1. A method for monitoring inventory, comprising: providing a surface having an optically identifiable characteristic that is distinct from an inventory item; directing a camera toward the surface; positioning at least one unit of the inventory item between the camera and the surface; using the camera to obtaining an image of the at least one unit, an exposed portion of the surface or both; determining an amount of the exposed portion of the surface; and determining the number of units of the inventory item present by comparing a known amount of the entire surface and the determined amount of the exposed portion of the surface.