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Photographing everything for insurance files.
http://x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=14764		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Photographing everything for insurance files.
I have been trying to update my possessions file for insurance purposes. It is recommended that I photograph everything in a light cube or light box. So I was looking at a getting a large light cube so I can photograph items. I want one big enough to photograph TV's and big items, though would I need another for small items? Any tips and advice will be gratefully accepted. Thanks in advance.
Author:  HeatherKay [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
Get a large sheet of white card flexible enough you can let it bend naturally.

Get some old net curtains.

Set up your own lightbox/tent. A couple of desk lamps either side, or set up near a large window, a tripod for your camera, and you're good to go.

Don't spend out on something "proper". A good light tent can cost an arm and a leg, and since you only want it for the one project I don't think it's worth the money.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
I was planning on using my led desk lamps for lighting as they are pretty bright. So was not planning on getting any special lights.

Though you mentioned a tripod. Is this really necessary? I have an image stabilisation lens for the camera. So if it was a matter of wobble that might eliminate the need the need for a tripod. If you still think I need a tripod, what size is best? I do not have a tripod right now so will go bargain hunting for one.

As for the tent I do not have card, net curtains and so a "proper" light tent might not be any more than a makeshift one for me.
Author:  ProfessorF [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
I've done some catalogue type of shots, and my advice would be this - without a proper flash head or 1000w lamp, however much light you think you've got, it's probably not enough.
Because of this, use a tripod.
Try not to take the pics under a fluorescent light, even energy savers.
For a light box large enough for TV, you're into hundreds of pounds. I'd expect at least the £500 sort of mark for something that'll handle a TV, but be prepared to add lights to that figure too.
Author:  belchingmatt [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
Light box for proof of ownership to an insurance company sounds a bit OTT to me. Surely taking shots of the products in their normal location would be more authentic.

I'm sure you could knock something up that would be more than suitable with the use of materials currently at hand. Be creative.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
belchingmatt wrote:
Light box for proof of ownership to an insurance company sounds a bit OTT to me. Surely taking shots of the products in their normal location would be more authentic.

I'm sure you could knock something up that would be more than suitable with the use of materials currently at hand. Be creative.

I plan on that eventually but I am going to move soon so everything will change. The biggest problem is that I have two identical dab radios in different rooms and two identical combination microwaves. So will need photos of things together. Plus with my amnesia once everything is itemised it will be much easier to prove I owned it.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
ProfessorF wrote:
I've done some catalogue type of shots, and my advice would be this - without a proper flash head or 1000w lamp, however much light you think you've got, it's probably not enough.
Because of this, use a tripod.
Try not to take the pics under a fluorescent light, even energy savers.
For a light box large enough for TV, you're into hundreds of pounds. I'd expect at least the £500 sort of mark for something that'll handle a TV, but be prepared to add lights to that figure too.

I have found a large light box big enough for 99% of items for around £50. For everything else I will simply photograph it in situ. I think that I will tackle each issue as I find it. I have a flash which might provide the lighting if necessary. I will deal with the issues with trial and error. If I need to get a tripod then that will be next on the list.
Author:  belchingmatt [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
Amnesia10 wrote:
The biggest problem is that I have two identical dab radios in different rooms and two identical combination microwaves. So will need photos of things together. Plus with my amnesia once everything is itemised it will be much easier to prove I owned it.


Serial numbers. ;)
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sat Sep 17, 2011 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
belchingmatt wrote:
Amnesia10 wrote:
The biggest problem is that I have two identical dab radios in different rooms and two identical combination microwaves. So will need photos of things together. Plus with my amnesia once everything is itemised it will be much easier to prove I owned it.


Serial numbers. ;)

I have those already. Though I will be going through the entire list again as a double check once I have moved.
Author:  tombolt [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Photographing everything for insurance files.
I've got a five hundred quid lightbox and it won't handle a tv, reckon you'd need to spend a bit more.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Photographing everything for insurance files.
tombolt wrote:
I've got a five hundred quid lightbox and it won't handle a tv, reckon you'd need to spend a bit more.

I might just get a white sheet for the big items. I have measured my 32" HDTV I should be able to get it into a 80cm box. Though from I will only find out once I have the box. I only really need something simple. So will probably get the largest cheap light box for the size and use in situ photos for the items too large to photograph.
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