When you shop online you probably like to see what you're buying. The same holds true when you sell items online. Quality images that clearly show the value of your products will help you sell them fast.

One of the keys to successfully selling items in online auctions is to display well-exposed, sharp images. Remember, your images don't need to be creative, keep it simple.

Set up your work area:

• Your work area can be a tabletop or an out-of-the-way floor area.
• Find a neutral solid-colored background such as a large white sheet of construction paper or oak tag board.

• Generally, tripods that can withstand weight of smaller cameras sell for around $12 (tabletop) to $40 (floor-standing).

Shooting Mode:
Select "P-Auto" (Program-Auto) or "Auto" mode on the mode dial. If your camera includes an Auction mode as one of the scene modes, try this mode first. However, if you need to manually adjust the macro mode or flash mode then switch to Auto.

Focus mode:
If the item is small (watches, pins, coins) and you are having difficulty focusing, press the Macro button on the keypad. Select "Super Macro mode" then "OK". This will permit the camera to focus on objects closer than 1.6 feet. Macro mode is suitable for most small items whereas "Super Macro" may be suitable at other times. Switch between the two to see which is more effective. Remember to press the shutter button halfway and move the camera closer and further away until the item is in focus.

Macro Mode

Super Macro Mode

Macro Mode fills the frame with the entire object. Super Macro mode permits you to focus closer to see more detail. Both shot with camera on tripod using available light (no flash). Image color balanced in Olympus Master.

Flash mode:
Press the Flash mode button and select Flash Off if you find that direct flash on the item is creating glare or the image looks washed out (lacks detail). Super Macro mode automatically disables the flash.

If more pleasing results overall can be obtained by using available light such as lamps instead of flash, and you notice the color doesn't quite match; you can adjust this after downloading Olympus Master. Browse to the image then click on "Edit" and "Color Balance" to adjust the color.

To help properly light your item, try the following:

• You can use two household lamps or clamp lights that are easy to position on either side of your item. You may want to soften or diffuse the light with some type of shade
• Cut several different sizes of white cardboard to reflect light into shadows if needed.

Taking the picture:
Use the Self-Timer to trigger the shutter while on a tripod or steady surface to lessen any occurrence of camera-shake blur. To set, press the Self-Timer button, select ON then press OK. The camera will shoot 12 seconds after you press the shutter button.

Exposure Compensation: This is a useful adjustment if your image turns out too bright or too dark.

Press the Exposure Compensation button then press the left or right keypad to adjust exposure. Moving the indicator to the plus (+) side (over exposure) will increase the brightness of the image taken, moving it to the negative (-) side (under exposure) will decrease the brightness of the image.

Use this rule of thumb for exceptionally dark or light objects:

• Primarily black objects - set exposure compensation to -1 or -2.
• Primarily white objects - set exposure compensation to +1 or +2.

Image Quality:

Use the SQ (standard quality) setting (640 x 480) on your camera for most items. This is the preferred image size for most auction sites. However, you can always resize the image in Olympus Master if you shoot larger or at a higher quality setting.

• Detailed items of high value, such as art, jewelry, etc., can benefit from images shot in the larger HQ (high quality) or SHQ (super high quality) setting.

Shoot an image from different angles such as top, side, and back for unique items. Common items may only require a front shot.

• Remember, if your item has a flaw, such as a crack or rip, make sure your image includes the flaw. Bidders deserve to see the realistic condition of the item, and an honest depiction of your product will give you credibility as a seller.

Unique Item - Requires multiple shots so prospective buyers can see the item's overall condition. Common Item - One representative shot can do the job.

Downloading the image:
After you've downloaded your image to your computer you can do any editing, such as cropping, in your Olympus software. Most auction programs will let you upload the image directly into your ad by simply browsing to the folder where your image is located.