5 Tips to Photograph Your Livestock for Sale

Great photos = More Views + Faster Sales

When it comes to selling livestock online, a good photo is worth more than a thousand words — it can be worth thousands of dollars. Buyers make snap decisions based on what they see. Clear, well-lit, and honest images help build trust and attract genuine interest.

Here are 5 simple but powerful tips to help you take great photos of your livestock and boost your chances of a quick, successful sale.

✅ 1. Choose the Right Time of Day

Natural light is your best friend.
Aim to take photos early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is softer. Avoid harsh midday light, which causes strong shadows and glare that can make animals look different than they are.

👉 Bonus Tip: Overcast days are perfect — soft, even lighting without shadows.

✅ 2. Keep the Background Clear

Let your livestock be the focus.
Choose a clean background — like a paddock, yard, or shed wall. Avoid clutter, vehicles, and other animals that distract from your stock.

👉 Tip: Move rubbish, gear, or feed bags out of frame before snapping the shot.

✅ 3. Get the Right Angles

Capture the full animal.
Take side-on profile shots so buyers can see structure and body condition. Include:

A full side view
A ¾ front angle
A group shot (if selling more than one)
Close-ups of important features (e.g. horns, ear tags, udders)

👉 Tip: Kneel down or shoot at the animal’s eye level — it gives a better, more accurate perspective.

✅ 4. Highlight Key Details

Use your photos to tell a story.
Show buyers what sets your livestock apart:

Good muscle tone or fat coverage
Clean coat
Calm behaviour or strong frame
Registered tags or brands

👉 Tip: If you’re selling breeding stock, include photos of offspring (if available).

✅ 5. Keep It Honest

Show your stock as they are.
Don’t edit or overly crop your images. Buyers appreciate transparency, and honest photos save time, reduce back-and-forth questions, and lead to smoother transactions.

👉 Tip: If there’s an imperfection, mention it — honesty builds trust.

📲 Bonus: Use Your Phone — But Use It Well

Modern smartphones take great photos. Just make sure your lens is clean, and hold the phone steady. If possible, use portrait mode for close-ups and landscape for group shots.