How to Photograph Antiques for Identification and Selling
Take antique photos that get accurate identification and sell faster: light, background, angles, marks, scale and damage shots, all with just your phone.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
A good photo is the difference between "unknown vase" and "Royal Doulton, 1920s". It's also the difference between a listing that sells and one that sits. You don't need a studio — just a phone, a window and a few habits.
Light: use daylight, not flash
- Place the item near a large window, out of direct sun.
- Turn off yellow room lights so colors stay true.
- Avoid the flash: it creates glare on glass, silver and glazes and flattens texture.
- Use a white card or paper on the shadow side to bounce light back.
Background: plain and neutral
A white sheet, a cream wall or a plain table works. Patterned tablecloths and cluttered shelves confuse both people and identification apps. For silver and glass, a mid-gray or soft cream background shows edges better than pure white.
The essential shot list
Take these for every piece:
- Front, straight on, filling most of the frame
- Three-quarter view to show depth and shape
- Back — often where construction clues are
- Base or underside, especially for pottery, porcelain and glass
- Marks and signatures, close up and sharp
- Details: hardware, joints, decoration, hinges
- Damage: chips, cracks, repairs — honestly shown
- Scale: one shot with a ruler or coin
Photographing marks
Marks are often faint. Try:
- Raking light: a light from the side makes impressed marks pop.
- Tap to focus directly on the mark, then hold steady.
- Don't zoom digitally; move closer instead.
- Clean dust off gently with a soft brush first.
See what to look for in pottery marks and silver hallmarks.
Tricky materials
- Glass: shoot against a light background with backlight to show color and clarity.
- Silver and brass: diffuse the light (sheer curtain) to avoid hot spots and reflections of you.
- Paintings: shoot straight on, frame-free if possible, plus the back of the canvas.
- Jewelry: get very close, use a plain dark or light background, and photograph stamps on clasps.
- Furniture: step back to show the whole piece, then open drawers for dovetails.
For identification apps
Apps like AntiqueIQ do best with the front shot on a plain background, with the whole object visible. If the first result seems off, try another angle or scan the mark. More in how to identify antiques by picture.
For selling
Buyers trust honest photos. Show every flaw — it prevents returns and disputes. Use the same background for all items for a professional-looking shop. See where to sell antiques.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best background for antique photos?
A plain, neutral background — white, cream or light gray — with no pattern or clutter.
Should I use flash?
Generally no. Daylight from a window gives truer color and less glare.
How many photos should I take?
For identification, three to five including marks. For selling, eight or more including all damage.