Your photos are the first thing buyers see and the biggest factor in whether they click. You don't need special equipment, just a smartphone and a bit of preparation go a long way.
Use natural light
Natural light from a window is the best and easiest option. It shows true colours and avoids harsh shadows. Shoot during the day and avoid direct sunlight hitting the item. Indirect light or an overcast day gives the most even result.
Turn off your flash. It creates glare, flattens the item and makes colours look unnatural.
Keep backgrounds clean and simple
A plain white or neutral background keeps the focus on the item. A white wall, a clean sheet or a large piece of card all work well. Avoid cluttered rooms, patterned surfaces or anything that competes with the item for attention.
How many photos and what to show
Aim for 3–4 photos per listing (up to 5 allowed). The first two photos are used by Quibly's AI to generate your listing details, so make them count:
- Front-on shot: main image with the item filling most of the frame
- Product identifier: a clear shot of the label, brand, or any other product identifier
The first photo becomes your main thumbnail by default, though you can change this later by reordering your photos when you edit your listing.
For your remaining photos, cover:
- Back and sides: show the full picture
- Flaws and wear: be honest. A clear photo of a scuff or mark prevents disputes and builds trust
- Scale: for smaller items, a coin or ruler next to the item helps buyers gauge size at a glance
Getting a sharp, clear shot
Before you shoot, wipe your camera lens as smudges are a surprisingly common cause of blurry photos. Then tap the item on screen to focus and hold the phone steady.
Avoid digital zoom and move closer to the item instead. And don't over-edit: heavy filters misrepresent the item and erode buyer trust.
Category-specific tips
- Clothing: lay flat or hang on a plain hanger. Smooth out wrinkles first and always include a close-up of the size label
- Shoes: photograph both shoes together, then soles and insoles separately. Clean them first and stuff lightly with paper to hold the shape
- Electronics: show the screen powered on to confirm it works, include all accessories in one photo, and capture any serial number or model label
- Reflective items (glass, screens, jewellery): use indirect light and angle the item slightly to avoid catching your own reflection
- Furniture: clear the surrounding area and photograph from multiple angles. Include something familiar in one shot for scale, like a chair next to a table
What to avoid
- Stock images or photos from search engines: your photos must be of the actual item you're selling
- Photos that hide flaws: buyers will notice in person, and it leads to disputes
- Watermarks: not necessary on Quibly and they distract from the item
- Listing before the item is clean: a quick wipe-down or wash makes a noticeable difference in photos
The bottom line
Good photos come down to three things: decent light, a clean background and enough angles to tell the full story. Clean your item, find a window, and take up to 5 honest shots. Buyers reward the effort with fewer questions, fewer returns and faster sales.
Related articles:
How Quibly creates your listing details
Your responsibilities as a seller
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