How to photograph your item

Good photos are the difference between a clear verdict and an inconclusive one. Follow the list for your item type and you'll have everything Boaz needs.

  • 8–12 photos
  • About 10 minutes
  • Your phone camera is enough

Five rules for every photo

  1. Use daylight, not flash

    Stand near a window, out of direct sun. Flash flattens texture and hides the depth of stamps and embossing.

  2. Sharp beats close

    Tap the screen to focus and hold still. Check each photo before uploading: a blurry close-up is no close-up.

  3. No filters, no edits

    Send the original photos. Filters, portrait mode and heavy compression hide the details that decide a verdict.

  4. Plain background

    A white sheet or a clean table works. Keep other items, hands and clutter out of the frame.

  5. When in doubt, include it

    If you're not sure a detail matters, photograph it. An extra photo costs you seconds; a missing one costs a day.

Do

  • Shoot in daylight near a window
  • Keep the whole item in frame for overview shots
  • Make text on stamps and labels readable
  • Upload the original, unedited files

Don't

  • Use flash or yellow indoor light
  • Send blurry or heavily angled close-ups
  • Photograph a screen or send screenshots
  • Use filters, portrait mode or WhatsApp-compressed images

The photos we need

Choose your item type. Required shots come first; the rest help when you have them.

Bags

Handbags, totes, backpacks, luggage and small leather goods.

Find your date code or serial

  1. 1 Required

    Front, full bag

    The whole bag straight on, handles up, nothing cut off.

    Tip: Step back and zoom 2x instead of getting close. It keeps the shape undistorted.

  2. 2 Required

    Back, sides and base

    One photo of each. The base shows corners and feet, where construction gives a lot away.

  3. 3 Required

    Inside overview

    Open the bag fully and capture the whole interior: lining, pockets and any inner labels.

  4. 4 Required

    Brand stamp close-up

    The heat stamp, embossing or logo plate, sharp enough to read every letter.

    Tip: Light it from the side, not head-on. The shadows show the depth of the stamp.

  5. 5 Required

    Date code, serial or blind stamp

    Louis Vuitton date code or chip location, Chanel serial sticker or card, Hermès blind stamp, Gucci or Prada inner tag. Can't find it? Photograph where it should be.

  6. 6 Required

    Hardware and engravings

    Zipper pulls (both sides), clasp or turn-lock, feet and rivets. Engraved logos must be readable.

  7. 7 Required

    Stitching

    Close-ups of where the handles meet the bag and of one corner. Stitch count, angle and thread colour matter.

  8. 8 Required

    Straps and edges

    Strap attachments front and back, plus the edge paint or glazing along a handle.

  9. 9 If available

    Extras

    Dust bag, box, authenticity card, receipt, and the listing or seller chat if you bought second-hand.

Clothing

Hoodies, tees, knitwear, jackets and outerwear.

Check a Stone Island ART number

  1. 1 Required

    Front, laid flat

    The whole garment laid flat with zips and buttons closed and sleeves out.

  2. 2 Required

    Back, laid flat

    Same as the front, from the back.

  3. 3 Required

    Neck or brand label

    The main label straight on, including the stitching that attaches it.

  4. 4 Required

    Care and size labels

    Every page of the care label, both sides. Fakes often get the tiny print, spacing and fabric composition wrong.

    Tip: Flatten the label with a finger at the edge so the text isn't curved.

  5. 5 Required

    Logo, print or embroidery

    Fill the frame with the logo. For embroidery, photograph the inside of it too.

  6. 6 Required

    Zips, buttons and snaps

    Zipper pull front and back, buttons and snaps, so any brand engraving is visible.

  7. 7 Required

    Security tags and badges

    Stone Island badge (front and back) and Certilogo label, Moncler NFC or QR label, Canada Goose hologram patch. If your brand has one, photograph both sides.

    Tip: Tilt slightly to avoid glare on holograms and QR codes.

  8. 8 If available

    Extras

    Hang tags, packaging, receipt and the original listing.

Shoes

Designer shoes, boots, loafers, heels and slides.

  1. 1 Required

    Both shoes, outer side

    The pair side by side, outer sides facing the camera.

  2. 2 Required

    Inner sides

    The pair again, inner sides facing the camera.

  3. 3 Required

    Toe and heel

    The toe straight on, then the heel from directly behind.

  4. 4 Required

    Soles

    Both soles, full length. Logos and tread pattern must be sharp.

  5. 5 Required

    Insole and insole logo

    The insole in place with the logo readable. If it's removable, photograph underneath it too.

  6. 6 Required

    Size tag and inside labels

    Inside the tongue or shaft: size, made-in text and any production codes.

    Tip: Use your phone's flashlight from the side to light the inside of the shoe. This is the one place a light helps.

  7. 7 Required

    Logo and stitching details

    Close-ups of the logo, the heel stitching and brand details like a red sole, buckle or studs.

  8. 8 If available

    Box label and extras

    The box label with size and style code, dust bags, receipt and the listing.

Jewelry & accessories

Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, belts and wallets.

  1. 1 Required

    Full piece, front and back

    The whole item on a plain background, both sides. For rings and bracelets, include the inside.

  2. 2 Required

    Hallmarks and stamps

    Brand signature, metal stamp (such as Au750, 750 or 925), serial number and maker's marks, every character readable.

    Tip: Hold the phone about 10 cm away and zoom 2–3x. Getting closer usually blurs the shot.

  3. 3 Required

    Clasp and closure

    Open and closed. The clasp mechanism is one of the hardest parts to copy well.

  4. 4 Required

    Stones and settings

    Close-ups of stones, prongs and edges, in daylight.

  5. 5 Required

    Screws and engravings

    Screws on bracelets like the Cartier Love, plus any engravings and signatures, sharp and straight on.

  6. 6 Required

    Belts and wallets

    Belt buckle front and back, the inside stamp or code, and the edge finishing.

  7. 7 If available

    Weight

    The item on a kitchen or jewelry scale with the reading visible. Solid gold pieces fall in a known weight range.

  8. 8 If available

    Extras

    Box, pouch, certificate, receipt and the listing.

Before you upload

  • Upload straight from your camera roll. Sending photos through WhatsApp or social apps first compresses them and loses detail.
  • Missing a shot? Upload what you have. If Boaz needs more, he'll ask before giving a verdict.
  • Bought second-hand? Add the listing and your chat with the seller. They often help explain what we see.
How many photos should I send?

Usually 8–12. Follow the list for your item type; extra close-ups never hurt.

Can you authenticate from the seller's listing photos?

Often, yes. But listing photos rarely show labels, codes and stitching up close, so the verdict is more likely to be inconclusive. Ask the seller for the shots on this page before you buy.

What if I can't find the code or stamp?

Photograph the spot where it should be and upload it anyway. Some items, like newer Louis Vuitton bags with a microchip, have no visible code at all. Boaz knows where to look.

Got your photos?

Pick your brand, upload your photos and get a written verdict within 24 hours.

Start your authentication