As I mentioned in an earlier article ("Photographing Jewelry for Online Auctions"), taking pictures of small items, such as bead jewelry, for eBay or other auction sites is not always easy. You have to use the proper lighting, keep objects in focus and chose the correct background that enhances the target without distorting its colors or detracting from it.

The smaller the item, the more difficult it can be to take good photos, as cameras might have difficulties focusing on such small targets. I was wrestling with a particularly tricky photo of earrings one day, when I came across the suggestion of using a scanner. I tried it it, and the results were great - very detailed images that preserved even the tiniest features of the object.

The only limitations I have found is that objects should not be too three-dimensional, as that can cause focus problems. Also, in some instances very shiny materials, such as silver, can cause distortions.

Another issue is the background - sometimes the white plastic of the scanner lid just won't do. In this case, a simple sheet of construction paper (use pastel colors) might be the solution. As the thickness of the scanned object also raises the lid more than a sheet of paper would, you might want to cover the top of the scanner with opaque cloth to shut out stray outside light.

Scanners usually come with software that lets you set resolution, brightness, contrast and other parameters, as well as crop, flip and rotate the object. Play around with these settings until you achive the desired results.

What scanner should you get? There are reviews of scanners on many online sites, such as epinions.com. I personally like multifunction devices that also serve as printers and copiers (saves on desk space) and have achieved good results with the very inexpensive Hewlett-Packard PSC 1315.

While my experience has been primarily with jewelry, other types of items also lend themselves to scanning: books, photographs, coins, CD and DVD covers, etc. Scanners can thus be a real time-saver in preparing your auction pictures.