How to Take Good Photos of Your Items

Photos are the first thing helpers see when evaluating your job. Clear and complete photos increase the chances of receiving quick and quality offers. This guide teaches you how to take the best photos for your job.

🎯 Why Photos Matter

Good Photos = More Offers

Helpers need to see:

• Real size: To know if it fits in their vehicle
• Condition: To prepare materials (blankets, straps)
• Volume: To estimate loading time
• Access: To anticipate difficulties

Difference in Results

📸 Golden Rules for Good Photos

Natural Lighting

✅ Do this:

• Open curtains and blinds
• Take photos during day (10:00 AM-4:00 PM ideal)
• Place objects near windows
• Use white light if at night

❌ Avoid this:

• Dark or low-light photos
• Direct flash (creates glare)
• Backlight (object in shadow)
• Yellowish lights

Visual example:

❌ Object with back to window → Dark silhouette
✅ Object facing window → Details visible

Multiple Angles

Take at least 3-4 photos from different angles:

Photo 1: General View (wide shot)

• Entire object visible
• Size context (next to door, person, etc.)
• Shows surrounding space

Photo 2: Front View

• Front of object
• Important details visible
• Full height

Photo 3: Side View

• Object depth
• Real width
• Legs, wheels, etc.

Photo 4: Important Details

• Damage or defects
• Size/weight labels
• Fragile parts
• Special mechanisms

Sharp Focus

✅ How to get sharp photos:

• Tap screen where you want to focus
• Wait for focus box to appear
• Hold phone steady for 2 seconds
• Rest elbows on surface if you shake

❌ Causes of blurry photos:

• Moving phone while taking photo
• Focusing on background instead of object
• Excessive digital zoom (use physical approach)
• Dirty lens

Tip: If your phone has portrait mode, use it for individual objects.

Size Context

Helpers need to know actual size:

Methods to show size:

Option A: Human reference

• Person standing next to it
• Hand next to object
• Foot for small objects

Option B: Known object reference

• Water bottle (33cl) next to object
• €1 coin
• Pen
• Phone

Option C: Measuring tape

• Place meter on object
• Make sure numbers are readable
• Measure height, width and depth

Example:

❌ Photo of sofa alone → 2-seater? 3-seater?
✅ Photo of sofa with person sitting → Real size visible

Clear Background

✅ Ideal background:

• White or light wall
• Clear floor
• No distracting objects

❌ Backgrounds to avoid:

• Messy room
• Other objects in front
• Mixed papers, clothes, boxes
• People in background (privacy)

If you can't clear: Get closer to object so background becomes blurred.

📦 Photos by Object Type

Large Furniture (sofas, wardrobes, tables)

Include:

1. Complete view of furniture
2. Person next to it (scale)
3. Legs/base (to see if it has wheels)
4. Corners/damage if any
5. If disassembled, indicate number of pieces

Useful extra data:

• "3-seater sofa: 210cm x 90cm x 85cm"
• "Wardrobe disassembled in 5 pieces"
• "Folding table (already folded in photo)"

Appliances

Include:

1. Complete front view
2. Label with model/size
3. Cables and accessories
4. Condition (rust, dents, etc.)

Especially important for:

• Refrigerators/freezers: Dimensions, single/double door
• Washing machines: Front/top load, kg capacity
• Air conditioners: Split (2 pieces) or portable

Example of good description:

Bosch washing machine 8kg
Front load
Includes: cables + hoses
Works correctly
Dimensions: 60x60x85cm

Boxes and Bags

Include:

1. All boxes/bags together in one photo
2. Number of units visible
3. Size reference (bottle, person)
4. Label if you know contents

Common errors:

• ❌ Photo of 1 box when there are actually 10
• ❌ Closed black bags (can't see volume)
• ❌ Irregularly stacked boxes

✅ Best practice:

Photo 1: 8 medium boxes in a row (all visible)
Photo 2: Close-up of one box with bottle next to it
Note: "8 standard moving boxes (approx 50x40x40cm)"

Debris and Rubble

Include:

1. General view of the pile
2. Type of material visible (wood, plaster, tiles)
3. Volume reference (bags, m³)
4. If there are dangerous objects (glass, nails)

Example:

Photo 1: Pile of rubble in 12 construction bags
Photo 2: Close-up showing contents (plaster, bricks)
Note: "~1.5m³ of bathroom renovation debris.
       No asbestos or hazardous materials."

