Prepare the instrument and set
How to prepare the item, choose the space and organise the set before taking photographs.
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.
Before shooting, clear the area around the item.
Remove where possible:
- other instruments;
- unnecessary cables;
- packaging;
- personal objects;
- visually dominant decorations;
- accessories that are not part of the sale.
If a stand or technical support is required to hold the item, make sure it does not appear to be part of the offer.
The set should make the main item immediately identifiable.
Before shooting, create a simple list of required images.
You will generally need:
- main view;
- front;
- rear;
- sides where relevant;
- identifying details;
- serial number or plate;
- high-wear areas;
- defects;
- included accessories;
- category-specific shots.
Planning the sequence before starting makes the photographs more consistent and reduces the chance of having to rebuild the set later.