Is one photo enough?

[musaabi]

When shopping for coral online, how much can you really trust a single photo? We’ve all come across a beautiful piece that catches our eye, but what if the image doesn’t tell the whole story? Could the angle, lighting, or editing make the coral appear more vibrant than it actually is? Would seeing it under different lighting conditions change your decision?

If a listing only includes one photo, should you ask for more? Would a short video provide a more accurate representation of the coral’s health, color, and movement? Are certain vendors more likely to accommodate these requests than others?

How do you determine if the coral you see in photos is the coral you’ll receive? What are the risks of relying on limited images when making a purchase? Do experienced buyers have strategies for ensuring they get what they expect?

What do you think—should buyers feel comfortable asking for more photos and videos before making a purchase?

 

[RedReefer]

I give the buyer whatever they ask for in video and photos. People usually do the same for me with no issues…

 

[musaabi]

I give the buyer whatever they ask for in video and photos. People usually do the same for me with no issues…

I feel like larger “coral farmers” have a harder time doing this.

 

[VintageReefer]

I have asked for more photos. If the item is higher end they have no issue providing more photos.

If you want more pics of a candy cane frag for 40$ they will probably be annoyed.

If they are trying to sell a 400$ grail, or something like that, usually no issue getting more pics happily from the seller, who will act like your best friend lol