Photography Tips

Good lighting is the single most impactful element of a great auction photo. Poor lighting hides condition details, distorts colour, and erodes buyer confidence before they even read the description.

• Shoot near a large window during daylight hours for soft, even natural light.
• Avoid direct harsh sunlight — it creates blown-out highlights and deep shadows.
• If shooting indoors at night, use two diffused lamps placed at 45° on each side of the item.
• Turn off in-camera flash — it flattens depth and causes glare on reflective surfaces.

Blurry images are an immediate trust-breaker. Buyers cannot inspect details they cannot see clearly, and blurry photos are often interpreted as an attempt to conceal flaws.

• Use a tripod or rest your device on a stable surface when shooting.
• Enable your camera's self-timer or use a remote shutter to eliminate hand-shake at the moment of capture.
• On a smartphone, tap to focus on the item before releasing the shutter.
• Increase shutter speed in low light rather than relying on digital stabilisation alone.

Every element inside the frame sends a message to the buyer. Clutter, unrelated objects, or partially visible items create confusion about what is actually included in the lot.

• Clear the shooting area completely before placing the item.
• If selling a set or bundle, arrange all included pieces together so every item is visible.
• Crop tightly so the item fills at least 80% of the frame.
• Remove any tags, stickers, or labels not part of the item unless they add authenticity value.

A clean, neutral background directs the buyer's eye to the item — not the environment. It also conveys professionalism and increases perceived item value.

• Use a plain white, light grey, or black backdrop depending on the item's colour.
• A large sheet of cardboard, poster board, or fabric backdrop all work well.
• Avoid patterned surfaces, wooden floors, or busy countertops.
• Ensure the backdrop extends behind and beneath the item to avoid harsh edge lines.

Buyers cannot physically handle your item. Multiple-angle photography is the closest substitute — it answers questions before they are asked and dramatically reduces post-sale disputes.

Recommended Shot List

• Front / face — the primary hero shot.
• Back — especially important for clothing, electronics, and art.
• Both side profiles (left and right).
• Top-down overhead shot for flat or spread items.
• Bottom — for pottery, furniture, and items with maker's marks.
• Close-up of any defects, wear marks, or repairs — honesty builds trust.
• Close-up of signatures, hallmarks, serial numbers, or labels that add provenance.

A visibly dirty or poorly presented item suggests neglect and undermines a buyer's confidence — even if the item is fundamentally sound. Take a few minutes to prepare before picking up the camera.

• Dust and wipe down items before shooting.
• Iron or steam clothing and textiles.
• Polish metal surfaces where appropriate, but note any original patina of value.
• Remove fingerprints from glass, screens, and glossy surfaces.
• Stand items upright or in their natural display orientation where possible.

Scale is difficult to judge from a photograph alone. Including a neutral reference object helps buyers instantly understand the true size of the item.

• Place a standard ruler or measuring tape alongside the item in at least one shot.
• A common coin (local currency) is a widely understood size reference for small items.
• Always state exact dimensions in the lot description to supplement the visual reference.
• Avoid using your hand as a scale reference — hand sizes vary and can be misleading.

Accurate condition representation is both an ethical obligation and a platform rule. Buyers on Auxilot place legally binding bids based on the information you provide.

• Photograph all scratches, dents, chips, fading, stains, or structural repairs with close-up shots.
• Photograph missing parts, replaced components, or non-original elements.
• Use the lot description to detail every flaw pictured — and any not visible in photographs.
• Match your written condition grade (e.g. "Good", "Fair") to what the photographs actually show.

You do not need professional camera equipment to take great auction photos. A modern smartphone, used correctly, is more than capable of producing high-quality listing images.

Minimum Recommended Settings

• Shoot at the highest resolution your device supports.
• Enable HDR mode in mixed or difficult lighting environments.
• Use portrait mode with caution — it can blur item edges, not just the background.
• For DSLR or mirrorless users: aperture f/8, ISO 100–200, shutter speed 1/125 s or faster.

On Auxilot, the primary listing image appears in search results, category pages, and recommendation feeds. It is the first — and sometimes only — impression a potential buyer will form of both the item and your credibility as a seller.

• Select your sharpest, best-lit, most representative shot as the primary image.
• Frame the item so it fills the image with minimal empty space.
• Ensure the primary image matches the item's most desirable or recognisable angle.
• Think of it as a thumbnail: would it make you click if you saw it in a browse feed?

Incomplete photo sets are one of the most common causes of buyer complaints. Buyers who feel key information was withheld will assume the worst — or simply not bid at all.

• Photograph included accessories, cables, manuals, certificates, and original packaging.
• If an item has a serial number or certificate of authenticity, include a readable close-up.
• Show the interior of bags, drawers, or containers where relevant.
• Photograph any provenance documents, receipts, or previous auction records.

Reflections of yourself or your surroundings in photographs are unprofessional, distract from the item, and are a common privacy risk.

