a look at the Eddie Heywood album I posted yesterday.
Small photos on eBay are a big annoyance. Here I am, trusting you, who I don’t know, to be selling me merchandise, that I can’t see. And my vision is still in the neighborhood of 20/20. If it annoys me enough, I’ll wait for a garage sale. You should at least provide links to larger photos. Yes, I’m aware of people still on dial-up, I’m on dial-up at home myself. There are ways to make the file size smaller however, someone called Knowledge Hound (no relation) has info on resizing pictures. I hope this little lesson has helped. I’ve wanted to do it for no other reason than to use the yellow photos I’ve taken.
This is Jimmie Rodgers
This is Jimmie Rodgers, RCA Records, VPS-6091, 1983. Liner notes by Hank Snow.
Jimmie Rodgers (1897–1933) was known as the “singing brakeman.” We don’t know what a brakeman is now, but it’s a guy who works on a train. Jimmie Rodgers is revered in folk, country and bluegrass music. He was only 36 when he died. Not as well known today as Hank Williams, Rodgers was a pioneer and influenced everyone from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, from Hank Williams to Johnny Cash. It looks like you can download the album here.
Here Come the Funny Cars
Here Come the Funny Cars by Irwin Stambler. about 1973 I would say. I don’t have book handy to look at. Funny cars are also called “floppers” as the whole body flips up to expose engine and drivers seat. I love books about race cars. I once passed up several kids books like this at a library sale (they were from the 1970s also) and have regretted it ever since. So now, anytime I find books like this I pick them up.
Breezin’ Along with the Breeze – Eddie Heywood
Eddie Heywood, Breezin’ Along With The Breeze. Mercury SR 60115. 1959.
This is one very interesting cover. The colors, the font choices, the photo. But what’s with the red and blue hands? I realize they’re playing a simulated piano, but why the colors? And of course Mercury Records would use a 1959 Mercury Monterey convertible to reinforce the brand.
The music on this record is OK, but it’s not really my style. I’m willing to part with it even though I love the cover. I have so many records that they’re in the living room and two closets. And I keep picking up more at garage sales. Hey, for 25 cents you can’t beat the price, though my wife threatens to beat on me. Just kidding honey! Really she’s great and very patient with my collecting.
Jethro Burns Comedian and Mandolin Player
Jethro Burns in a self titled LP. Flying Fish Records FF-042. 1977.
This is the Jethro of the famous comedic musical duo, Homer and Jethro. I don’t know about you, but if I looked like that I wouldn’t want my picture on the cover. And what’s with the photo on the back side? He had a sense of humor. Look at the names of some of the songs.
6. Mama Was a Truck Driving Man
7. Back It Up and Push
11. Tattooed Lady
6. Mama Was a Truck Driving Man
7. Back It Up and Push
11. Tattooed Lady
Flying Fish records is well known for quality bluegrass and folk music.
Outlaw Country – Jerry Jeff Walker – Viva Terlingua!
Jerry Jeff Walker, ¡Viva Terlingua! MCA Records 382, 1973. Gatefold cover. I really like this cover from “outlaw country” artist Jerry Jeff Walker, especially the back side. I’d probably have used all the old signs for the front cover. Recorded live at the Luckenbach Dancehall in Luckenbach, Texas. You know, where Waylon wanted to go back to. I like the price, $1 per person.
