Antique Photography Guide: Identification, Documentation & Preservation 2025

The Importance of Photography in Antique Documentation

Photography serves multiple critical functions in antique collecting, dealing, and preservation. Understanding these roles helps prioritize what to photograph and how to photograph it.

Identification and Authentication

Photographs are essential for identification and authentication purposes:

• Visual Reference: Detailed photographs allow experts to examine items remotely
• Comparative Analysis: Photographs enable comparison with known authentic examples
• Detail Documentation: Close-up photographs capture details crucial for authentication
• Mark Documentation: High-resolution photographs of marks and signatures are essential
• Style Analysis: Photographs document style characteristics for period identification

Provenance and Documentation

Photographs create permanent visual records for provenance:

• Ownership Records: Photographs document items at specific points in time
• Condition History: Photographs track condition changes over time
• Exhibition Documentation: Photographs record items in exhibitions or displays
• Publication Support: High-quality photographs for catalogs and publications
• Historical Record: Creating permanent visual documentation

Insurance and Legal Purposes

Photographs serve important legal and insurance functions:

• Insurance Documentation: Required for insurance policies and claims
• Legal Evidence: Photographs serve as evidence in disputes
• Loss Documentation: Essential for documenting losses or damage
• Appraisal Support: Photographs support professional appraisals
• Title Documentation: Visual proof of ownership and condition

Sales and Marketing

High-quality photographs are essential for sales:

• Online Listings: Professional photographs attract buyers
• Auction Catalogs: High-quality images for auction listings
• Dealer Presentations: Professional photographs for dealer catalogs
• Collector Communication: Sharing items with collectors and experts

Essential Photography Equipment

While professional equipment produces the best results, excellent antique documentation photographs can be created with various equipment levels. Understanding equipment options helps make informed choices.

Camera Options

Different camera types serve different needs:

DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

• Advantages: Full control, interchangeable lenses, high image quality
• Best For: Professional documentation, publication-quality images
• Key Features: Manual controls, RAW format, macro capabilities
• Recommended Settings: Aperture priority or manual mode, RAW format

Smartphone Cameras

• Advantages: Always available, convenient, improving quality
• Best For: Quick documentation, field photography, social media
• Key Features: High resolution, built-in editing, easy sharing
• Limitations: Limited manual control, smaller sensor, fixed lens

Point-and-Shoot Cameras

• Advantages: Portable, easy to use, good image quality
• Best For: General documentation, travel photography
• Key Features: Macro mode, image stabilization, various shooting modes

Lenses and Optics

Lens selection significantly impacts image quality:

Macro Lenses

• Purpose: Close-up photography of marks, details, textures
• Focal Lengths: 50mm, 60mm, 90mm, 100mm, 105mm
• Features: 1:1 magnification, sharp detail, minimal distortion
• Applications: Mark photography, detail documentation, texture capture

Standard Lenses

• Purpose: General photography, overall views
• Focal Lengths: 24-70mm, 35mm, 50mm
• Features: Versatile, natural perspective, good for most situations
• Applications: Overall item photography, general documentation

Telephoto Lenses

• Purpose: Isolating details, compressing perspective
• Focal Lengths: 70-200mm, 85mm, 135mm
• Features: Narrow field of view, compressed perspective
• Applications: Detail isolation, portrait-style object photography

Lighting Equipment

Proper lighting is crucial for antique photography:

Natural Light

• Advantages: Free, natural color, soft shadows
• Best Conditions: Overcast days, north-facing windows, indirect light
• Limitations: Weather dependent, inconsistent, limited control
• Tips: Use diffusers, avoid direct sunlight, use reflectors

Artificial Lighting

• Continuous Lights: LED panels, fluorescent lights, constant illumination
• Flash Units: Speedlights, studio flashes, controlled bursts
• Light Modifiers: Softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, diffusers
• Color Temperature: Daylight-balanced lights (5000-5500K)

Support Equipment

Support equipment improves image quality:

Tripods and Supports

• Tripods: Essential for sharp images, long exposures, macro work
• Features: Adjustable height, stable base, smooth operation
• Alternatives: Monopods, bean bags, clamps for smaller items

Backgrounds and Surfaces

• Neutral Backgrounds: White, gray, black seamless paper or fabric
• Reflective Surfaces: Glass, acrylic for reflective items
• Textured Surfaces: Wood, fabric for contextual photography
• Color Considerations: Neutral colors don't compete with subject

Additional Accessories

• Reflectors: Bounce light, fill shadows, control contrast
• Diffusers: Soften harsh light, reduce reflections
• Color Cards: White balance reference, color accuracy
• Measuring Tools: Rulers, scales for size reference

Lighting Techniques for Antique Photography

Proper lighting is the foundation of excellent antique photography. Different lighting techniques serve different purposes and work best with different materials.

