Learn to Properly Photograph Rugs for Professional Evaluation
Professional rug evaluation, or rug appraisal, details the value of a rug based on its characteristics in a written document. Written appraisals may be used for insurance claims, other insurance purposes, future sales, estate planning, and your records. It is possible in some cases to appraise a rug using photos. Refer to the images at the end of this blog to see the photos that must be included for appraisal.
Ideally, you should bring your rug to be assessed in person by a Rug Master or professional appraiser. This ensures the most accurate evaluation. A physical evaluation makes it much easier for the rug master to confirm the pattern and the period the rug comes from. It also allows the Rug Master to physically inspect your rug to judge the condition, materials, colors, dyes, and age. In-person appraisals are more accurate than virtual evaluations. Using only photographs, the rug master gives more of a “guestimate” of the rug’s value. These photographs will also be useful to keep in a portfolio or with records.
Photograph the Knot Count
The knot count determines how detailed the rug is and how much time it takes to weave. Rugs with higher knot counts typically have higher values. To determine knot count, place a quarter coin on the rug next to the fringe. Line the head on the quarter up so that it points towards the fringe. Knot count, or knots per square inch, can be determined accurately with a quarter since quarters measure exactly an inch in diameter. The appraiser will count the number of knots vertically and horizontally in that amount of space and multiply those to get the KPSI. The position of the quarter lines up the warp and weft, making it easier to count.
What Information Needs to be Shared with the Rug Master or Appraiser?
Aside from these photographs, share the rug’s history with the appraiser. Information to share includes how you came by the rug, year of purchase, whether it was inherited, and if so, the estimated date of obtainment. If you still have your recipe and certificate of authenticity, share those with the appraiser. Let them know the exact measurements of the rug, the material it’s made of, and the main colors.
Mention any spots, stains, wear and tear, unraveling, discoloration, fading, or damage that is visible in the photographs. Detail the cause of the damage, whether it was moths, mice, vacuuming, color bleeding, water damage, mold, or dye transfer from furniture. Tell them the purpose of the appraisal, which could be an insurance claim, sale, protection, estate planning, or record keeping.
The individual you choose to appraise your rug(s) should be active in the business of international, national, and local rug selling and buying. They should be able to answer the questions about fine rugs listed in this blog.
When an in-person evaluation is not possible, photograph your rug for the appraiser according to the following standards.
Rug Photography Tips:
- Use the highest quality camera you have access to
- Take multiple photos up-close
- Take multiple photos with the entire rug in the frame from both directions
- Include photos from the dark side and the light side of the rug (see photos below for explanation)
- Take photos of the fringe from the front and the back
- Photograph any wear or damage
- Move the rug outside on a sunny day between 11 AM and 2 PM for best results
*We encourage borrowing a camera from a friend or family member if your phone camera has less than 12 mexapixels. If the photos are too low in quality to observe the details above necessary to evaluate the rug, the Rug Master will not be able to appraise it.*
Refer to the photos below to see each type of picture that must be included for your rug to be appraised.
Take photos that capture the entire rug. Make sure to shoot from the dark side and light side. The dark side shows up in more vivid colors, while the light side will look a bit washed out in photos. To take photos of the dark and light side, stand behind the fringe and shoot forward. Repeat on the opposite fringe.
Take photos of the fringe from the front, close enough to show detail. Do this for both ends of the rug.
Take photos of the fringe from the back, the same way you did the front.
Place a quarter like so and photograph the knot count on the back of the rug.
Make sure to photograph any and all damage, discoloration, wear, fading, or threadbare areas. Don’t forget to photograph damage to the binding. Any important identifying factors like a tag, the central medallion, general design, etc. must be included.
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