Top tips for photographing your used bicycle and securing interest on the auctions

The FoldTheBike auctions are a fun and exciting way to recycle your unused bicycle belongings.

They are also a great place to obtain the best price for your pre-loved bike kit. However, this does require a little forethought and planning. Just like internet dating, quality photographs mean more interest.

Your bikes best side

Capturing your once loved but never forgotten cycle at its best angle is an essential task in finding a happy home for your used bike. Any main image you use to show off the bike, should be side on, and capture the whole of the bike as the picture of the bike below.

Make sure that you take a photo of the “drive” side of the bike. This is with the chain and drive train on view. Take the photo at the level of the bike frame. A pointed down photo is a no no!

If you do take a angular photo of the bike, make sure the bike look proportional. Sometimes on angled shots, the wheels can look disproportional.

Location Location Location

Finding a well lit (preferably with natural light) and tidy spot in which to photograph your used bike is another essential step. A yellow tinged shot in your over crowded and dimly lit garage/shed/hallway just won’t cut the mustard.

Instead try taking the your bike outside and finding an uncluttered spot to really allow your bike to shine out amongst the other second hand bikes on the auctions. If outside, and it is a sunny day, do try to avoid shadows appearing in the photo. Details on the bike can get lost if there are too many shadows in the shot.

A photo against a wall can also work, a light background, preferably white, will show a bike off at its best.

Getting in Close

After you’ve captured a well lit and clean wide shot, it’s time to show off the finer details to potential buyers. Showing your old bike from two or three different angles allows the buyer to be confident of what they’re buying and also put them at ease about the condition of the bike. Photos without close-ups suggest the seller has something to hide.

We recommended a close up shot of the forks, the bottom bracket, chain set, front and rear gears (if applicable) and any other little touches you may feel are worth a closer look. Do make sure you give your bicycle a thorough clean though if you are photographing for sale. Any close up shot that features dirt and mud will turn off any buyer.

Use the best camera you can (actually don’t steal!)

We are in the age of the digital camera. With high numbers of people carrying a camera of some description (usually a mobile phone) everywhere they go. Despite the jump in resolution of mobile phone cameras in recent years, it’s best to avoid them in order to get the best photo of your used bike. The results are more often than not substantially poorer than those of dedicated compact devices.

If you want to get the best photo of your second-hand bike you need the best camera you can get your hands on.

Finally…

Follow our steps to good photography and you will show off your second hand bike in its best light and make it more appealing and attractive to potential bike buyers. Good luck with that next sale.