Most surface repair companies — including Shazam Repairs — offer free quotes by photograph. This is convenient, fast and means you can get an estimate without waiting for a site visit. But the quality of your photographs directly affects the accuracy of the quote. Here’s how to take photos that give the best chance of an accurate estimate.
Why Photo Quality Matters
A quote from photographs depends on the technician being able to accurately assess the depth, extent and character of the damage from what they can see. Blurry, dark or poorly composed photos can lead to under- or over-quoting — either because the damage looks smaller than it is, or because details that affect the repair complexity aren’t visible.
The Two Shots You Need
1. A Close-Up of the Damage
Take the camera or phone as close as it will focus to the chip, crack or mark — ideally filling the frame with the damaged area. This allows the technician to see the depth of the chip, whether there’s any rust or substrate damage, and the character of the surface texture. Use the focus assist on your phone to ensure the close-up is sharp rather than blurred.
2. A Wider Context Shot
Step back and take a photo that shows the whole surface or the wider area around the damage. This allows the technician to see the overall condition of the surface, the colour of the surrounding area, and the location of the damage relative to edges, drains and fittings. A chip on the rim of a bath is a different repair to the same size chip in the base of the bath bowl, for example.
Lighting Tips
- Take photos in natural daylight where possible — bathroom artificial lighting can distort colours and create harsh shadows
- Turn off the flash — it creates hot spots that wash out the surface colour and texture
- If the bathroom has poor natural light, use a torch to light the surface from the side — this creates raking light that makes the depth of chips much more visible
- Avoid taking photos directly at a reflective surface — an angled shot reduces reflection
What to Include in Your Message
Along with your photos, include the following information when requesting a quote:
- The type of surface (acrylic bath, quartz worktop, ceramic tile, etc.)
- The brand or manufacturer if you know it
- The colour (even if it looks white — is it bright white, warm white, ivory?)
- Whether the surface has been touched with any DIY repair products previously
- Your location (town and postcode)
Send Your Photos to Shazam Repairs
We review all photo quote requests within one working day and provide a clear, written estimate by email. No obligation — just a straightforward assessment of what’s involved.
