Photo Guide
How to Photograph a Vintage Item for Identification
Identification is much easier when photographs document the whole object and the small details that distinguish one maker, variation or production method from another.
Capture the whole object
Take clear front, back, side, top and bottom views as appropriate. Use even light and a simple background so shape and color are easy to evaluate.
Photograph every identifying detail
Include maker marks, labels, signatures, numbers, seams, hardware, fasteners, base construction, tags, packaging and any unusual manufacturing feature.
Document scale
Photograph a ruler or measuring tape where useful, then record the measurements separately. Avoid perspective that makes one dimension look larger than it is.
Show condition honestly
Photograph chips, scratches, repairs, discoloration, missing pieces and other notable flaws rather than hiding them with angle or lighting.
Keep the original files
Original images may preserve details lost by aggressive cropping, sharpening or compression. Edited copies can help readability, but they should not replace the originals.