How to photograph antiques for best identification results
A great photo is the single biggest factor in getting an accurate identification. Here is how to take one in under a minute.
1. Use natural daylight
Place the item near a window during the day. Avoid direct sun — it creates harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Diffused, indirect daylight reveals the truest colors and surface texture, which is what our identification system relies on for material and age clues.
2. Use a plain background
A white sheet, neutral table, or piece of cardstock works perfectly. Busy backgrounds confuse the image analysis and waste pixels that should be on your item.
3. Fill the frame
Get close. The item should occupy at least 70% of the photo. Tap to focus on the most detailed area before you shoot.
4. Capture maker marks
Hallmarks, signatures, stamps and pottery marks are the single fastest path to a confident identification. If your item has any, take a second close-up photo of just the mark and submit it as a follow-up scan.
5. Keep the camera steady
Rest your elbows on a table or use a small tripod. A sharp photo at 8 MP beats a blurry photo at 48 MP every time.
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