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Photo Inventory Tips
  • Any camera will do, but try to use one with a flash. Or you may want to use a video camera to record inventory.
  • Slides or prints are OK. Color shows detail a little better.
  • Make sure pictures, slides and videotapes are dated. If appropriate, record the date of purchase, brand name and purchase price of each item on the record card next to the picture.
  • To get the overall picture, take wide-angle shots of the whole room, then several close-ups to capture detail. Start in one corner of the room and work your way around.
  • Focus your flash away from mirrors and other reflective surfaces by standing at a 45-degree angle to the shiny surface.
  • When using a flash, try not to get closer than the recommended focus range. If you must get closer, dim the flash by placing a white handkerchief over the flash while taking the picture.
  • Open glass doors to prevent reflection.
  • A family member in the picture helps substantiate ownership.
  • Open closet doors to indicate quantity of clothing.
  • Remember to take pictures of the insides of drawers with the contents fanned out.
  • Use a non-glare dark cloth as a background for silver, china or jewellery.
  • Take a picture of the pattern name or manufacturer's signature of your china, along with a picture of the pattern.
  • Angle the flash when photographing jewellery to avoid glare.
  • When photographing or recording collections in albums, make sure the picture includes the entire page, along with close-up shots of the most valuable items. Make sure the pictures tie in with your home in some way.
  • Photograph your power tools, including detailed photos of the inside of your tool box.
  • If you want to take only a few pictures, either take pictures of groups of your most valuable unappraised items or record whole rooms with your most valuable and theft-prone items prominently displayed.