Lighting and Framing for Better Auto-Tagged Photos

**Use natural light when you can.** Stand near a window during the day. The sun coming through the glass spreads light evenly across the item. You get the best results 1–2 hours after sunrise or before sunset—the light is soft and doesn't create harsh shadows.

**Avoid shooting directly into the sun.** If the sun is behind the item, it appears as a silhouette and the app can't see the details. Position yourself so the sun is beside you or behind you, lighting the item from the front.

**Move indoors?** Use multiple light sources. Turn on the lights around the item. If you're photographing in a garage or basement, position the item near a lamp or work light. Aim the light to hit the item from the side, not directly above (overhead light creates shadows under details and makes items look flatter).

**Avoid shadows on the item.** Your own shadow, the camera's shadow, or shadows from windows can hide important details. If you see a shadow across the item, move slightly or reposition the light.

**Make the item the main subject.** Fill most of the frame with the item. The app sees what you're pointing at—if the item is tiny in a cluttered background, the app struggles to recognize it.

**Use a neutral background.** Bare walls, plain tables, or a solid-color blanket work well. A busy, colorful background distracts and makes it harder for the app to identify the item.

**Show the full item.** For a lamp, include the base, stem, and shade. For a chair, show the whole seat and back. For a small item like a coffee mug, zoom in so you can see the entire mug, including any logo or pattern.

**Hold the phone steady.** A blurry photo is hard for the app to recognize and isn't appealing to shoppers. Use both hands. If you're in Rapidfire mode and moving fast, that's fine—just aim and tap. The app tolerates phone movement better than you might think.

**Photographing glassware or dishes** — Stand them on a white or neutral surface. Photograph from above or at a slight angle so shoppers can see the shape, rim, and any patterns. A single piece fills the frame better than a stack of five.

**Photographing clothing or fabric items** — Lay them on a bed or table, smooth out wrinkles, and photograph from above. The app needs to see color and texture. If the item has tags or labels, include them in one photo so shoppers know the size and material.

**Photographing furniture** — Step back far enough to show the whole piece (width, height, depth). Photograph from one corner so shoppers see the shape. If there's damage, take a close-up too.

**Photographing collectibles or small valuable items** — Zoom in tight. The app (and shoppers) need to see condition details: maker marks, serial numbers, condition of the packaging.

The app recognizes condition, category, and sometimes even brand or style from the photo. A clear photo means it tags correctly the first time. You skip adjustments in the review queue. You also get more shopper confidence—a clear photo with natural colors is more trustworthy than a dark, blurry one.