MAKE YOUR PHOTOS A WORK TOOL.

“An image is worth a thousand words” is something we’ve all read many times. Well, when it comes to documenting a construction process, this really applies. With just one glance, we can capture many details regarding cleanliness, safety, quality, construction process, schedule status, equipment and tool usage, etc., which would otherwise take a lot of time to describe in text.

That’s why, when taking photos on a construction site, it is advisable to ensure they are clear so that we can later examine all the details.

Here are at least the following points to keep in mind:

• Establish a photographic tracking plan from the beginning of the project: Define the points and the frequency at which you will take the photos. This can vary depending on the site: some areas may require continuous periodic monitoring, such as weekly or biweekly, while others may only need one or two photos at key moments, such as the piping route in a wall before it’s covered or plastered, or waterproofing before applying the floor finish.

• Be disciplined when taking the photos: Although it may sometimes feel unnecessary or tedious, the truth is that when any issue arises in the future, you will be grateful for having taken them. A single photo might serve as proof, clarify a detail, or resolve a conflict.

• Record the date and time of the photo: This is a very simple operation and almost always automatic on cameras and cell phones, but it’s important to ensure that it’s activated and that the date and time stored on the device are correct.

• Preferably take photos during the day in good lighting: This is not always possible. Sometimes the weather or the time of year prevent it; however, keeping the lighting in mind will improve the results. Often, just waiting a couple of hours is enough.

• For exterior photos, seek the best time of day: Sometimes, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the sun provides special light moments you can use to your advantage.

• Try to avoid taking photos against the light: This might be the most common mistake. Not considering the direction of light in relation to the area or object we want to detail can result in dark, low-quality images. Often, simply moving a little and rotating 45, 90, or 180 degrees is enough to make the light work in your favor and significantly improve the quality and details of the photo.

• When you need internal details where backlighting can’t be avoided: If possible, try to put up a curtain, cloth, or black plastic to block or weaken the outside light, and use a light source like a flash, reflector, or photography lamp directed at the object you want to photograph. This helps reduce the backlight effect and ensures that the area you want to document is clearly visible.

• Use the digital filters on your camera or cell phone: Today’s devices offer multiple filter or ambiance options so you can improve a photo that isn’t perfect. It’s helpful to keep this tool in mind for certain photos.

• Organize your photos systematically: The classic folder system on your computer’s hard drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox might fall short when searching for an image with large amounts of information. It’s better to use a “field control software” that integrates the photos with construction plans and places each one in the location where it was taken, as shown in the cover photo of this blog. Platforms like www.procorvus.com can help with this.