Pocket dump: how to photograph your carry, and log it
A pocket dump is a photo of what you carry, laid out flat: keys, wallet, phone, a knife, a light, a pen. It is the most honest snapshot of your everyday carry, and the habit of taking one each morning makes a surprisingly good record.
How to take a good one
Lay everything on one plain surface, shoot straight down in daylight and keep the objects from overlapping so each one is readable. A dark or neutral background makes the items stand out. Take a second close-up of anything you want to show in detail.
What to leave out
Before you share a pocket dump, check the frame. Remove cards, ID, keys with identifying tags, and anything that shows your address or account numbers. Photos can also carry location data, so strip it before sharing.
Why log it daily
A daily record shows what survives the rotation. After a few weeks you can see which items you actually reach for and which ones you only thought you would.
What a good pocket dump shows
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Everything on a single flat surface | So each object is clear. |
| Shot from directly above | Avoids distortion. |
| Even daylight | True colours without harsh shadows. |
| No sensitive items | Cards, ID, address, account numbers. |
| A close-up of one highlight | Adds interest and detail. |
| Taken at the same time each day | Makes the log comparable. |
How LAYX handles this
- A morning Drop window from 5 to 10 am for exactly this photo.
- Location data is stripped from photos before upload.
- Your catalogue links to the items in the photo, and there is no ad, no algorithm and nothing for sale.
Get notified when LAYX launches
One email when the app is approved on the App Store and Google Play. Nothing else.
Questions
Is a pocket dump safe to post?
It is if you check the frame first. Leave out cards, ID, addresses and anything that identifies you, and remove location data.
Does LAYX force me to post publicly?
No. The catalogue is private, and the morning Drop is optional.
Related guides
- EDC appAn everyday carry (EDC) app that keeps a private catalogue of what you own and what you carry, plus one optional morning photo. No ads, no algorithm, nothing for sale.
- How to document a collectionA practical guide to documenting a collection of watches, knives, cameras or pens: what to photograph, which details to record, and how to keep serial numbers and receipts private.
- GuidesShort, practical guides on keeping track of what you own and what you carry, written for collectors and everyday carriers.