On a mannequin or dress form if possible.

Also try to add actual color hue and exact measurements for comparison.

Each clothing designer uses different cuts for their fabric and a size 12 will measure differently for each vendor.

Yep, I agree, a manny is best. They are cheap to buy online, and they make things look so much better. the solid color backdrop is a good suggestion, also. I actually use a shower curtain hung on over the door hooks between doors. It’s exactly the right width…perfect as my photo studio. It doesn’t take gobs of money to take good or great pictures, and it is definitely worth the investment.

Outside light is the best on a mannequin and if you don’t have that get poster board different colors to go with the clothing. :)

mannequin! You will get more of what the clothing is worth if they can get a visual. I used to sell used clothing and would get triple what I would get on the same clothing when I used a Mannequin. I simply use one of those plastic white ones on the hanger. It cost me about $15 from a fellow seller.

All of the above suggestions are right on the money but one I can’t stress enough is lighting. Make sure you use plenty of light with daylight lightbulbs so you don’t get any color casts to distract from the garment you’re offering. Good luck…

A manny is what works for me

One little extra thing from someone who luvs making hand-picked lists? I would include far more apparel choices in my lists if booth photos showed the entire item. Don’t be afraid to crop so that the figure is fully represented. If your pic is good and sharp, people will click to see the bigger picture and your items will showcase well.

Just sayin.

Wuff!

Shanon :)

I personally prefer the manny as a seller and as a buyer. I get turned off when I see wrinkled clothes or clothes on the floor. Makes me wonder what I am getting into :)

I don’t have a mannequin, so I use a white backdrop. They come out pretty good and I use a photo editor to correct the color if needed and sharpen up my pictures. Include a close up of features like fancy trim, buttons, needlework or the fabric itself. I also always include measurements.

Never underestimate the power of lighting. Even if you are using a mannequin, the pictures can be dreadful if the lighting is unpleasant. Also, a digital camera works well because you can override/edit pictures if you make a mistake.

On a mannequin is the best. Clothing can sometimes look blah on a hanger but awesome when on a body. Plus it is easier for the customer to imagine it on. If you have to use a hanger, use a clear one. Otherwise it is distracting.

Keep your background a solid color with nothing else in it. It is just distracting from the item otherwise.

Thanks to everyone that has responded. I now am in the market for a manny. Good information that I will truly use. All responders have great booths and great photos. When I grow up i want to be like most of you all.

Awesome tips.Thanks so much for sharing.I’ll keep in mind all your great advises.

Great tips already given, I would add to that list, make sure you take a close-up shot!

A sheet of white- by a window draped on a 3 panel divider or folding doors.( look for used door store or a habitat store)
JUST A FYI___MEASURE across- then double- please be real accurate- as sometimes women do not own a measuring tape and have to compare to an owned item}
BUY- LIGHT STAND WITH CONE approx 60$ or make one with tripod- can contact us for instructions
Use 500 watt bulb on a stand and use the metal cone- these are sold online for photographers and come cheaply.
next- insert the white umbrella over the cone in the inset hole to diffuse the light.
If you do not own a manny- you can place clothing on a hanger- then use quilt pins to spread clothing out to look natural.( use color tipped quilt pins so clothing is not snagged)
If you have hardwood floors- and loads of natural light- cut lights on, stand up on a 2 step ladder ( with someone home now- dont get on a stool [URL removed] and spread clothing out.( European sellers do this for their lagenlook clothing- layer-look big overlay and oddly art cut pattern styles)
To see examples on my lighting- see the tunics I have listed.
We design batik – fair trade- vertical printed clothing in rayon crinkle.
A form from a dept store- often you can get $cheap and pad her as I did mine. ( local shops may want the extra 40$ or look for sewing manny )

For a long time for catalogs- we would place on floor- do lighting and stand on ladder with camera on tripod. Best of all- show it clear. Dark photos will not sell- I know! If I can help you- leave me a message- we are so trying to sell off our cancelled orders and being spiritual , we help others anytime as most of our profits went back to USA food banks- now we need to more than ever. we are the friendly contact- and want to assist any BONANZLE seller!
BONANZLErs- go Facebook- tweet, DIGG our site- let’s go on a bring in people rant!

You need to put all measurements in your description. Size is not enough.

I seem to look for the opposite.. I like to see clothing laid out flat to make sure I see it properly in the picture and also to make sure it’s not a drop shipped item.

I guess close ups make a difference though.

It also depends what kind of clothing it is.

I agree with everyone above. The mannequin, lighting,measurements, etc.

The one thing I have not seen mentioned is take a picture of the clothing from every angle. Front side and back..I cannot tell you how important measurements are. As others have said every designer is different. Also so much of our clothing is made overseas I have seen it so many times where a piece of clothing is marked Large and it is lucky if it fits someone that wears a medium. However, if you have those measurements, a customer will know that a 34" bustline is not a large.

Most of my measurements are on my clothing, however there are a few things I have to go back and measure. Only once have I sold any clothing that did not have measurements. All the other sales came from clothing with measurements. It’s a lot of work, but in the long run it is worth it.

Another thing tell the customer that it is 100% polyester and washable and dryable. And because so many items are in fact polyester, they all feel different. I like to give a customer an idea, as an example that it feels like silk, or crepe,etc. Because the customer does not have it in their hands you have got to describe as much as possible.

Sorry this was so long I got on a roll!! LOL!!

Dee