Creating Focused Pictures
by A.B. Russell
eBay Staff Member

I've noticed quite a few images in listings on eBay that are just plain out of focus. This tells me that one of several things is going on: the seller doesn't have an adequate camera for the purpose, the seller doesn't know how to use the camera, or the seller has something to hide. Since the third option can sometimes be a possibility, if I'm looking to buy I'll usually move on and look for a different item.

To avoid deterring bidders inadvertently, a clear, focused image is important. While a top-end camera can be very expensive, there are alternatives. Many of the medium and lower-end cameras are equipped with automatic focus. In fact, I bought my wife one a couple of years ago. While it wasn't expensive, it makes nice photos, and it has an auto focus feature.

Many digital cameras feature auto-focus as well. In fact, from what I've seen, it's only the bottom end of the digital market that doesn't. Those cameras generally offer very poor resolution, and I really can't recommend them to you. My opinion (and everybody has an opinion!) is that you'd be better off using a disposable camera or a non-disposable film camera on the very bottom of the range. (Remember that many labs offer photos on CD for a very reasonable price.)

If you're using a camera without auto-focus, you can sometimes run into problems. For instance, if you need to wear bifocal or trifocal glasses, you may find focusing difficult. I wear this kind of glasses, and it's necessary for me to look through the correct part of my lenses to focus accurately.

We discussed depth of field (or making sure the entire picture is in focus) a couple of months ago. While using a smaller aperture will help bring the entire image into acceptable focus, it doesn't do everything. The lens can actually only focus critically on one plane. There really isn't a lot of inherent depth of focus in most lenses. For most purposes, lenses that are designed to give extra depth in critical focus are far too expensive for simply shooting items for eBay.

Last month, I wrote about using a tripod. This, too, will help you focus your image better. It's not possible for most people to remain perfectly (and I mean perfectly) still. Even if you are extremely steady, your heartbeat and breathing will cause a little motion. Using a good tripod will keep your camera perfectly still so that you can focus critically. Remember that if you're shooting a small item, half an inch of camera motion can destroy critical focus.

Images can help to sell your items, no doubt about it. And conversely, poorly focused images can limit the bids you receive. It's a good investment to spend the half-minute it takes to make sure your picture is in focus. Doing so will ensure your item is displayed in the best possible way.