When you contact a surface repair specialist like Shazam Repairs, the first thing we’ll ask for is photos. Good photos mean we can give you an accurate, realistic quote without needing to visit first — saving time on both sides. This guide shows you exactly how to photograph surface damage so you get the most useful response.
Why Photos Matter for Surface Repair Quotes
Surface repair pricing depends on: the type of damage (chip, crack, scratch, burn, stain); the size and depth of the damage; the material being repaired (which affects difficulty of colour-matching and finishing); and the location and accessibility of the damage. All of these can be assessed from good photos — which is why photo quotes are so accurate.
The Three Shots You Need
Shot 1: The Overview Shot
Stand back and photograph the full surface — the whole bath, the entire worktop section, the full tile area. This helps us understand the context: what material it is, how large the surface is, and whether there are multiple damage points we should know about. Natural light or room light both work fine for this shot.
Shot 2: The Close-Up
Get as close as your phone camera will focus cleanly. We want to see the chip, crack or scratch clearly — the shape of it, the depth, the edges. Most modern smartphone cameras can focus within 5–10cm of the surface, which is ideal. Make sure the damage is sharp and in focus.
Shot 3: The Angled Shot
Photograph the damage from a low, raking angle — almost parallel to the surface. This shows the depth of the damage — whether a chip is shallow or deep, whether a scratch has gone through the surface coating or just marked the topcoat. This is often the most useful photo of the three.
Lighting Tips
Good lighting makes a significant difference to photo quality for surface damage. Natural daylight is best — if possible, photograph near a window. If photographing in a bathroom with artificial light only, turn all available lights on. Avoid using flash directly — it tends to wash out the surface detail. If the surface is glossy, try photographing at a slight angle to avoid your own reflection obscuring the damage.
Indicate Scale
In one of your photos, place a coin, pen or ruler next to the damage so we can gauge its size. A 10p coin (diameter 24mm) works perfectly. Without a scale reference, it can be hard to tell whether a chip is 5mm or 25mm across.
Send Your Photos
You can send photos via our contact form, by email, or via WhatsApp. We aim to respond to all photo enquiries within one business day with a quote or request for any additional information we need.