Basic Lighting Setups

Understanding fundamental lighting configurations:

Three-Point Lighting

• Key Light: Main light source, typically 45 degrees from subject
• Fill Light: Softer light opposite key light, reduces shadows
• Back Light: Separates subject from background, adds depth
• Applications: General object photography, detailed documentation

Soft Lighting

• Characteristics: Large light source, soft shadows, even illumination
• Methods: Large softboxes, diffused windows, bounce lighting
• Best For: Delicate items, avoiding harsh reflections, general documentation
• Advantages: Flattering, reveals detail, minimizes reflections

Hard Lighting

• Characteristics: Small light source, sharp shadows, high contrast
• Methods: Direct flash, small light sources, undiffused lights
• Best For: Texture emphasis, dramatic effects, specific details
• Considerations: Can create unwanted reflections, harsh shadows

Material-Specific Lighting

Different materials require different lighting approaches:

Reflective Surfaces (Metal, Glass, Ceramics)

• Challenge: Unwanted reflections, hot spots, glare
• Solutions: Large soft light sources, polarizing filters, angle control
• Techniques: Bounce lighting, diffused illumination, controlled angles
• Avoid: Direct flash, small light sources, harsh lighting

Matte Surfaces (Wood, Textiles, Paper)

• Challenge: Showing texture, avoiding flat appearance
• Solutions: Angled lighting, side lighting, controlled shadows
• Techniques: Raking light, directional lighting, texture emphasis
• Benefits: Texture detail, depth, material characteristics

Transparent Materials (Glass, Crystal)

• Challenge: Making transparent items visible, avoiding reflections
• Solutions: Backlighting, edge lighting, dark backgrounds
• Techniques: Light from behind, rim lighting, contrast backgrounds
• Benefits: Shape definition, clarity, material transparency

Advanced Lighting Techniques

Specialized techniques for challenging situations:

Polarized Lighting

• Purpose: Eliminating reflections, revealing surface details
• Method: Polarizing filter on camera, polarized light source
• Applications: Reflective surfaces, mark photography, detail capture
• Benefits: Reflection control, surface detail, clarity

High-Key Lighting

• Characteristics: Bright, even illumination, minimal shadows
• Method: Multiple light sources, white background, overexposure
• Applications: Clean documentation, catalog photography, general views
• Benefits: Clean appearance, detail visibility, professional look

Low-Key Lighting

• Characteristics: Dark background, dramatic shadows, focused light
• Method: Single light source, dark background, controlled illumination
• Applications: Artistic documentation, detail emphasis, dramatic presentation
• Benefits: Focus on subject, dramatic effect, detail emphasis

Composition and Framing Strategies

Effective composition ensures photographs clearly communicate important information while being visually appealing and professional.

Basic Composition Principles

Fundamental composition guidelines for antique photography:

Rule of Thirds

• Concept: Divide frame into thirds, place important elements at intersections
• Application: Position key details, marks, or features at intersection points
• Benefits: Balanced composition, visual interest, professional appearance
• Variations: Centered composition for symmetrical items, off-center for interest

Framing and Cropping

• Full Item Views: Include entire item with appropriate spacing
• Detail Views: Crop tightly around important details
• Consistent Framing: Maintain consistent framing across similar items
• Background Considerations: Clean backgrounds, appropriate negative space

Angle and Perspective

• Standard Views: Front, back, side, top, bottom views
• Angle Selection: Choose angles that best show item characteristics
• Perspective Control: Avoid distortion, maintain accurate proportions
• Multiple Angles: Document items from multiple perspectives

Documentation-Specific Composition

Composition strategies for documentation purposes:

Overall Views

• Purpose: Show complete item, general appearance, proportions
• Composition: Centered, full item visible, appropriate background
• Lighting: Even illumination, minimal shadows, clear visibility
• Details: Include scale reference, multiple angles

Detail Views

• Purpose: Show specific features, construction details, marks
• Composition: Tight framing, centered detail, clear focus
• Lighting: Appropriate for detail type, minimal distractions
• Clarity: Maximum sharpness, appropriate depth of field

Contextual Views

• Purpose: Show item in context, scale, use
• Composition: Include context, maintain item prominence
• Applications: Display documentation, size reference, use context
• Balance: Item remains focus, context supports understanding

Detail and Close-Up Photography

Detail photography is essential for authentication, condition documentation, and identification. Mastering close-up techniques reveals crucial information.

