Thread: Any Tricks/Techniques For Dealing With Forced Perspective Pics On eBay?

Antique Straight Razors Peacock w H Morley G Wostenholm Real iXL | eBay

This is something which plagues me on eBay at times so wondering if anyone has particular techniques/suggestions they use (other than emailing for better pictures) for determining actual blade condition when you see pics that make things like edge geometry seem more off than they are... Or, when 'only' those type of pics are listed in an Auction.

The link above is just one example and the pics below are from that link... When the blade is facing at about this 45 degree position it can really enhance what appears to be greater toe wear than there actually is. The blade on top definitely has some pronounced toe wear whereas the lower pic has significantly less. Ideas?

This is just a brainstorming type post... Thanks for any and all information!

Shawn
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One thing you may be able to do is copy the picture to your computer and play with the contrast ratio and see if it brings out shadows or hone wear that is not as obvious from the listed pictures.

I really don't know about who took those photos but I just started this week with listing on ebay. the photos I took are a learning curve and to be honest as good as I can do at this time. those might be as good as that person can do. not everyone is a pro photographer. anyway just a thought. I hate to say it but mine look worse than those.

@MattCB... That is a great idea... I never thought of switching things like that... Maybe even a B/W simple contrast would work.

@rhensley... This isn't a blaming/complaining type post. I'm just getting anyone's opinion on how they address this issue as it is common and I even have a tough time with it when I'm shooting my own pics... Like MattCB mentioned, when viewing pics, it could be as simple as copying the pic and adjusting some settings to give a more definitive view. No worries on how people take pictures and that is why I wanted to avoid the, "Email for better pictures.", type response as you are absolutely right in that it could be as good as it can get and you have to still make a decision. :-D

What I've found, personally, when taking my own pictures is if I raise the lid on the cigar box where I place items to photographed it places things in a bit better position. I raise the box lid until the item just starts to slide, drop the lid a tiny bit then try to fill the frame with my item.

Find that while they may not be intentional attempts to mislead. Many photos are positioned to have them ... well ... look as they may have at one time in the past. The background may also blend into the edge more than a buyer might like. I alway find that it's best to always send a note asking about condition.
You later have something to hang your hat on if there's s problem.

( love the ones that say: photos are self explanatory of its condition. No Returns)

Remember that even professional pics on professional sites are made to enhance the product. Ameteur pics on Eboy should always be taken with a grain of salt. It's important to ask questions that way if there is a problem you can say you asked and he answered not argue over a representative photo.

As to taking photos, it's an art. Lighting and position can drastically alter the way something looks.

I ALWAYS ask questions. If the razor brand is not what I am looking for I just pass it by. I figure what the photo doesn't show could be described if they really want to sell it. The deals are the bad pics with " I am a numbskull but here is a razor for sale" . Those I love :<0) Honest and willing to respond.

I really was trying to give a reason for some of the photos. like I said I don't know about others but I hope I get better at it. like a lot of folks I have ended up with a few more than I need but not as many as I wanted. I keep seeing different razors but can't keep them all. so I buy clean use and see one different. and so the disease (RAD) goes. anyway I meant no offence.

@ rhensley... No offense taken and I was just clarifying so I did not offend... I heard somewhere that 50% of written communication is misunderstood. ;-) Yeah those capitalized Three Letter afflictions are a menace for sure! :-D

I had not thought about email inquiries as a CYA/Laying A Foundation... That is a great consideration! I had previously been using the "Screw me once; shame on you. Screw me twice; shame on me!" thing but having the ability to Unscrew something like that would be most excellent!

It bothers me too! I look at the spine. If the toe looks shorter there should be accompanying wear there too, in general. If it's an expensive razor I'd definitely ask the seller to measure the heel and toe.