I take my pictures. Crop, soften edges, sometimes add wording or even multiple pictures with Printshop. Save to my desktop and then directly upload to eBay. To add additional pictures, I just follow the directions on the page (sorry, can't remember exactly how .. but it is super easy). I don't self host, but it is only 15 cents to add an addditional photo, plus eBay does offer packages of I think 6 pictures for $1.00?

Here's a example:
{{!gwi}}

Lydia, they look great! You probably resize before saving to your desktop, yes?

Thanks! I'll try doing that.

Nope, I don't resize... but I start out as an online greeting on Printshop, then change it to a JPEG before saving. I posted this picture with Lava, but the ones on eBay come out the right size too.

I use imagecave.com. It is extremely easy to use and it is free as long as you don't try to store too many pictures. I use a program that came with my camera to crop or rotate. I think eBay will resize if you are trying to put in a picture that is too big. There are some free templates (google it) that you just more or less fill in the blanks and they do it for you. Good luck.

Susan, glad I could be of help.

In the description of the classes I teach, I make mention of the material I cover and the things I don't....taking digital photos being one of those things. If they don't have a digital camera I suggest they take regular pictures and have them developed on a CD.

I also suggest you have a list of computer skills a student must have before enrolling for your class. It has made my life a lot easier by screening the students beforehand.

I do tell my students to use the software that comes with the camera to download the photos and I ask them to create a MY EBAY PHOTOS folder in MY PICTURES and save all of their pics in that folder, being sure to give them descriptive names rather than the generic #'s.

I simply insert my photos by Browsing to the folder they're saved in and inserting from there. I can do several at a time quite easily this way. I don't use the Self Hosting option.

I think Auctivia (sp) is amazing with how many pictures it lets you have - but I don't have it...lol.
If I was teaching someone to ebay I would just show them how to upload using ebay's picture service as well, selling is complicated enough when you start out, you don't need all the added stress of photoshopping and photobucketing -
Suzan J

Monablair, I think you have the right approach. Although my students weren't warned beforehand that I wouldn't get into detail on the photographs, I'll have to confine the subject to a brief overview and include your suggestions. Otherwise, I could see the whole hour or so being taken up with cameras and uploading.

Suzan, I never heard of Auctivia, but it sounds a bit like my eBay screen name, Editoria, so it must be good. :-)

Maybe I'll list an item using eBay's picture service myself so I can see how it's done.

Thank you!

Susan

I use photobucket also.
I made my own layout, then whenever I want to sell something I just go to one of my listings and click 'sell similar'. Then I just edit the listing to suit the item. That way I don't have to write all the new HTML. You can save the template, but I find it easier my way :) I use html to add more than one photo. Use the same code you do here to add pics.
I photoshop everything. I have to. Lighten, resize, sharpen, etc. You could also use a scanner if you have one. Put the item on the glass and then a shoebox and blanket over it all (to block the light).
Other than that you could have film developed onto a disc. That's time consuming though.

Here's a before and after photoshop.
I think decent pictures are critical.
Before:

Nice job, NikkiÂI'd buy them! :-)

Nikki, very nice pictures. That is what I would like to do where the background is removed so guess I am going to have to buy Photoshop.

Thank you :)
I actually use Paint Shop Pro. It takes some practice, but I think it's worthwhile.

nikki_nj
Great job on the picture. Do you have to have a scanner to do that? Also, how do you get a sharp close up like that? Can I do that with my digital? We own a Kodak 10x zoom 6.1 megapixel Easy share z650. I never can seem to get a clear picture of small things. I really should take a beginning digital camera class.
thanks
Judy

Judy, do you have a macro setting on your camera? It might show as a flower icon. Also, make sure you have plenty of light and something to brace your arm on. (I use a viewfinder, never the LCD screen, because holding the camera out from your body usually results in some shake.)

Nikki can correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't imagine why someone would need a scanner for that shot.

I took that with a digital camera, macro setting like alisande mentioned. A lot of people use a scanner to 'photograph' jewelry, I get better results with my camera. I use the screen, no tripod, no light tent. Although I have all of them, LOL.