How to photograph trading cards for better scanner results

Clear, even photos make it easier to identify the card you are holding—and to check the result with confidence.

Use soft, even light

Bright indirect daylight or diffused indoor lighting works well. Avoid flash and a single hard overhead light, which can hide numbers and create glare on foil cards.

Keep the card flat and fully visible

Lay the card on a plain, contrasting background. Keep all four corners inside the frame, hold the phone parallel to the card, and allow the camera to focus before capturing.

Reduce glare from sleeves

If a sleeve makes the face reflective, remove the card only when it is safe to do so, using clean hands and handling the edges. Never sacrifice the card’s safety for a photo.

Scan one card at a time

Multiple cards, patterned binders, cropped borders, and damaged lighting make identification less reliable. For a large binder, process one card or page carefully and confirm unusual matches.