Two photographs do the work here: one that makes somebody want the pair, and one that stops the argument afterwards.
The shot that sells
Three-quarter view, both shoes, slightly above eye level, on a plain surface in daylight. It is the angle shops use because it shows the silhouette and the profile at once.
The shot that prevents the dispute
The soles. Flat, both shoes, straight down. Wear shows there first and a listing without it reads as a listing avoiding it.
The list
- Three-quarter pair shot — the hero
- Both soles, straight down
- Size tag inside, held still and in focus
- Toe box straight on, where creasing lives
- Heel counters, for collapse
- Any yellowing, against something white for reference
- The box, every face, if it is part of the sale
Light
Daylight near a window, not direct sun. Direct sun blows out white midsoles and makes creasing invisible, which is the one thing you must not hide.
For creasing specifically, light from the side rather than the front — it throws shadow into the folds and makes them readable.
Focus
Phones struggle close up. Back off, then crop, rather than pushing the lens against the size tag until it hunts.
What goes wrong
Shooting on a patterned floor, shooting at night under a yellow bulb, and using the maker's catalogue image. The last one is not allowed and it hides the condition of your actual pair. Intellectual property.
Questions people ask
Should I clean before photographing?
Lightly, and photograph what is there. Never shoot a pair cleaner than it arrives.
Do I need a white background?
Plain, not necessarily white. A mid-grey wall or a sheet is fine and often better.
Is video worth it?
For creasing and for the sole, yes — a slow turn says more than four frames.
More: selling sneakers, describing condition.