9.2 Guidelines for taking photos to accompany Transaction Request

When photographing an item for disposal, think of what visual information should be captured to best communicate the details and condition of the item to a potential customer. A picture is worth a thousand words.

  1. Designate a staging area. This area should allow pictures to be taken without other items in the background. The background should not have activity and should be clear; for example, when taking vehicle pictures, other vehicles should not be in the background. Inside a warehouse, use a tarp to cover background items that cannot be easily moved. Customers might assume all items pictured are being offered for sale, even if the camera is focused on one item and the written description is specific.
  2. Turn off Date/Time stamp, if your camera has this setting on.
  3. Capture key details. Take as many photos from as many angles as necessary to accurately show the item. Take close shots that show item details such as data plates, control panels, mechanical or electrical components, and connection points of items that must be disconnected or disassembled for removal. Photograph the wire plug end, if applicable, and any item damage.
  4. Use correct lighting. Any lighting or sun should be behind the camera. Watch for shadows that hide details.
  5. Designate folder(s) to store the pictures on your computer. This will help keep things organized and make it easier to attach your photos to the Transaction Request.
  6. Save in the correct file format. The picture format must be .jpg and sized to 600 x 400 (1 MB). If using MS Office Picture Manager,resize to “Pre-Defined” selection, Web-Large (640x480). If the photo is taken with a mobile phone, size it to “Medium” and attach it to the transaction request. 
  7. Name pictures for easy identification. When submitting multiple items on a request (the system limit is five attachments per line), rename photos in the same way the items are listed by line item on the Transaction Request. Additional photos may be added to separate lines.

Note: There are special photo requirements for vehicles. See 13.6 Vehicle Photo Requirements for details.