Bad photos kill sales. We see resellers with rare minifigures sitting unsold for months because their photos look like they were taken in a cave. Good LEGO photography isn't about expensive cameras or studio setups. It's about showing buyers exactly what they're getting with clean, accurate images that build trust. These techniques work whether you're selling one figure or photographing bulk lots. The difference between a $20 sale and a $50 sale often comes down to spending five extra minutes on the photo.
Set up simple lighting
Natural light beats expensive studio setups every time. Position your LEGO figures near a large window during daylight hours. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows and washes out colors. If you're shooting at night, use two desk lamps positioned at 45-degree angles to your subject. White LED bulbs work best. Avoid yellow incandescent bulbs that make everything look dingy.
Choose the right background
White backgrounds make your figures pop and look professional. Use a white poster board, foam core, or even a white pillowcase stretched tight. For rare or valuable pieces, a seamless white background helps buyers focus on the figure itself. Avoid busy patterns, wood grain, or colored backgrounds that distract from your product.
Master the basic angles
Shoot five standard angles for complete coverage: front, back, left side, right side, and a three-quarter view showing the face and torso details. For damaged or rare pieces, add close-ups of specific areas. Keep your camera at the same height as the figure's chest. Shooting from above makes figures look squat. Shooting from below creates unflattering angles.
Focus on details that matter
Capture printing details, accessories, and any wear or damage clearly. Buyers want to see hair piece connections, face printing quality, and torso design elements. If selling complete sets, show all accessories laid out separately, then assembled with the figure. For valuable pieces, photograph serial numbers or unique markings.
Edit for accuracy, not artistry
Adjust brightness and contrast to match what buyers will receive. Oversaturated colors or too-bright images create disappointed buyers and returns. Most phone cameras automatically enhance colors. Tone this down in post-processing. Crop tight to eliminate distractions, but leave some white space around the figure for a clean look.
Batch processing saves time
When photographing bulk lots, set up an assembly line. Position your lighting and background once, then shoot all figures in the same setup. Use the same camera settings for consistency. Many resellers photograph 50+ figures in an hour using this method.
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FAQ
Do I need an expensive camera for LEGO photography?
No. Modern smartphones with good cameras work fine for most sales. Focus on lighting and backgrounds instead of upgrading equipment. A $200 phone with proper lighting beats a $1000 camera with bad lighting every time.
How many photos should I include per listing?
Include 4-6 photos minimum: front, back, both sides, and detail shots of unique features or flaws. More photos build buyer confidence and reduce questions about condition or authenticity.
Should I photograph LEGO figures assembled or in pieces?
Show both if possible. Lead with the assembled figure, then include a photo of all pieces laid out separately. This proves you have all components and helps buyers verify completeness before bidding.
What's the best way to photograph shiny or metallic LEGO pieces?
Use diffused lighting to prevent glare. Position lights at angles rather than directly overhead. A white sheet or tissue paper over your light source creates soft, even illumination that reduces reflections on shiny surfaces.
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