Everything about selling a lot comes down to one decision: whether the buyer can see what they are bidding on.
The shot that sells
The contents laid out, on a sheet or a table, in daylight, shot from above so everything is visible at once.
The shot that prevents the dispute
A frame with the count visible — the pieces arranged in rows so a buyer can count them — and the packed box on a scale, weight readable.
The list
- Everything laid out, from above
- Rows that can be counted
- Close shots of anything notable
- Close shots of visible damage
- The box or crate, with its size
- The weight, on a scale
- The underside or reverse of anything worth turning over
Light
Daylight if you can. For a floor lay-out, shoot from a chair with the light coming from a window to one side rather than behind you — your own shadow is the most common problem in these frames.
Sorting before shooting
Sorting into themed groups and photographing the groups is the difference between a lot and a pile. It is also the most profitable hour in the category. Pricing estate lots.
What goes wrong
Shooting a closed box, shooting in a garage with one bulb, and photographing only the top layer while describing the whole lot as checked. Common mistakes.
Questions people ask
What if I have not been through it?
Photograph what you can see, say exactly that, and let the price reflect it.
Should I photograph every item?
Everything visible, plus close shots of whatever is notable. The point is that nothing is hidden.
What about personal papers in the lot?
Take them out before you photograph. They belong to a family rather than to a sale.