Macro Photography Basics

Understanding macro photography fundamentals:

Magnification and Scale

• 1:1 Magnification: Life-size reproduction on sensor
• Greater Magnification: Larger than life-size, extreme close-ups
• Scale Reference: Include rulers or known objects for scale
• Applications: Mark photography, texture documentation, detail capture

Depth of Field

• Challenge: Very shallow depth of field at close distances
• Solutions: Small apertures (f/8-f/16), focus stacking, careful focusing
• Focus Techniques: Manual focus, live view, focus peaking
• Trade-offs: Smaller apertures require more light or longer exposures

Stability and Sharpness

• Tripod Essential: Eliminates camera shake at close distances
• Remote Release: Prevents vibration from pressing shutter
• Mirror Lock-up: Reduces vibration in DSLR cameras
• Image Stabilization: Helpful but not substitute for tripod

Specific Detail Photography

Techniques for photographing specific details:

Texture Photography

• Lighting: Raking light, side lighting, emphasizes texture
• Angle: Low angle, parallel to surface, shows texture depth
• Focus: Ensure texture is sharp, appropriate depth of field
• Applications: Wood grain, fabric texture, surface characteristics

Joinery and Construction Details

• Purpose: Document construction methods, joinery techniques
• Lighting: Even illumination, shows construction clearly
• Angle: Perpendicular or slight angle, shows joint structure
• Applications: Furniture joints, metalwork connections, assembly methods

Decorative Elements

• Purpose: Document ornamentation, decorative features
• Composition: Frame decorative elements clearly
• Lighting: Appropriate for material, shows detail
• Applications: Carving, inlay, engraving, decorative motifs

Mark and Signature Photography

Photographing marks and signatures requires specialized techniques to capture clear, readable images essential for identification and authentication.

Mark Photography Techniques

Essential techniques for clear mark documentation:

Lighting for Marks

• Raking Light: Low-angle light reveals impressed or incised marks
• Even Illumination: Flat lighting for printed or painted marks
• Avoiding Reflections: Control angle, use polarizing filters
• Multiple Angles: Try different lighting angles to find best visibility

Focus and Sharpness

• Critical Focus: Mark must be perfectly sharp
• Manual Focus: Use manual focus for precise control
• Live View: Magnify view for accurate focusing
• Focus Stacking: Combine multiple images for maximum sharpness

Composition for Marks

• Centered Framing: Center mark in frame
• Appropriate Scale: Fill frame with mark, include context
• Orientation: Match mark orientation, include surrounding area
• Multiple Shots: Different angles, lighting, magnifications

Signature Photography

Special considerations for photographing signatures:

Signature Visibility

• Lighting: Even illumination, avoid shadows on signature
• Contrast: Ensure signature contrasts with background
• Angle: Perpendicular to signature surface
• Enhancement: Post-processing to improve readability if needed

Context Documentation

• Location: Show signature location on item
• Scale: Include scale reference for signature size
• Surroundings: Show surrounding area for context
• Multiple Views: Overall and close-up views

Condition Documentation Photography

Accurate condition documentation protects buyers and sellers, supports insurance claims, and creates historical records. Proper techniques ensure comprehensive condition records.

