Shot #1 : MAIN SHOT - THE BOX AND ALL
Selling Made Simple
Professional Buyers Since 2008
Fountain Pen Photography
By Jon Warren. Last updated:
A large part of successful ecommerce is mastering the art of product photography. Please follow this guide to ensure your photography is up to our standards.
How many photos should we include per listing?
For pens, a minimum of 7 photos, and no more than 10 photos. Take 10 for a multiple-pen set. Take only 7 photos for a typical MINT IN BOX or loose fountain pen.
THE SHOTS
1. Arrange the shoot so the image includes the box, the pen, and any paperwork. If it is possible to balance the open pen on top of the box, do it.
Shot #1 : ALTERNATE MAIN SHOT WHEN NO BOX
Take a shot of just the pen, cap removed with the CLIP side facing, nib showing.
Shot #2 : CAP CROSS SHOT
Lay the pen across the cap to create a cross. This shot will provide a great view of the barrel, NIB and cap.
Shot #3 : FRONT NIB SHOT
Zoom in, to 5x or higher, and shoot the front of the NIB to capture its design as well as any markings on the NIB.
Shot #4 : REAR NIB SHOT (if applicable)
Zoom in, to 5x or higher, and shoot the rear of the NIB. NOTE: This is allows the buyer to see for themselves whether it has been inked or not.
Shot #5 : THE INNER COMPONENTS SHOT
Take a shot if possible with the the major parts of the pen separated and out for inspection. NOTE: Don't go as far as removing the feed from the nib or the section from the feeder.
Shot #6 : THE CAP SHOT
This is a close up of the pen's cap. Don't be afraid to zoom in and really capture the tiny details. Buyers will want to see the color of the Jewel if it has one or the tiny etchings around the cap lip.
Shot #7 : THE CAP ON PEN SHOT
This shot is best accomplished with a pen stand. Rest the pen on the stand with the clip facing the camera lens.
Shot 8 : THE OPTIONAL SHOTS
Take other photos if you have weren't able to capture etchings, box tops, etc. Maybe an angle or close up you couldn't accomplish in the first 7 photos, please do so with these shots.
EXAMPLE SHOT - Paperwork
This is a great shot example of a 1st shot that includes the paperwork along with the pen and box.
EXAMPLE SHOT - The Components
This is a great example of what we are looking for in our #5 shot.
EXAMPLE SHOT - Pen Cap Jewel
This shot perfectly captures the cap on the pen. Notice you get a great detail of the jewel on top of the pen cap!
EXAMPLE SHOT - Glowing Gold NIB
Great lighting on this NIB. The gold shines and its easy to read the etchings.
EXAMPLE SHOT - Cap Cross
Here is another example of the cap cross.
EXAMPLE SHOT - Two Pen Set Box Shot
Try to not separate the set. Get as many of the shots as possible with both pens in frame. If one of pens boasts a unique feature, then separate.
EXAMPLE SHOT - Two Pen Set Cap Shot
This photo captures the pen cap's jewel with definition while not separating the pens.
