Conventions
The conventions of a good violin photograph are:

1. the instrument must be photographed head-on and at bridge height. Other views must be head-on to minimize distortion,
2. there must be no or minimal reflection from varnished surfaces,
3. there must be sufficient detail so that certificate-size prints can be studied with a low-power magnifying glass to bring forth small details,
4. there should be no strong shadows of tailpiece, bridge, and fingerboard on the body of the instrument,
5. the corners and outline of the back should not be visible in a front view and vice-versa,
6. color should be accurately rendered and contrast should be natural,
7. in black-and-white photographs, the general tonal values should be preserved; that is, dark instruments should appear dark and light instruments should appear light. Again, contrast should appear natural,
8. instruments should be photographed against a white or light grey background,
9. evidence of a stand or support should be negligible or nonexistent.