In some cases, a scanner provides better and clearer images for online auctions than a camera. Here are some tips on using your scanner for this purpose.
The smaller the item, the more difficult it can be to take good photos, as cameras might have difficulties focusing on such small targets. I was wrestling with a particularly tricky photo of earrings one day, when I came across the suggestion of using a scanner. I tried it it, and the results were great - very detailed images that preserved even the tiniest features of the object.
The only limitations I have found is that objects should not be too three-dimensional, as that can cause focus problems, with some parts of the item appearing sharp and others fuzzy. Also, in some instances very shiny materials, such as silver, can cause distortions.
Another issue is the background - sometimes the white plastic of the scanner lid just does not look good. In this case, a simple sheet of construction paper (use pastel colors) might be the solution. As the thickness of the scanned object also raises the lid more than a sheet of paper would, you might want to cover the top of the scanner with opaque cloth to shut out stray outside light.
Scanners usually come with software that lets you set resolution, brightness, contrast and other parameters, as well as crop, flip and rotate the object. Play around with these settings until you achive the desired results.
You can even scan multiple items and then use the software to cut up the resulting image - a great timesaver.
What scanner should you get? There are reviews of scanners on many online sites, such as epinions.com. I personally like multifunction devices that also serve as printers and copiers (which saves on desk space) and have achieved good results with the very inexpensive Hewlett-Packard PSC 1315.
While my experience has been primarily with jewelry, other types of items also lend themselves to scanning: books, photographs, coins, postcards, CD and DVD covers, etc. Scanners can thus be a real time-saver in preparing your auction pictures.
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