What needs to be clarified
Assess the photographs' colour comparability, effects of lighting and processing, and whether a coating-colour change can be discussed with justified confidence.
Materials to prepare
- Both original files, including RAW where available
- Lighting, camera and known processing settings
- Control images of the panel with a neutral target under the same conditions
What to compare
Compare profiles, white balance, exposure and highlight or shadow information loss. Check neutral references, mixed lighting and reflections. Process available RAW files with documented comparable settings; assess whether the target applies to that frame rather than treating an incidental white object as a standard.
Possible outcome of the analysis
A comparability assessment may illustrate setting effects; coating change may remain unconfirmed, with controlled photography or direct object examination proposed.
Limits of the conclusions
Screen colour is not measured coating colour. Accurate shade recovery cannot be promised without suitable controls; photographic analysis alone cannot establish a chemical cause of change.