In a category where the box is often most of the value, photographing only the front is photographing half the item.
The shot that sells
The piece in its box, three-quarter angle, in even light, with the window and the art readable.
The shot that prevents the dispute
Every face of the box, including the bottom. Shelf wear, crushing and price stickers live there and nowhere else.
The list
- Box front, three-quarter and square on
- Back, sides, top, bottom — all of them
- The window, for creases and cracks
- Contents laid out, so completeness is visible
- Joints worked, on video, for anything articulated
- Paint, close, under even light
- Yellowing, against something white
Light
Soft and even for box art; raking for creases in cardboard. A glossy window panel reflects everything in the room — shoot with the light behind you and off to one side, and watch for your own reflection in the plastic.
Loose pieces
Lay them out and count them in frame. A photograph that can be counted is worth more than the word "complete". Describing condition.
What goes wrong
Shooting against a busy background, photographing a sealed item through plastic glare without saying so, and using a catalogue image. Intellectual property.
Questions people ask
Should I open the box to photograph the contents?
Not if it is sealed. Say sealed and photograph the outside carefully.
How do I show loose joints?
Video. Move the limb and let the viewer see it fall.
Does the price sticker need showing?
Yes. Removing it badly is worse than showing it.
More: selling toys, common mistakes.