Photo Tips for Better AI Listings: What to Photograph and How

Photos Are the Input

Estimint's AI analyzes your photos to generate listings. Better photos mean better titles, more accurate descriptions, and more reliable value estimates. Here's how to get the most out of every shot.

The Essential Shots

1. Full Front View

Start with a clear, well-lit photo of the entire item from the front. This is what the AI uses to identify what the item is, its style, and its approximate era. Place the item against a plain background when possible — a white table or sheet works well.

2. Back and Underside

Flip it over. The back of a painting often has gallery labels. The bottom of ceramics has maker's marks. The inside of a jacket has size labels and brand tags. These details dramatically improve accuracy.

3. Maker's Marks and Labels

If your item has a signature, stamp, hallmark, or label, get a close-up. The AI can often read text in images, so a clear shot of "STERLING" on silver or "Made in Denmark" on furniture will show up in the description.

4. Condition Issues

Photograph any chips, cracks, stains, tears, or repairs. The AI includes these in its condition report, which builds trust with buyers and saves you from returns.

5. Scale Reference (Optional)

If the size isn't obvious — like a miniature painting or an oversized vase — include something for scale. A ruler, a coin, or your hand in the frame helps the AI (and future buyers) understand dimensions.

Lighting Tips

• Natural daylight is the easiest good light. Photograph near a window during daytime hours.
• Avoid harsh shadows. If direct sunlight is too strong, diffuse it with a white curtain or move to a shaded area.
• Turn off your flash. Flash creates hot spots and washes out colors. Rely on ambient light instead.
• Consistent lighting across photos helps the AI produce consistent descriptions.

What to Avoid

• Cluttered backgrounds. Other items in the frame confuse the AI about what you're selling.
• Blurry images. The AI can't read text or assess condition on out-of-focus photos.
• Filters and editing. Don't apply Instagram-style filters. The AI needs to see true colors and actual condition.
• Screenshots of other listings. Upload original photos, not screenshots from eBay or other sites.

How Many Photos?

Estimint accepts up to 20 photos per item (Auction Pro and Business plans). The first 10 photos are analyzed by AI, and all photos are included in exports and catalogs. For most items, 3 to 5 photos give the AI plenty to work with:

1. Front view
2. Back / underside
3. Maker's mark or label close-up
4. Any condition issues
5. Detail shot (pattern, texture, hardware)

For simple items like books or small collectibles, 1 to 2 clear photos are often enough.

Phone vs. Camera

Your phone camera is perfectly fine. Modern smartphones take excellent photos for listing purposes. The key factors are lighting and steadiness, not megapixels.

If you're processing items in bulk, a phone is actually preferred since you can photograph and upload directly from the Estimint app in your browser.