Condition Photography Principles

Fundamental principles for condition documentation:

Comprehensive Coverage

• All Surfaces: Document every surface and angle
• Damage Areas: Close-up photographs of all damage
• Wear Patterns: Document natural wear and aging
• Restoration Evidence: Photograph repairs and restorations

Clarity and Detail

• Sharp Focus: Condition details must be clearly visible
• Appropriate Scale: Show damage in context and detail
• Lighting: Lighting that reveals condition clearly
• Multiple Views: Different angles and lighting for damage

Specific Condition Documentation

Techniques for documenting specific condition issues:

Damage Documentation

• Cracks and Breaks: Clear views showing extent and nature
• Wear and Loss: Document areas of wear, missing elements
• Stains and Discoloration: Accurate color representation
• Structural Issues: Document structural problems clearly

Restoration Documentation

• Repair Areas: Clear documentation of repairs
• Restoration Quality: Show restoration work quality
• Material Changes: Document replaced or added materials
• Professional Work: Distinguish professional from amateur repairs

Age and Patina Documentation

• Natural Aging: Document authentic patina and aging
• Color Changes: Accurate color representation of aged materials
• Surface Characteristics: Document surface texture and appearance
• Historical Wear: Show appropriate wear patterns

Photographing Different Antique Materials

Different materials present unique photographic challenges. Understanding material-specific techniques ensures successful documentation.

Metal Objects

Photographing metal antiques requires reflection control:

Silver and Precious Metals

• Challenge: Highly reflective, shows every light source
• Solutions: Large soft light sources, diffused lighting, polarizing filters
• Techniques: Bounce lighting, softboxes, controlled reflections
• Patina: Document natural patina accurately

Brass and Copper

• Characteristics: Reflective, color shifts with age
• Lighting: Soft lighting, avoid harsh reflections
• Color Accuracy: Accurate white balance, color representation
• Patina Documentation: Show oxidation and aging accurately

Ceramics and Porcelain

Ceramic photography requires attention to surface and decoration:

Glazed Surfaces

• Challenge: Reflective glazes, decoration visibility
• Solutions: Soft lighting, angle control, polarizing filters
• Decoration: Ensure decoration is clearly visible
• Mark Photography: Special attention to marks on glazed surfaces

Unglazed Ceramics

• Characteristics: Matte surfaces, texture important
• Lighting: Side lighting for texture, even illumination
• Texture Documentation: Show surface characteristics clearly
• Color Accuracy: Accurate representation of clay and firing colors

Glass and Crystal

Transparent materials require special techniques:

Transparency Photography

• Challenge: Making transparent items visible
• Solutions: Backlighting, edge lighting, dark backgrounds
• Techniques: Light from behind, rim lighting, contrast
• Shape Definition: Clearly show form and structure

Cut Glass and Crystal

• Characteristics: Facets, reflections, light refraction
• Lighting: Controlled lighting to show facets
• Reflections: Use reflections to show cut quality
• Detail Photography: Close-ups of cutting patterns

Textiles and Fabrics

Textile photography emphasizes texture and pattern:

Fabric Photography

• Texture Emphasis: Side lighting shows texture
• Pattern Documentation: Even lighting for pattern visibility
• Color Accuracy: Accurate color representation
• Condition Documentation: Show wear, damage, aging

Rugs and Carpets

• Large Items: Multiple photographs, consistent lighting
• Pattern Documentation: Show complete patterns and designs
• Detail Views: Close-ups of weaving, knots, details
• Condition: Document wear, damage, repairs

Wood and Furniture

Wood photography emphasizes grain and construction:

Wood Grain Documentation

• Grain Visibility: Side lighting shows grain patterns
• Color Accuracy: Accurate wood color representation
• Texture: Show surface texture and finish
• Patina: Document natural aging and patina

Furniture Photography

• Multiple Views: All angles, construction details
• Scale Reference: Include scale or known objects
• Construction Details: Joinery, hardware, construction methods
• Condition: Comprehensive condition documentation

Digital Workflow and File Management

Efficient digital workflow ensures photographs are properly organized, backed up, and accessible. Good file management practices protect your documentation investment.

File Organization

Systematic file organization improves efficiency:

Naming Conventions

• Descriptive Names: Include item type, date, view type
• Consistent Format: Use consistent naming across collection
• Examples: "Furniture_Chippendale_Chair_2025-12-27_Overall_Front.jpg"
• Benefits: Easy searching, organization, identification

Folder Structure

• Hierarchical Organization: Category, item, date, view type
• Consistent Structure: Same structure across all items
• Metadata: Use folder names and metadata for organization
• Scalability: Structure that works as collection grows

File Formats

Understanding file format options:

RAW Format

• Advantages: Maximum quality, editing flexibility, no compression
• Disadvantages: Large file sizes, requires processing
• Best For: Professional documentation, publication, archiving
• Workflow: Shoot RAW, process to TIFF/JPEG as needed

