Get the views that matter.

1. The whole object.

Start near a window with indirect light and a plain background. Show the complete shape, including the rim, handles, or feet. Move the camera back enough to avoid cutting anything off. For shiny surfaces, change your angle until bright reflections no longer cover the details you want to see.

2. The base or underside.

Turn the object over only if it is safe to handle. Photograph the entire underside, including its shape and any labels or marks. A close-up of a mark is useful, but keep a wider view too so you can remember where it appears on the object.

3. One distinctive detail.

Pick the feature that caught your eye: brushwork, texture, a joint, a decorative edge, or a stamp. Keep it in focus. If you record lettering, copy only what you can actually read and use a question mark for uncertain characters.

4. The condition.

Take separate photos of chips, scratches, repairs, discoloration, or worn areas. Side light can make surface changes easier to see. Include a ruler in a separate image if you want a reference for size, then write the measurements in the record.

Keep observation and identification separate.

“Blue glaze with a circular foot” describes what you see. A maker, date, or attribution needs supporting evidence. Photos and image suggestions are a starting point for research; they do not establish authenticity or value.