When I take photos, I make two of everything, wide angle and close-up. The wide angle shows the item in the room with other household (or business) items around it, which proves it is in the house or business as the other items will also be in the inventory. This also shows the placement of the item in the house or business to prevent fraud. The second photo is a close-up showing only (mostly) that item in greater detail.
In the case of the book shelf, after taking both photos, make a list of everything in it that appears in the close-up photo. You only take individual photos of the books, CD's, DVD's or whatever they are, IF it is rare, unique, a collector's item, or very expensive. The same thing applies to clothing, linen, towels, kitchen utensils, etc. However, with kitchen utensils, make an over-all photo of them in an open drawer with one of each item lying on the counter, if they are all the same.
If the table is covered with a cloth that goes over the side, ask the owner to move it (fold/roll it back over the top a short distance) so you can get a photo of the actual item. There is no reason to remove it or other items on the table. In this case, I would take three, or four photos, one showing it with the cover, one showing it with the cover pulled back, the close-up of the table itself and possibly a close-up of it with the cover in place.
If you are taking a photo of something with a reflective surface such as a mirror, TV, fish tank, etc. stand slightly to the side (off center) so the flash will not reflect directly into the camera lens.
If something has to be moved, ask the owner to either move it (small items), or assist you in moving it (larger items). However, it is NEVER a good idea to move anything if you can position yourself (sometimes hard to do) to shoot it. Always remember, if you break it, you pay for it. That is a liability we DON'T want! Once it's broken, what you thought was a cheap (inexpensive) item suddenly became a priceless heirloom.
I hope helps and good luck with your business.
-- Edited by JD on Monday 6th of February 2012 07:25:30 PM
Good questions. It is typically best not to move items around for purposes of taking your pictures. First, it does increase your risk of breaking something accidentaly and second it will take more time.
Its perfectly fine to do an inventory entry for an item such as a table or bookshelf with something on them. Your description will provide details about the item so there should not be any confusion with the pictures having items on a table for example.
I am at the point right now where I am taking pictures of my house for practice. I have taken some pictures and I am not happy with them. I had some questions about taking pictues of certin things.
1. If I am taking a picture of a bookshelf. Should I take the picture with everything on it?
2. Same question as above but if I have a table should I just take a picture of the table without anything on it?
3. If you cannot get a good picture of something from where the item is located should you ask the customer if you could move the item or is that not a good idea due to liability reasons?