TIFF Format

• Advantages: High quality, lossless compression, widely supported
• Disadvantages: Large file sizes
• Best For: Archival storage, professional use, printing
• Compression: Lossless compression options available

JPEG Format

• Advantages: Small file sizes, universal compatibility, quick sharing
• Disadvantages: Lossy compression, limited editing
• Best For: Quick documentation, sharing, web use
• Quality Settings: Use highest quality settings

Backup and Archival

Protecting your photographic documentation:

Backup Strategies

• Multiple Copies: At least two backup copies
• Different Locations: Off-site backup for disaster protection
• Regular Backups: Automated or scheduled backup routines
• Verification: Verify backup integrity regularly

Archival Storage

• Long-Term Formats: Use archival file formats (TIFF, RAW)
• Storage Media: Reliable storage media, multiple copies
• Migration: Plan for format migration as technology changes
• Documentation: Document storage locations and formats

Post-Processing and Image Enhancement

Appropriate post-processing enhances documentation photographs while maintaining accuracy. Understanding what adjustments are acceptable is crucial.

Basic Adjustments

Fundamental post-processing adjustments:

Exposure and Brightness

• Purpose: Correct exposure, improve visibility
• Acceptable: Adjusting overall exposure, brightness, contrast
• Limitations: Maintain detail, avoid clipping, preserve accuracy
• Applications: Correcting underexposure, improving visibility

Color Correction

• White Balance: Correct color temperature, accurate colors
• Color Saturation: Minor adjustments for accuracy
• Color Accuracy: Ensure colors match original item
• Verification: Compare with original when possible

Sharpening

• Purpose: Enhance detail visibility, improve clarity
• Techniques: Unsharp mask, smart sharpen, selective sharpening
• Limitations: Avoid over-sharpening, maintain natural appearance
• Applications: Mark photography, detail enhancement

Advanced Techniques

Specialized post-processing techniques:

Focus Stacking

• Purpose: Combine multiple images for extended depth of field
• Method: Multiple exposures at different focus points, combine
• Applications: Macro photography, detail documentation
• Benefits: Maximum sharpness throughout image

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

• Purpose: Capture full tonal range in high-contrast situations
• Method: Multiple exposures, combine for full range
• Applications: High-contrast items, reflective surfaces
• Considerations: Maintain natural appearance, avoid over-processing

Reflection Removal

• Purpose: Remove unwanted reflections from surfaces
• Methods: Polarizing filters, post-processing, multiple angles
• Applications: Reflective surfaces, glass, metal
• Limitations: Maintain surface characteristics, avoid over-processing

Ethical Considerations

Maintaining accuracy in post-processing:

Acceptable Adjustments

• Exposure Correction: Correcting exposure errors
• Color Accuracy: Ensuring accurate color representation
• Sharpening: Enhancing detail visibility
• Dust Removal: Removing sensor dust, not item characteristics

Unacceptable Adjustments

• Altering Condition: Removing or hiding damage
• Color Manipulation: Changing item colors significantly
• Adding Elements: Adding marks, signatures, or features
• Misrepresentation: Any changes that misrepresent item

Documentation Standards and Best Practices

Following established standards ensures photographs serve their intended purposes and maintain value over time.

Photography Standards

Industry standards for antique documentation:

Image Quality Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for print, appropriate for intended use
• Sharpness: Critical elements must be sharp and clear
• Color Accuracy: Accurate color representation
• Exposure: Proper exposure, detail in shadows and highlights

Documentation Completeness

• Multiple Views: All necessary angles and views
• Detail Coverage: All important details documented
• Condition Documentation: Comprehensive condition records
• Mark Documentation: Clear photographs of all marks

Metadata and Information

Including proper metadata enhances photograph value:

EXIF Data

• Camera Settings: Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length
• Date and Time: Accurate timestamps
• Camera Information: Make, model, lens information
• Benefits: Technical reference, workflow improvement

Descriptive Metadata

• Item Information: Description, identification, attribution
• Photography Details: Purpose, context, special techniques
• Keywords: Searchable keywords for organization
• Copyright: Copyright and usage information

Professional Practices

Best practices for professional documentation:

Consistency

• Consistent Style: Maintain consistent photography style
• Standard Views: Same views for similar items
• Lighting Consistency: Similar lighting across collection
• Processing Standards: Consistent post-processing approach

Quality Control

• Review Process: Review all photographs before finalizing
• Quality Standards: Ensure all photographs meet standards
• Re-photography: Re-shoot if photographs don't meet requirements
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve techniques

Mobile Photography for Antique Documentation

Modern smartphones offer powerful photography capabilities. Understanding mobile photography techniques enables quality documentation anywhere.

