Setup: Lighting and Background
Natural window light is the best free light source. Place a table next to a window with indirect light (north-facing or on a cloudy day). Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows and blows out colors. Shoot between 10 AM and 2 PM for the most consistent light.
For background, tape a sheet of white poster board ($1 at Dollar Tree) to the wall and curve it down onto the table — this creates a seamless white sweep. No visible horizon line, no distracting patterns. White backgrounds are standard on eBay, Mercari, and StockX because they make the figure the focus.
If you want a lifestyle shot, use a clean desk or shelf with the figure's display context. But always include at least 3-4 white background shots as your primary listing images.
The 7 Shots Every Listing Needs
Shoot these exact angles for every listing: 1) Front straight-on at figure eye level, 2) 3/4 angle from the left showing front and side, 3) 3/4 angle from the right, 4) Direct back view, 5) Top-down showing the top of the head, 6) Base/bottom showing any stamps or markings, 7) Close-up of any flaws, damage, or notable details.
Buyers distrust listings with fewer than 5 photos. Listings with 7+ photos sell 40% faster on average because buyers feel confident about condition. If there is damage, photograph it clearly — hiding flaws leads to returns and negative reviews.
For figures in original packaging, add shots of the box front, box back, and any authentication cards or inserts. Packaging condition matters for value.
Camera Settings and Technique
Use your phone's main camera (not ultrawide). On iPhone, lock focus and exposure by pressing and holding on the figure until you see the yellow AE/AF Lock indicator. On Android, tap to focus, then adjust exposure with the brightness slider.
Keep the phone at figure eye level — this means getting low. Most people shoot from standing height looking down, which distorts proportions and looks amateur. For an 18 cm tall figure on a table, you want the camera roughly 8-10 inches above the table surface.
Turn off flash. Always. Phone flash creates flat lighting and harsh reflections. If your window light is not enough, use a desk lamp with a white LED bulb positioned at 45 degrees to the figure, with a sheet of white paper in front to diffuse it.
Editing: Minimal Adjustments Only
Open your photo app and make three adjustments maximum: brightness (increase slightly if needed), white balance (make sure white background looks white, not yellow or blue), and crop (center the figure with equal margins on all sides).
Do not use filters, increase saturation, or over-sharpen. Buyers want accurate color representation. A figure that looks candy-red in photos but arrives brick-red generates complaints. What you see in natural light is what you should show.
Platform-Specific Tips
eBay: use 1600x1600 pixel minimum. Lead with the 3/4 front-left angle — it gets the most clicks in search results. Add a shot with a ruler or coin for size reference.
Mercari: square crop works best for the app feed. Front-facing shot as your primary image. Include a photo of the shipping box if you have purpose-built packaging.
For StockX and GOAT: follow their specific photo requirements exactly — they reject listings with non-compliant photos. Both platforms have guides linked from their sell pages.