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Photographing Your Materials for Submission

How to shoot clear, accurate images of cels and drawings before you submit.

Good photographs help us process your submission quickly and accurately. You don't need professional gear — just follow these basics.

Lighting

  • Shoot in soft, even light. Diffused daylight near a window works well.
  • Avoid direct flash and harsh single-source light, which cause glare on cels and acetate.
  • Watch for reflections and your own shadow.

Framing

  • Fill the frame with the piece, shot straight-on (not at an angle).
  • Include the whole piece, edges and peg holes included.
  • Use a plain, neutral background.

What to capture

  • The front of each cel or drawing.
  • The back, where paint and any studio stamps or cel numbers are visible.
  • Any matching background or douga, photographed separately.
  • Close-ups of stamps, numbers, or notable condition details.

Files

  • Use your camera's highest quality setting; keep images in focus.
  • Name or note which piece is which if you're sending several.
Photographing Your Materials for Submission | CEL - Collectible Eternity Labs Production Material Grading & Authentication