Mobile Photography Advantages

Benefits of smartphone photography:

Convenience and Availability

• Always Available: Camera always with you
• Quick Documentation: Fast setup and shooting
• Easy Sharing: Immediate sharing and uploading
• Portability: Lightweight, no additional equipment needed

Modern Capabilities

• High Resolution: Modern phones offer high megapixel counts
• Advanced Features: Portrait mode, macro mode, HDR
• Processing Power: Built-in editing and processing
• Multiple Lenses: Wide, standard, telephoto, macro options

Mobile Photography Techniques

Maximizing mobile photography quality:

Lighting for Mobile

• Natural Light: Use natural light when possible
• Avoid Flash: Built-in flash often creates harsh lighting
• External Lights: Use external LED lights for better control
• Diffusion: Use diffusers to soften light

Stability

• Tripods: Use smartphone tripods for stability
• Stabilization: Use built-in stabilization features
• Support: Rest phone on stable surfaces
• Remote Release: Use timer or remote release

Composition and Framing

• Grid Lines: Use grid lines for composition
• Focus Control: Tap to focus, lock focus when needed
• Exposure Control: Adjust exposure by tapping and dragging
• Multiple Shots: Take multiple shots for best results

Mobile Photography Apps

Apps that enhance mobile photography:

Camera Apps

• Manual Controls: Apps with manual camera controls
• RAW Support: Apps that support RAW format
• Advanced Features: Focus stacking, HDR, long exposure
• Professional Tools: Histogram, focus peaking, manual settings

Editing Apps

• Basic Editing: Built-in editing tools
• Advanced Editing: Professional editing apps
• RAW Processing: Apps for RAW file processing
• Workflow: Apps that support complete workflow

Common Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Understanding common mistakes helps avoid problems and improve photography quality.

Technical Mistakes

Common technical errors and solutions:

Focus Issues

• Problem: Soft focus, missed focus, wrong focus point
• Causes: Camera shake, wrong focus point, insufficient depth of field
• Solutions: Use tripod, manual focus, appropriate aperture
• Prevention: Check focus before shooting, use focus magnification

Exposure Problems

• Problem: Overexposure, underexposure, loss of detail
• Causes: Incorrect metering, extreme lighting, wrong settings
• Solutions: Check histogram, use exposure compensation, bracket exposures
• Prevention: Understand metering modes, review images, use RAW format

Color Issues

• Problem: Incorrect white balance, color casts, inaccurate colors
• Causes: Wrong white balance setting, mixed lighting, color temperature
• Solutions: Set correct white balance, use color cards, post-process
• Prevention: Check white balance, use consistent lighting, verify colors

Composition Mistakes

Common composition errors:

Framing Issues

• Problem: Cropped important elements, too much empty space
• Solutions: Include complete items, appropriate spacing, multiple views
• Prevention: Plan shots, review framing, take multiple angles

Background Problems

• Problem: Distracting backgrounds, cluttered appearance
• Solutions: Use neutral backgrounds, clean surfaces, appropriate context
• Prevention: Prepare backgrounds, check frame edges, simplify

Lighting Mistakes

Common lighting errors:

Harsh Lighting

• Problem: Harsh shadows, overexposed highlights, loss of detail
• Solutions: Use soft light sources, diffusers, fill light
• Prevention: Avoid direct flash, use modifiers, test lighting

Reflection Problems

• Problem: Unwanted reflections, glare, hot spots
• Solutions: Control light angles, use polarizing filters, diffused lighting
• Prevention: Check for reflections, adjust angles, use appropriate lighting

Workflow Mistakes

Common workflow and organization errors:

File Management

• Problem: Poor organization, lost files, inconsistent naming
• Solutions: Establish naming conventions, folder structure, backup systems
• Prevention: Plan organization system, be consistent, regular backups

Incomplete Documentation

• Problem: Missing views, incomplete coverage, insufficient detail
• Solutions: Use checklists, review coverage, take comprehensive shots
• Prevention: Plan photography sessions, use documentation checklists