How to take good photos of timber

Clear photos of standing trees and logs help prospective buyers decide which opportunities to pursue. We’ve put this guide together following feedback from sawmills on what they would like to see.

Here are a few pointers for taking photos that will make it easier to sell your timber:

Take photos of the general area or the loading bay to provide context for the parcel’s location and accessibility.
Use standard objects like a spirit level to provide scale in the photos.

For photos of standing trees:

Choose a sample of trees to photograph, ensuring they represent the overall quality and size of the parcel.
Take clear photos of the base, trunk, and branches of each selected tree, highlighting any unique features.
Document any knots, damage, growths, or other characteristics to provide comprehensive information to buyers.

Show overall stand

Show stem with features

For photos of stacks and logs:

Start with the stack, taking photos from various angles, including front, side, and above, if possible, to give buyers a complete view of the stack.
Buyers want to understand overall character of log parcel: how straight they are, range of diameters.

Front

Side

Top

Take photos of individual logs, including closeups of the end grain on both sides.
- Buyers want to see sapwood to heartwood ratio and grain of sample logs.

Show sapwood and heartwood

Document any knots, fence wire, growths, damage, or aspects that can be seen on the cut log-faces like cracks or rot.

Show logs with rot

Show logs with shake or cracks

Tips for better photos

Centre the subject of the photo to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.
Position yourself between the sun and the subject or adjust the luminosity settings on your phone to avoid overexposure.
Enable HDR mode on your phone for higher resolution photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Choose the best time of day or wait for cloudy weather to achieve well-lit photos.

Over-exposed

Too far away from log pile

Additional notes

Clearly label photos to indicate stack or log details for easy organization and reference.
Check for thumbs in photos, avoid backlighting, and ensure photos are clear and focused.
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and ensure photos provide all necessary information.