Quick question for all about write ups.

[Garry Dean]

I do plenty of write ups and some are longer than others. Some of my write ups have fewer pictures than others.

My question to you is:

Do you prefer long picture filled write ups or short, but informative and to the point?

Thanks!

[Superior Shine]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

Short! Include just enough pics to tell the story. I hate posts with 20 pics of swirls, pics of you washing a rim, then countless refection pics.

I feel write ups on any detail forum in general are pretty boring.

[Justin A]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I second Joe.
There's absolutely no need for pictures of swirls on EVERY panel, chances are if the fender is swirled to heck, the hood, roof, trunk, doors, and other fenders are too. Maybe a picture of a RIDS or two, but again, we get the idea.
One or two finished shots will suffice.

I like to see products and methods used listed, but other than that, I don't care what you had for lunch.

[harshest]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I like to see products and methods used listed, but other than that, I don't care what you had for lunch.

Word.

Just a few before and afters is all I really lie to see. I especially like photos taken of the same area at the same angle, that really makes an impression. Just my $.02

[Eddie6th]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

Short! Include just enough pics to tell the story. I hate posts with 20 pics of swirls, pics of you washing a rim, then countless refection pics.

I feel write ups on any detail forum in general are pretty boring.

I have to agree.I find if there are too many pics,especially of swirls,I end up just whizzing through the whole thing without reading.

One swirl looks like the next.

Brief and to the point is better.

[G_S_DB]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

As a non-professional somebody who is relatively new to detailing and this forum, here is my opinion. Before and after pictures are the most significant thing that motivates me to learn and try new things. When I click on a post I want to see pictures of:

1. The whole car - it's nice to see what it was that people worked on when they are posting in the show off your latest detail section.
2. Problem areas that presented a unique challenge. A couple pics of swirls, RIDS, caked on dirt, interior gunk, etc. Same angle is best to show the true results.
3. Commentary interspersed with the pics is also very helpful. I like to know what it is that I'm looking at -- since I have very little experience... I don't always know what is what. Plus, the method used for each section is sometimes more helpful than just a bulletized list at the beginning of the post

Too many or too few pictures is subjective and up for debate, it is the kind of thing that you just know a good post when you see it.

[CieraSL]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I think Greg D. brought some very good points. I like a few before pics: some full car shots, a few macro shots just to get a feel for what condition the paint is in, a few pics of really nasty areas or problem areas, and then move on to the afters. I've seen some threads with 20-30 before pics of every square inch of the car, and then only a few afters, or sometimes a lot of afters, again of every square inch. So not necessary, and so boring. Keep it simple, but keep it sweet!

[Andrew C.]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I prefer more than just a couple pics, but not too many. Basically a few shots from before to show how dirty the car was, some shots of swirls and specific RIDS or paint transfer or whatever the specific problem may be. Then maybe if the clay was really dirty or not. 50/50's are nice to see as well (including interiors as well) and then at the end some pictures to showcase how nice the car looks.

I'd say over 10 photos but 20 max. to get the full story and not be too overwhelmed. (it also depends on what you did, 20 photos of just exterior is boring, but if it is interior, exterior, engine etc, then acceptable)

[G_S_DB]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I prefer more than just a couple pics, but not too many. Basically a few shots from before to show how dirty the car was, some shots of swirls and specific RIDS or paint transfer or whatever the specific problem may be. Then maybe if the clay was really dirty or not. 50/50's are nice to see as well (including interiors as well) and then at the end some pictures to showcase how nice the car looks.

I'd say over 10 photos but 20 max. to get the full story and not be too overwhelmed. (it also depends on what you did, 20 photos of just exterior is boring, but if it is interior, exterior, engine etc, then acceptable)

Ooooh, I forgot how much I love the 50/50, engine, and wheels... So maybe more is better!?!?

[Megafast13]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

As a pro, the write ups that get the most attention from members and customers are the 50/50 shots and the before and after pictures.
I also like the shorter write ups. Some of the other pros on here love to do very intense and lengthy write ups. They are very impressive, but it's just more scrolling.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

Short write ups and just enough pics. I have never been a fan of documenting each and every swirl. Some pics of the general condition, test spots 50/50 and of course the afters.

[Garry Dean]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

I am caught in between on this one. I am finally working on the write up of the 22ft Cobalt boat I had at my shop and completed a few weeks ago. I started out with 267 pictures and have narrowed it down to 106 as of now. I just feel that these 106 are all necessary. I promise it wont be boring, lol. I will have the write up up before the end of the weekend.

[Mikejl]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

Premium,

This is your write up and if in this case you think it will take 106 pics do it the write up justice, then go ahead and do it.

I love the 50/50 and before/after shots the most myself. And like others have mentioned above I only need to see so many swirls before I start speeding through a write up.

If your write up and 106 pictures has enough variety I will take the time to enjoy every word and picture.



Mike

[Garry Dean]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

Premium,

This is your write up and if in this case you think it will take 106 pics do it the write up justice, then go ahead and do it.

I love the 50/50 and before/after shots the most myself. And like others have mentioned above I only need to see so many swirls before I start speeding through a write up.

If your write up and 106 pictures has enough variety I will take the time to enjoy every word and picture.



Mike

Thanks Mike. I just want to keep things interesting.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Quick question for all about write ups.

It's always interesting to see images showing recovery from severe or unusual defects. The true test of an "after" shot is one shot in direct sunlight that really shows the final outcome. Everybody uses really harsh light to show off the defects, but too often the only after shots are from a distance, showing the whole car in subdued light.

If you've done some truly awesome work bringing a vehicle back from the brink - show it off right! Let's see that close up, no defect, shimmering paint shot.