How To Photograph Your Silent Auction Items Like A Pro

A Successful Online Silent Auction Requires Great Photos of Your Auction Items.

Good photos can help a silent auction item sell for more, and bad photos will hurt your chances of getting the highest price possible. Sometimes you can source images of your items online, but if you have a really unique item or package that was put together you’ll need to take your own photos. Here are some tips for taking professional-quality photos of your silent auction items:

Use a consistent background for all Your Auction Items.

You’ll want to use a simple, solid-colored background for your photos. Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds that could take away from the item in question. Also avoid shiny and reflective surfaces, as well as shadows, which can be hard to get rid of when editing post-production. You can find some professional and cost efficient photography supplies on Amazon to help you with your photoshoot.

Finally, it’s important not to use the same background for all of your photos—it’s easy for this to happen if you’re shooting multiple items at once!

Take item photos from several different angles.

When taking photos of your silent auction items, it is best to take a photo from each side. Also, try taking pictures from different heights and distances. If the item has curves, you may want to shoot some close-ups, as well as get some shots that include more of the object in its entirety.

If there are certain lighting conditions that work better than others for a particular item (such as natural light), be sure to take advantage of those times when possible.

TIP: Take photos of the product in use or in its natural environment (i.e a charcuterie board in a kitchen.)

When in doubt, hire a professional photographer!

If you’re at all unsure about how to take photos of your silent auction items or just don’t have the time, it might be worth hiring a professional photographer. Professional photographers are experienced in the art of taking photos of products and knowing the right equipment to use, as well as getting the right lighting, angle, and background. You may be able to find a photography student that can use the experience and photos to build their portfolio. They can also take photos of your product with packaging (if applicable), which is important so people know what they will be receiving if they win an item.

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

This should give you a good idea of the types of photos that are most effective in selling your silent auction items. Remember, it’s all about making them look their best! If you need more information about hosting an online silent auction, Download our Auction Planner. You can also contact us directly if you want more information about how Greater Giving Software can help you host a silent auction at your next event.