§ 01
A simple setup
Good inquiry photographs need daylight, a plain surface and a steady hand, not a studio. Work near a window but out of direct sun, on a plain table, sheet or large piece of card in a neutral color.
Whole object
Daylight from a window, not direct sun. Plain sheet or card. Flash off; a ruler beside it; every edge in frame.
Detail
Step closer rather than zooming. Keep the phone parallel so lettering stays square.
Checklist · Before you start
- Wipe the phone lens. Smudges cause most soft, hazy photographs.
- Turn off the flash. It flattens surfaces and creates glare on glass, holders and metal.
- Use the main camera at normal zoom; step closer rather than zooming in digitally.
- Place a ruler or tape measure beside the object for at least one photograph.
- Remove other objects from the frame so it is clear what is being shown.
§ 02
The three essential views
- 01
The whole object, front
Fill most of the frame but keep every edge visible. This is the photograph that tells someone what the object is.
- 02
The back, base or reverse
Turn it over. Undersides carry labels, stamps, maker’s marks, repairs and construction clues that fronts do not.
- 03
Details close-up
Marks, signatures, labels, serial or certification numbers, and any damage. Hold the phone parallel to the surface so lettering is not distorted.
For groups, add one photograph of everything together, then the essential views of a few representative pieces. You do not need to photograph every item in a large collection to begin a conversation.
§ 03
Show it as it is
The most useful photograph is an honest one. Filters, heavy editing, strong backlighting or angles that hide a chip make a later conversation harder, not easier. Damage is normal on objects that have been used and loved; it simply needs to be seen.
- Photograph damage directly, with one wider view showing where it is on the object.
- Keep items in their holders, frames, cases or sleeves. Do not remove a card from a graded holder or a print from its frame to photograph it.
- Do not clean coins, polish silver or wipe paintings to improve a photograph.
- If a watch or mechanism runs, say so in the description; a photograph cannot show it.
§ 04
Extra views by category
| Category | Add these views |
|---|---|
| Trading cards | Front and back of each key card; corners; for graded cards, the full label |
| Coins and currency | Both sides of each piece, straight on, without touching the faces |
| Jewelry and watches | Clasp and inside of band for stamps; watch dial, caseback and movement only if already open |
| Art and decorative | Signature; back of the canvas, frame or base with any labels; edges of ceramics and glass |
| Memorabilia | Any signature in full; tags, labels or stamps; supporting letters beside the item |
Each collecting area page lists the views that are most useful for that kind of object.
§ 05
What photographs can and cannot do
Photographs are optional in a Kept & Rare inquiry. If uploads fail or are unavailable, a written description is enough to begin; you can be asked for images later.
Terms used here