• Check for your reflection in mirrors, glass frames, polished metal, and screens before shooting.
• Angle the camera slightly to the side when photographing reflective surfaces, or use a polarising filter.
• Be aware of shadows — your silhouette falling across an item is equally distracting.
• Do not include people in listing photographs unless they are specifically part of the lot.

Post-processing filters, saturation boosts, and colour corrections misrepresent the actual appearance of an item. Buyers who receive an item that looks different from the photographs will feel deceived.

• Do not apply Instagram filters, Lightroom presets, or auto-enhance to listing photos.
• Correct only for white balance if the image has a strong colour cast due to artificial lighting.
• Minimal adjustments to brightness and contrast are acceptable, provided they do not change the perceived colour or condition of the item.
• When in doubt, use the unedited original from your camera.

Details matter enormously to collectors, dealers, and serious bidders. Close-up detail shots communicate expertise, build trust, and frequently drive higher bids from knowledgeable buyers.

Details Worth Photographing

• Maker's marks, hallmarks, stamps, and engravings.
• Edition numbers, print runs, or limited-edition markings.
• Signatures and inscriptions — ensure the handwriting is legible.
• Material texture: grain on wood, weave on textiles, glaze on ceramics.
• Mechanical or functional elements: locks, clasps, hinges, dials.
• Date codes, patent numbers, or country-of-origin labels.
• Any restoration or repair work — even if disclosed in writing, a photo confirms it visually.

The quality of the file you upload directly affects how buyers experience your listing. Compressed or low-resolution uploads destroy detail that may have been perfectly captured in the original photo.

• Upload images at a minimum of 1200 × 900 pixels; 2000 px or wider is recommended.
• Save as JPEG at 85–95% quality, or PNG for items requiring lossless detail (documents, stamps, coins).
• Do not screenshot photos from other platforms — always use the original camera file.
• Avoid uploading images shared via WhatsApp or social media, as these are automatically compressed.

There is a balance between providing comprehensive visual information and overwhelming buyers with redundant images. Aim for a deliberate, curated set that tells the full story efficiently.

• Simple single items: 5–8 images covering all angles and key details.
• Complex items (vehicles, furniture, machinery): 15–30 images.
• Property lots: 20–40 images covering every room, exterior, plot boundaries, and surroundings.
• Remove near-duplicate shots — if two photos show the same thing at the same angle, keep only the sharper one.

Vehicles are high-value, high-stakes lots. Buyers frequently travel significant distances to view winning vehicles in person — incomplete or misleading photos result in lost trust and contested sales.

Essential Exterior Shots

• Driver's side full profile.
• Passenger side full profile.
• Full front (head-on).
• Full rear (straight on).
• Three-quarter front — driver's side.
• Three-quarter rear — passenger side.
• Roof and sunroof / convertible top condition.
• Underbody / chassis — especially important for off-road, agricultural, and older vehicles.
• All four tyres showing tread depth and sidewall condition.
• Each body panel individually — noting dents, paint fade, rust, or accident repair.

Interior condition and mechanical documentation are often the deciding factor for vehicle bidders. Many buyers look at interior photos first to assess how a vehicle has been used and maintained.

Interior

• Full dashboard showing centre console, instrument cluster, and infotainment screen.
• Odometer close-up showing actual recorded mileage.
• Driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seat condition.
• Boot / load area.
• Headlining and roof lining condition.
• Pedals and footwells — indicative of actual usage patterns.

Mechanicals and Documents

• Engine bay — clean and showing fluid levels where possible.
• VIN / chassis number plate.
• Service history book open to show stamps and dates.
• Logbook / registration document.
• Any visible modifications, aftermarket parts, or non-standard fitments.
• Spare wheel, jack, and tools kit condition.

Undisclosed accident history or structural damage is one of the most serious forms of misrepresentation on vehicle lots. Document everything — transparency leads to better prices from informed buyers.

• Photograph any panel that shows evidence of repair, overspray, or colour mismatch.
• Show alignment irregularities in panel gaps (doors, bonnet, boot).
• Photograph any visible rust — surface, structural, or underbody.
• Include interior shots showing airbag deployment, if applicable.
• Photograph cracked, chipped, or replaced glass.
• Show tow hooks, tow bar fitments, or any stress points on the chassis.

Property buyers on Auxilot are often making decisions about significant investments. Thorough, well-lit interior photography allows remote buyers to conduct meaningful due diligence before bidding.

Interior Shot Checklist

• Every room photographed from at least two opposite corners to show full extent.
• Kitchen: worktops, cabinetry, included appliances, and under-sink condition.
• Bathrooms: all fittings, tile condition, and any damp or mould issues disclosed.
• Master bedroom and all additional bedrooms.
• Living and dining areas.
• Corridors, stairwells, and landings.
• Ceiling conditions — check for staining, cracks, or water damage before shooting.
• Consumer unit (fuse board) condition.
• Metre boxes and utility connection points.

For property lots, the land, boundaries, access roads, and immediate neighbourhood are as important to buyers as the structure itself.

