What to include in photos

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Great photos can be the difference between a quick reunion and weeks of searching. Whether you've lost or found something, these guidelines will help you capture images that get results.

Success Fact: Listings with clear, detailed photos are 3x more likely to result in successful reunions.

Essential Photos for Lost Items

Primary Item Photo

Clear, bright lighting - Natural daylight is best
Item fills the frame - No wasted space around edges
Neutral background - White, grey, or plain surface
Sharp focus - All details clearly visible
Multiple angles - Front, back, sides if relevant

Pro Tip: Take 3-5 photos from different angles - more is better than not enough

Unique Features & Details

🔍Serial numbers - Electronics, bikes, valuable items
🏷️Brand labels/logos - Designer items, clothing tags
⚡Damage or wear - Scratches, dents, fading
🎨Patterns/designs - Unique artwork, engravings
📏Size reference - Next to coin, hand, or ruler
💍Personalization - Engravings, names, dates

Item-Specific Photo Guidelines

📱 Electronics

•Screen on/off: Both states if possible
•Back panel: Model numbers, IMEI
•Charging port: Type of connector
•Accessories: Cases, headphones, chargers
•Screen protectors: Cracks, brand stickers

💍 Jewelry

•Close-up details: Stone settings, engravings
•Hallmarks: Inside bands, clasps
•Size comparison: Next to coin or ruler
•Different lighting: Natural and artificial light
•Clasp/closure: How it opens/closes

👕 Clothing

•Label/size tag: Brand, size, care instructions
•Fabric texture: Close-up of material
•Full garment: Laid flat, showing shape
•Stains/wear: Any damage or unique marks
•Buttons/zippers: Hardware details

👜 Bags & Accessories

•Empty bag: Open showing interior
•Contents: What was inside (if found)
•Hardware: Zippers, buckles, clasps
•Brand tags: Authentication labels
•Wear patterns: Handle wear, corner damage

🔑 Keys

•Key shape: Unique cuts and patterns
•Keychain/fob: All attached items
•Brand markings: Lock manufacturer names
•Number of keys: How many on ring
•Special keys: Car keys, fobs, cards

📄 Documents

•Document type: Passport, license, etc.
•Cover/folder: How it's contained
•Corner/edge: Unique wear or damage
•⚠️ Blur personal info: Never show names/numbers
•Associated items: Wallet, case, holder

Special Guidelines for Pet Photos

🐕 Dogs

Essential Shots:

•Face close-up (eyes, nose, mouth clearly visible)
•Full body profile (showing size and build)
•Collar and any tags (if present)
•Distinctive markings (patches, scars, spots)

Key Features to Capture:

🎨Coat color and patterns
👂Ear shape (floppy, pointed, cropped)
🐕Tail type (curled, straight, docked)
⚡Any unique markings or scars

🐱 Cats

Essential Shots:

•Face front-on (eye color is crucial)
•Full body showing coat pattern
•Any collar or identification
•Unique facial markings

Key Features to Capture:

👁️Eye color (very important for cats)
🎭Facial patterns (tabby, calico, etc.)
🦶Paw colors (white socks, etc.)
📏Size comparison (cats vary greatly)

Pet Photography Tips

Getting Great Shots:

•Get down to their eye level
•Use treats or toys for attention
•Take many photos - pets move!
•Natural lighting works best

Safety First:

•Approach unknown pets carefully
•Don't force frightened animals
•Keep pets secure during photos
•Watch for signs of stress

Multiple Angles:

•Standing profile view
•Sitting front view
•Close-up of unique features
•Any special markings

Technical Photography Tips

💡 Lighting

Best Lighting:

☀️Natural daylight: Near windows or outdoors
🕐Avoid midday sun: Too harsh, creates shadows
☁️Cloudy days: Perfect diffused lighting
💡Indoor lights: Multiple sources, avoid single bulb

Avoid:

❌Flash photography (causes glare)
❌Backlighting (item appears dark)
❌Deep shadows on important details

📱 Camera Settings

Phone Camera Tips:

📸Tap to focus: Ensure main subject is sharp
🔍Don't use digital zoom: Move closer instead
🔄Hold steady: Use both hands, brace against surface
📏Use grid lines: Help with composition

Quality Settings:

⚙️Use highest resolution available
🎯Turn off beauty/filter modes
📝RAW format if available (better editing)

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Blurry Photos

Problem: Camera shake or moving subject

Solution:

•Hold phone with both hands
•Brace against stable surface
•Wait for pets to settle
•Use burst mode for moving subjects

❌ Too Dark/Shadowy

Problem: Important details not visible

Solution:

•Move to brighter location
•Use phone's exposure adjustment
•Add extra lighting sources
•Avoid shooting against bright backgrounds

❌ Poor Framing

Problem: Item too small or cut off

Solution:

•Fill 60-80% of frame with item
•Check all important parts are visible
•Leave small border around edges
•Use portrait mode for tall items

❌ Busy Backgrounds

Problem: Item gets lost in cluttered scene

Solution:

•Use plain white/grey background
•Clear table or sheet as backdrop
•Avoid patterned surfaces
•Use portrait mode for background blur

❌ Missing Key Details

Problem: Unique features not captured

Solution:

•Take separate close-up shots
•Photograph serial numbers/labels
•Show damage or wear clearly
•Multiple angles of same item

❌ Wrong File Size

Problem: Too large or compressed

Solution:

•Use medium-high quality setting
•Avoid over-compressing for web
•Keep original full-size versions
•Test upload before posting

Photo Checklist Before Posting

✅ Quality Check:

☐All photos are sharp and well-lit
☐Important details are clearly visible
☐Multiple angles are included
☐Colors appear accurate
☐File sizes are appropriate

✅ Privacy & Safety:

☐Personal information is hidden/blurred
☐No home address visible in background
☐Serial numbers shown only if necessary
☐Photos show enough detail for identification
☐Ready to verify ownership if contacted

Ready to Post Your Photos?

Great photos are the key to successful reunions. Take your time, follow these guidelines, and help bring lost items back to their owners.

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