Eliminate distractions in the photo. If it has nothing to do with what you are selling remove it from the photo. Take a look at photo #1 of the bicycle.

Photo 1

The person selling it knows what a great bike this is and that it is in working order. To the seller it has value. Looking at photo #1 you would never know it because of all the clutter. There are so many distractions that it's hard to evaluate the bike.

Let's take the bike and place it with a backdrop that makes more sense.

Photo 2

Photo #2 shows the bike up close and in a setting that is congruent with its use. Now it looks like something straight out of the bicycle catalog.

Take close up photos.

Photo 3 and Photo 4

Photo #3 shows the tires are almost new so the buyer does not have to spend money on expensive repairs. After showing all the terrific features show any flaws so you don't have to buy the item back from a discontent buyer. Photo #4 shows the seat is a little torn. Up close and clearly visible. Overall these photos show a more appealing bicycle than a worthless bike thrown in the corner of a garage.

Photo 5 and Photo 6

When photographing small objects like photo #5 don't just photograph it on a cluttered countertop. Photograph it by itself and use a solid color backdrop (photo #6). This blue sheet of art paper was $1.50 at Staples.

Photo 7 and Photo 8

Use the light coming through the window and you'll get professional results (photo #7). Make sure the light is not direct sunlight as that is too strong but light from open sky. The color that you use will get the viewers attention but don't use colors that are too strong and over power like photo #8. Instead of looking like you are trying to clear the garage of all the junk, you are selling things of value that someone will appreciate and pay you top dollar! Now have fun spending all the money you made getting the most from your eBay sales.

Get the Picture!
Manny