Listing Photo Guidelines

High-quality photos are essential for successful listings on Aswaq Online. Great images attract more potential buyers, build trust, and help your items sell faster. Follow these guidelines to create compelling visual content that showcases your items effectively.

Photo Requirements

Technical Specifications

• Number of photos: 3-10 images per listing

  • Minimum: 3 photos required for all listings
  • Maximum: 10 photos allowed per listing

• File formats: JPG, PNG, or WEBP

  • JPEG/JPG recommended for most photos
  • PNG recommended when image quality is paramount
  • WEBP supported for faster loading

• File size limits:

  • Maximum: 5MB per image
  • Recommended: 1-3MB for optimal balance of quality and load speed

• Resolution requirements:

  • Minimum: 640x480 pixels
  • Recommended: 1024x768 pixels or higher
  • Maximum: 4000x3000 pixels

• Aspect ratio:

  • Preferred: 4:3 or 16:9
  • Square (1:1) also acceptable

Photo Quality Standards

• Clarity: Images must be in focus and sharp
• Lighting: Well-lit to show accurate colors and details
• Visibility: Item should be clearly visible and recognizable
• Completeness: Show the entire item, not just parts
• Authenticity: Photos must be of the actual item being sold
• Recency: Images should represent the current condition

Essential Photos to Include

For All Listings

1. Main/cover photo: Clear shot of the entire item from its best angle
2. Multiple angles: Front, back, sides, top, and bottom views
3. Close-ups of details: Specific features, materials, or craftsmanship
4. Brand labels/logos: Show authenticity markers when applicable
5. Size reference: Include common objects for scale when relevant
6. Condition indicators: Clear images of any wear, damage, or defects

Category-Specific Photos

Vehicles

• Exterior: Front, back, both sides, and at a 45-degree angle
• Interior: Dashboard, seats, cargo area, odometer reading
• Engine bay
• Tires and wheels
• Documentation (registration card, service history)

Properties

• Exterior/building facade
• All rooms (living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms)
• Views from windows
• Common areas or amenities
• Floor plan (if available)

Electronics

• Front, back, and side views
• Ports and connections
• Screen (turned on if possible)
• Accessories included
• Model/serial number
• Original packaging if available

Furniture

• Full view from multiple angles
• Close-ups of materials and textures
• Dimensions shown with measuring tape
• Underside and interior spaces
• Assembly or disassembly details if relevant

Photography Tips

Equipment Recommendations

• Camera: A modern smartphone camera is usually sufficient
• Lighting: Natural daylight or well-distributed artificial lighting
• Background: Clean, neutral, and uncluttered
• Tripod: Optional but helpful for sharper images
• Measuring tools: Ruler or tape measure for dimension references

Composition Tips

• Center your item: Make it the clear focus of the photo
• Use the rule of thirds: Position key features at intersection points
• Consistent perspective: Maintain similar distance and angle across photos
• Clean background: Remove distracting elements and clutter
• Appropriate framing: Leave minimal empty space around the item

Lighting Techniques

• Natural lighting: Shoot near windows during daylight (ideal)
• Avoid harsh shadows: Use diffused light or multiple light sources
• Avoid flash when possible: It can create glare and unnatural colors
• Consistent lighting: Maintain similar lighting across all photos
• Color accuracy: Use white balance adjustment if colors appear off

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blurry or out-of-focus images
• Poor lighting or dark photos
• Misleading representations of condition or features
• Using stock photos instead of actual item images
• Including personal information in the background
• Watermarks or overlaid text that obscure the item
• Excessive filters or editing that alter the item's appearance
• Images with timestamps or borders
• Photos from other listings or websites
• Incomplete views that hide parts of the item

Photo Editing Guidelines

Acceptable Editing

• Brightness and contrast adjustments: To improve visibility
• Cropping: To focus on the item and remove excess background
• White balance correction: To show accurate colors
• Minor dust or background removal: For cleaner presentation

Prohibited Editing

• Removing or hiding defects or damage
• Altering the item's appearance significantly
• Adding features or elements not present in the actual item
• Excessive filters that misrepresent colors or condition
• Combining multiple items to appear as one

Tips for Specific Items

Clothing and Fashion

• Use a mannequin, dress form, or hang items when possible
• Show the item both laid flat and worn (if appropriate)
• Include close-ups of fabric, patterns, and tags
• Photograph size labels and measurements

Jewelry and Accessories

• Use macro mode for small details
• Photograph against a contrasting, solid background
• Include size reference with coins or rulers
• Capture hallmarks, stamps, or authenticity markings

Books and Media

• Show front and back covers
• Include the spine and edges
• Photograph any special features (illustrations, signatures)
• Display any damage or wear clearly

Prohibited Content

The following types of photos are not allowed:

• Watermarked images from other websites or sources
• Screenshots from other listings or websites
• Offensive or inappropriate content
• Images with contact information or external website URLs
• Photos showing people's faces without their consent
• Images of prohibited items (as per our platform policies)
• Copyright-protected images you don't have rights to use

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use professional stock photos of the product I'm selling?
A: No, you must use actual photos of the specific item you're selling. Stock photos don't show the item's actual condition.

Q: My item is still sealed in its box. Can I just photograph the box?
A: You should include photos of the box, but also use stock images or manufacturer images clearly labeled as "Product representation" to show what's inside.

Q: How can I take good photos if I only have my smartphone?
A: Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras. Focus on good lighting, clean backgrounds, and steady hands (or use a small tripod).

Q: Can I add text or graphics to my photos?
A: No, photos should show only the item without added text, graphics, or watermarks.

Q: My photos are being rejected. What am I doing wrong?
A: Common reasons for rejection include poor quality, using stock photos, inappropriate content, or not meeting the minimum photo requirement.

Q: Can I use the same photos across multiple listings?
A: Only if you're selling identical items in separate listings. Each unique item must have its own unique photos.

Need More Help?

If you're experiencing issues with listing photos or have questions not covered in this guide, please contact our support team or visit our Help Center for more assistance.