Photograph packaging
Original packaging is often the best clue for identifying an ornament later. A photo can capture a year, item number, edition name, or label that is easy to lose.
Packaging photos stay attached to the physical copy. They are not catalog images unless you deliberately contribute one and a Librarian approves it.
What to photograph
- The front of the box or tag
- The back, where item numbers often appear
- The top and bottom, especially for edition or price labels
- A close-up of the manufacturer item number
- Any handwritten note or gift tag
- The ornament itself, if you want a visual reminder
Take packaging photos on mobile
- Open the ornament.
- Open the physical copy.
- Select Take photo or Choose photo.
- Choose the matching Photo type:
- Packaging front
- Packaging back
- Packaging top
- Packaging bottom
- Other
- Repeat for each side you want to remember.
Make the text readable
- Fill the frame with the label.
- Avoid glare from plastic wrap or shiny boxes.
- Use good light.
- Hold the phone parallel to the label.
- Take a second close-up if the item number is small.
A photo that is pretty but unreadable will not help you identify the ornament.
Label photos consistently
Use the same labels every time:
- Front for the main display side
- Back for the barcode or item number
- Top and bottom for edition stickers
- Other for receipts, tags, or handwritten notes
Consistency makes a copy’s photo strip understandable months later.
Packaging photos and the catalog
Packaging photos are private by default. They are not published when you suggest the ornament to the shared catalog unless you explicitly select a cloud-backed photo for contribution.
Free local photos cannot be selected for a web contribution because the website cannot read them. See Catalog contributions.
When the original packaging is gone
Photograph the ornament itself and add a note such as “No original box.” If you later find the box, add packaging photos then.