Start with one clear overall view
Place the part against a plain surface with enough contrast to see the edges. Use even lighting and check that the component is in focus. Keep the whole part in the frame. For a white part, a darker background can make the outline easier to see. If several pieces belong together, take one photograph showing the whole group before moving in for detail. Keep the original photographs rather than sending only heavily cropped screenshots.
Photograph the front, back and sides
The visible face rarely tells the whole story. Take a reverse view and side or end views showing the thickness, ribs, tabs, recesses and mounting features. The component housing project on this site includes several angles for this reason. For a hollow button, show the internal locating feature as well as the face you press. For curved covers, include an end view and a view that makes the overall curve understandable.
Show the damage and keep the fragments
Take a close photograph of the break, worn area or failed fixing, followed by a wider view showing where it belongs. If the part has broken into several pieces, include all of them. Explain whether a fragment is missing or whether the pieces can still be positioned together. Do not force damaged components back into equipment just to take a picture. A photograph of the available pieces and an explanation can be a useful starting point.
Include scale and useful dimensions
Put a ruler next to the component in roughly the same plane, so the approximate size is clear. If you already have measurements, describe what each dimension refers to and include units. Overall length, width and height can help with an initial assessment. Depending on the part, hole centres, shaft dimensions or mating surfaces may be more important for fit. A ruler photograph is an approximate reference: perspective, lens distortion and hidden features can still make a physical sample or further measurements necessary.
Show the equipment and the mating features
Include a wider photograph of the equipment, then a closer view of where the part fits. Photograph the surface, shaft, slot or fixing that the replacement must meet, where it is safe and accessible. Add the equipment make, model and any part number as text, especially if a label is hard to read. If a working matching part is available, show it too and explain which item needs replacing. Avoid including unrelated personal details in the background.
Add a short explanation of the job
Tell Matthew what the component does, how it failed and how many replacements you need. Mention whether it needs to flex, move, locate, grip or seal. Include heat, sunlight, liquids, chemicals, loads and wear where relevant. Explain any deadline and what happens if the component fails. These details help establish the requirements; photographs alone cannot demonstrate the loads or material properties needed for an application.
Send the enquiry before posting a part
Use the quote form to attach the photographs and add your description. Start with the views you have; you can explain anything that is unknown. Matthew reviews the information and discusses the next steps. If an original is needed, agree the arrangements before posting or dropping it off. Sending photographs is an enquiry, not approval for paid design work or manufacture. The work, pricing and any postage arrangements are agreed separately.