Fragile Objects

Include:

1. Complete view of object
2. Fragile details (glass, ceramic)
3. Current packaging (if any)
4. Removable parts

Clearly indicate:

• "FRAGILE: Glass"
• "Requires special packaging"
• "Antique/sentimental value"

Example for glass lamp:

Photo 1: Complete lamp
Photo 2: Close-up of glass pieces
Photo 3: Base (weight)
Note: "Fragile glass lamp. Prefer
       helper with fragile item experience."

Plants

Include:

1. Complete plant with pot
2. Size (person next to it)
3. Plant condition (leaves, health)
4. If pot is heavy (ceramic, clay)

Important data:

• Approximate pot weight
• If it can be tilted or must go vertical
• If it loses soil/water easily

🚫 Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Error: Only One Photo

Problem: Doesn't give enough information

Consequence:

• Few offers
• Inflated prices (due to uncertainty)
• Many questions

Solution: Minimum 3 photos from different angles

Error: Very Dark Photos

Problem: Object isn't distinguishable

Why it happens:

• Night photos without light
• Room without windows
• Flash off

Solution:

• Wait for natural light
• Turn on all lights
• Use phone flashlight pointing at ceiling (indirect light)

Error: Photos Too Far

Problem: Object looks small, no details

Example:

❌ Photo of entire room, sofa tiny in background
✅ Photo of sofa taking up 70% of frame

Solution: Get 2-3 meters closer to object

Error: Not Showing Damage/Defects

Problem: Helper gets surprise when arriving

Consequences:

• May refuse to complete job
• Asks for extra money
• Bad experience for both

Solution: Always show damage:

• Stains
• Scratches
• Broken pieces
• Rust
• Holes

Error: Mixed Objects

Problem: Can't distinguish what needs to be taken

Example:

❌ Photo of garage full of stuff
   (what goes? everything? just the boxes?)

✅ Photo of the 5 specific boxes to be taken
   (rest of garage not shown)

Solution: Separate job objects from the rest

Error: Photos with Personal Information

Problem: Privacy and security

What to avoid in photos:

• ❌ Documents with ID/address
• ❌ Family photos in frames
• ❌ Car license plates (if relevant)
• ❌ Visible keys
• ❌ Signs with names

Solution: Check photo backgrounds before uploading

📱 Technical Tips for Phones

Camera Settings

Enable:

• ✅ HDR (improves dynamic range)
• ✅ Grid (for centering objects)
• ✅ Image stabilization

Disable:

• ❌ Artistic filters
• ❌ Beauty mode
• ❌ Black and white

Lens Cleaning

Before taking photos:

1. Clean lens with soft cloth
2. Remove dust with air (gentle blow)
3. Don't use chemical products

Difference:

❌ Dirty lens → Photos with fog/smudges
✅ Clean lens → Sharp photos

Basic Editing (optional)

If your photos came out a bit dark:

In Photos app (iPhone/Android):

1. Open photo
2. Tap "Edit"
3. Increase "Brightness" (+20%)
4. Increase "Contrast" slightly (+10%)
5. Save

Don't overdo it: Better slightly dark than artificially bright.

✅ Photo Checklist

Before posting your job, verify:

Quantity

• Minimum 3 photos
• Maximum 6 photos
• Each photo shows something different

Quality

• Good lighting (natural or white)
• Sharp focus
• Object fills most of frame
• No digital zoom

Content

• Size context (reference visible)
• All objects to take visible
• Damage/defects shown
• Clear background

Privacy

• No personal documents
• No license plates
• No family photos
• No visible keys

💡 Expert Tips

From Experienced Helpers

"When photos are clear, I can quote accurately. Otherwise I add 20% to cover surprises." — Miguel, 4.9⭐ helper

"A sofa in a photo can be 2 or 4 meters. Without reference, I can't know if it fits in my van." — Ana, 4.8⭐ helper

"Showing damage is better. I arrive prepared and there are no arguments." — Carlos, 4.7⭐ helper

From Frequent Customers

"Since I take 4-5 good photos, I get double the offers." — Laura, 31 jobs

"I always put a water bottle next to boxes. Helpers thank me." — Javier, 24 jobs

Related Articles

• How to Post a Job
• How to Choose the Best Helper
• Types of Jobs in ReciGo
• Fixed Price vs Bidding

Last updated: January 31, 2026

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