Guide to photographing musical instruments

You can moderately correct:

• exposure;
• white balance;
• rotation;
• cropping;
• light contrast adjustments;
• sharpening within natural limits.

Avoid edits that remove:

• scratches;
• selective dirt where removal would hide marks;
• dents;
• corrosion;
• discolouration;
• parts present in the original image.

Editing should make the photograph easier to read, not change what the buyer will receive.

For a guitar or bass, include at least:

• full front view;
• full rear view;
• front and back of the body;
• front and back of the headstock;
• neck;
• neck joint where relevant;
• bridge;
• visible electronics;
• output jack;
• included accessories.

For acoustic instruments, also show the soundhole, bridge, sides and back.

Keep the neck easy to read and avoid close ultra-wide perspectives that distort its apparent length.

Take at least one sharp photograph of the serial number or other available identifying information.

Useful details may include:

• serial number;
• identification plate;
• internal label;
• model code;
• factory markings;
• panel containing electrical specifications.

Always keep a complete version for your own records.

For public display you may choose whether to show the full serial number or obscure part of it, but the original image should remain available as documentation.

Before photographing the item, remove dust, fingerprints and ordinary surface dirt using methods appropriate to the material.

The goal is to make surfaces and details easier to see, not to make the item appear newer than it is.

Avoid aggressive products or improvised polishing immediately before shooting. Some finishes, plastics, metals and paints can react badly to unsuitable products.

Scratches, dents, corrosion and other permanent marks should remain visible when relevant.

A clean item photographs better; an item whose defects are artificially hidden through lighting, angles or retouching is not being represented faithfully.

A broad, soft light source often works best for general views.

You can obtain it with:

• indirect natural light near a window;
• diffused artificial light;
• a light source that is large relative to the item;
• a light curtain softening direct sunlight.

Very hard light creates deep shadows and specular reflections that can hide details.

You do not need to remove every shadow; gentle modelling helps show shape and depth.

Before publishing, check:

• [ ] clean lens;
• [ ] subject sharp;
• [ ] no motion blur;
• [ ] readable exposure;
• [ ] realistic colour;
• [ ] non-distracting background;
• [ ] reflections controlled;
• [ ] no important image is too dark;
• [ ] no important information is lost in blown highlights;
• [ ] the set looks consistent.

A simple background keeps attention on the item.

A clean wall, plain fabric, large sheet of card or lightly textured surface generally works better than a visually busy room.

Pure white is not required. What matters is sufficient separation between the item and the background.

A very light instrument may be easier to read against a slightly darker background, while a dark item needs separation from a dark backdrop.

Avoid strong patterns, highly saturated colours and reflective surfaces that compete with the subject.

The main image should show nearly the entire item and make its shape immediately recognisable.

Leave a small margin around the subject and avoid accidental cropping.

For long objects such as guitars or keyboards, choose an orientation that makes good use of the available frame.

The main photo does not need to be the most creative one; it should be the most informative at a glance.

Smartphone lenses are easily touched by fingers and exposed to pocket dust.

Before the photo session, clean the lens gently with a suitable material.

A dirty lens can cause:

• hazy images;
• light flare;
• reduced contrast;
• loss of detail;
• halos around light sources.

It is one of the simplest checks with one of the largest effects on final image quality.

For an amplifier, photograph:

• front view;
• rear view;
• control panel;
• inputs and outputs;
• corners and covering;
• handles;
• feet;
• identification plate.

For a combo, also show the speaker where it is accessible without improper disassembly.

If a head and cabinet are sold separately, avoid images that make an unincluded component appear to be part of the sale.