Good photographs are a duty, because pictures convey the decisive information far more quickly than text; for this reason around eighty per cent of the area in print advertising consists of illustrations.
For auctions, informative shots are more important than striking ones. Perspective distorts: from a suitable angle even a slender fountain pen such as the Mozart looks enormous. The writing instrument should therefore be photographed horizontally, so that no part appears distorted, and individual areas are better shown with additional close-up shots. The focus belongs on the nib, the heart of every fountain pen, and otherwise on the place a viewer looks at first.
The background should be of a single colour and should not distract; embroidered tablecloths are unsuitable. Good contrast is important, so a black writing instrument should not be placed against a black ground. A white sheet of paper often gives the best results. The writing instrument is to be taken out of its packaging so that any defects become apparent; the packaging can be shown with an additional picture. Sufficient light is necessary, preferably daylight, which avoids colour distortion. On metal surfaces, direct light and flash lead to strong reflections, whereas indirect or diffuse light shows more detail.