Preparing an antique for auction photography is about creating a clear visual record, not simply making it look impressive. Well-lit catalogue images help buyers judge condition, craftsmanship, dimensions and signs of age without handling the piece. Consistent views also allow collectors to compare your lot with similar objects in the sale.
Australian sellers often begin the process in a home, garage or spare room with mixed lighting and limited workspace. Suburban garage collections and weekend flea markets are familiar sources of antique furniture, silver and decorative objects, while collectors in Sydney and Melbourne regularly purchase through online catalogues. Planning carefully prevents bright sunlight, humidity and crowded surfaces from distorting the final images.
| Lighting method | Best use | Main advantage | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diffused window light | Ceramics, furniture and paintings | Natural, soft colour | Direct sun and changing light |
| LED panels | Silver, jewellery and reflective objects | Even illumination | Glare and colour casts |
| Camera flash | Small details and dark objects | Strong, portable light | Harsh shadows and reflections |
| Mixed lighting | General record shots | Convenient for quick setup | Inconsistent colour and exposure |
Before setting up the camera, document the antique as it arrives. Record its dimensions, weight, maker’s marks, inscriptions, damage, repairs and known provenance. Photograph existing scratches, chips, stains or restoration so these features can be compared with later catalogue images and a condition report.
Work on a stable, padded surface with enough room to move the camera around it. Support fragile objects from underneath, and use clean, dry hands or gloves that will not slip. Avoid using wax, oil, polish or household cleaners unless a conservator has advised otherwise; cleaning can erase evidence and reduce value.
Photograph beside a large window with indirect daylight, or use two LED panels positioned at equal angles. Turn off household lights, close blinds and keep the background plain. Direct afternoon sun common in Australian homes can create hard shadows, coloured reflections and rapidly changing exposure, especially on glass and polished silver.
For reflective items, angle the lights rather than pointing them directly at the surface. When photographing collectible model displays, carefully lit collectible model displays can demonstrate the value of even lighting for small, intricate objects. A sheet of white or neutral grey card beside the item helps correct reflections and provide a consistent visual reference.
Mount the camera on a tripod and use the same lens, height and viewing distance for the main views. Take a straight-on front image, a reverse view, both sides, a top view and a three-quarter angle. Leave some space around the object so its silhouette and proportions remain easy to understand.
Include close-ups of construction, joinery, signatures, hallmarks, labels, handles and other identifying details. Place a scale beside the piece without covering it, then remove the scale for the primary catalogue image. Photograph flaws openly and from several angles; selective images can create disputes and undermine confidence in the auction description.
Accuracy matters when the sale reaches Australian buyers through online bidding. Descriptions of condition, authenticity and restoration should not mislead under the Australian Consumer Law. Your photographs should support the written condition report by showing the actual surface, not a heavily filtered or retouched interpretation.
Adjust exposure, white balance and sharpness while retaining the antique’s natural colour and patina. A warm wooden cabinet should not become unnaturally orange, while silver should remain neutral enough for buyers to assess its tone. Avoid removing scratches, strengthening maker’s marks or digitally reconstructing missing sections.
Save the original files and create high-resolution JPEGs for catalogue submission. Use a clear naming system that includes the seller reference, lot number and view, such as “REF12-front” or “REF12-hallmark-02”. Consistent filenames help the auction team match each photograph to the correct item and identify the most useful image for the listing.
Protect the images and the antique with equal care. Keep an item list and photograph data on a separate drive or cloud account, and retain the original files until the auction is complete. When an item travels between states, use a specialist art or antique courier with insured, tracked packaging appropriate to its size and fragility.
For an antique travelling from Australia to Ireland, contact Cork Auction Rooms before arranging shipment. Ask about their consignment requirements, valuation process, insurance and international transport, and request clean images of the object, signature, reverse, dimensions and any visible condition issues.
Cork Auction Rooms holds monthly auctions with online catalogues, in-person viewing and absentee bidding for buyers unable to attend. Request an individual-item or whole-collection valuation, confirm the photographic requirements for your lot, and reserve a photography date before the consignment deadline.