A blurry, poorly framed or context-free photo can ruin the credibility of your report. Here are the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
The 5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Blurry or Shaky Photo
Avoid
Taking the photo while walking, without stabilizing the device, with shaky hands.
Best Practice
Stop, brace your elbows against your body, wait until the image is sharp before pressing the shutter.
2. Uncontrolled Backlighting
Avoid
Photographing facing a window or light source. The subject appears dark.
Best Practice
Position yourself with your back to the light. Use flash indoors if necessary.
3. Lack of Context
Avoid
Photo zoomed in too much on the defect. Impossible to tell where it is located in the building.
Best Practice
First take a wide shot, then a close-up of the defect.
4. No Scale Reference
Avoid
Photographing a crack with no object to gauge its size.
Best Practice
Place a reference object (tape measure, ruler, coin) next to the defect.
5. Unannotated Photos
Avoid
A series of photos without numbering or captions. The reader doesn't know what to look at.
Best Practice
Annotate directly on the image: arrows, circles, reference numbers.
Pro Tip
Use the 3-photo rule: wide shot (location), medium shot (context), close-up (detail). This sequence makes your report indisputable.
Checklist Before Leaving the Site
1
Check Sharpness
Zoom in on each photo to make sure it's usable.
2
Count Your Shots
Do you have a photo for every point in the report?
3
Annotate On-Site
It's easier to add comments when you're standing in front of the subject.
4
Save Immediately
Unsynchronized photos can be lost. Verify the backup.
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