• All four elevations of the building (front, rear, and both sides).
• Entrance gate, driveway, and approach road condition.
• Boundary walls, fences, and hedging.
• Garden, yard, or outdoor spaces — including outbuildings, sheds, and water tanks.
• Roof condition photographed from ground level or a neighbouring elevation.
• Any title deed pegs, boundary markers, or survey beacons.
• Proximity to roads, utility infrastructure, and nearby landmarks.
• Aerial or elevated photographs where permitted and safe to take.

Concealing structural defects or maintenance issues in property photographs is a serious misrepresentation that can result in legal consequences. Transparent disclosure — while counterintuitive — builds bidder confidence and sets accurate price expectations.

• Photograph cracks in walls, foundations, or slabs — including hairline cracks.
• Show damp patches, rising damp, or evidence of past flooding.
• Document roof condition including broken or missing tiles, rusted guttering, and flashing.
• Show any incomplete construction, exposed services, or structural work in progress.
• Photograph failed windows, broken fittings, and non-functioning fixtures.
• Include close-ups of any areas called out in the lot description as needing repair.

Title documentation, approved plans, and compliance certificates significantly increase buyer confidence in property lots. Where legally permissible to share, include clear photographs or scans of key documents.

• Title deed or land certificate — first page showing registered owner and plot number.
• Approved architectural or structural plans.
• Land survey or plot diagram showing dimensions and boundaries.
• Completion / occupation certificate.
• Utility connection confirmation (water, electricity, sewerage).
• Zoning or permitted use certificates.

For art and antiques, authentication markers are often as valuable as the item itself. Bidders and dealers routinely zoom into these areas before deciding to bid — make sure they find clarity, not blur.

• Artist signature, monogram, or cipher — straight-on, well-lit, maximum resolution.
• Inscriptions on the reverse: dedications, dates, titles, and exhibition labels.
• Gallery labels, auction house stickers, and collection stamps on the back.
• Hallmarks and assay marks on silver, gold, and platinum items.
• Pottery and porcelain marks on the base — use macro with a neutral background.
• Edition number and total print run on prints and multiples.
• Frame condition: corners, gilding, gesso, and hanging hardware.
• Canvas condition from the rear: stretcher bars, keys, and any relining evidence.

Glazed works, varnished paintings, lacquered furniture, and polished metalwork present specific challenges — glare and specular reflections can completely obscure surface detail.

• Use polarising filters on both the light source and the camera lens to eliminate specular glare.
• Position lights at 45° to the surface rather than directly in front.
• For glazed works, shoot at a slight angle to avoid direct reflection, then correct perspective in editing.
• Rake lighting (low-angle side light) reveals brushwork, impasto texture, and surface condition in paintings.
• For silver, bronze, and metalwork, use a light tent (diffusion box) for even, reflection-free illumination.

While documentation shots are essential, context photographs help buyers visualise scale, decorative potential, and how an item relates to its period or style — often encouraging higher bids from interior-focused buyers.

• Photograph paintings and prints hung on a plain wall alongside a standard piece of furniture for scale.
• Show furniture in a period-appropriate room setting if possible.
• Photograph decorative objects styled on a shelf or mantelpiece to show display potential.
• For rugs and textiles, photograph laid flat on a neutral floor with the full piece visible.
• Include a photograph of the original box, case, or display stand if included in the lot.

For machinery, tools, agricultural equipment, and industrial lots, buyers need to assess both physical condition and operational status. A machine that runs is worth significantly more than one of unknown status — and photographs can convey this.

• Include a photograph of the equipment running or powered on where safe to do so.
• Show the hours meter, odometer, or cycle counter reading clearly.
• Photograph the control panel, switches, and instrument gauges.
• Document attachments, implements, and included tooling separately.
• Show service plates, maintenance stickers, and any certification labels.
• Photograph any known faults, damage, or non-functioning components prominently — do not conceal them.

Buyers of equipment and machinery frequently need to verify specifications, source spare parts, or confirm compliance with local regulations before bidding. Identification photographs are non-negotiable for serious lots.

• Manufacturer's identification / data plate: make, model, serial number, year, and rated capacity.
• Engine or motor identification plate.
• CE, KEBS, SANS, or other applicable compliance markings.
• Hydraulic and electrical system specification labels.
• Any rental fleet markings or previous owner identification that may affect value.
• For agricultural machinery: implement hitch category, PTO speed, and linkage specifications.

Heavy equipment and large machinery requires buyers to plan transportation and site access well before the auction closes. Photographs that communicate true scale save significant post-sale complications.

• Photograph large machinery alongside a person of known height or a vehicle for scale.
• Show access point dimensions — doorways, gates, or bay openings — alongside the machine.
• Document the site the equipment is currently located on, including access road and ground conditions.
• Include photographs of any disassembly required for removal, and the reassembly complexity involved.
• Show loading points: forks pockets, lifting eyes, tie-down points, and transport dimensions.