CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION 2012
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
| CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2012 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
How to take notes for each and every photograph
| You MUST record a brief, descriptive note to accompany each and every photograph. The note will describe the date, location, type of work, and other comments that will make the photo useful even years later. |
The first point to make here is that you MUST take notes for EACH and EVERY photograph, period. Each of these notes does not have to be a novel,
they are intended for people who have an understanding of what you're describing. You can keep it brief which makes it easier to handle in the field and
when transcribing it for the archive file and on-line use.
Every note will include the date the photograph was taken, the photo number (the camera will number the photo), location within the project, the type
of work it is, and the brief descriptive note.
Date:
Always write down the date on the notes form but also check the camera settings for correct date and time before each photo session. The photograph
number and date and other information (that you'll never need) is encoded with the photograph when it is taken.
Photograph number:
Each digital camera numbers the photographs as they are taken. This is one item to check on your camera's settings. The normal setting is to continue
numbering but some cameras have the option to restart numbering each time the photos are downloaded. You don't want this. Using the camera's
numbering helps you keep each note linked to it's photograph.
Location:
This is done using room numbers, floors, areas like "northeast corner, 4th floor", etc. I normally get my location identifiers from the plans. I also keep a
copy of the plans, both electronically and printed, with the photo-document for reference. The location can be specific or more generic with the exact
location listed in the description. "4th floor" is the location and the description might add "Northeast corner between columns 3 & 4 on column line C".
Type of Work:
These are the categories that will quickly describe the original intent of the photograph by type. These descriptors help find a particular photograph later.
The categories that I have used are: (fell free to add your own as needed)
Description:
This is your description of the photograph you are taking. Keep it brief, you should use fixed points for references such as columns, walls, compass
directions, etc. Describe what the intent of this photo is like "Main room (rm.230), view looking west" or "new chilled water valves on north side of
column F-10". A simple description like these tells the viewer why you took the picture.
they are intended for people who have an understanding of what you're describing. You can keep it brief which makes it easier to handle in the field and
when transcribing it for the archive file and on-line use.
Every note will include the date the photograph was taken, the photo number (the camera will number the photo), location within the project, the type
of work it is, and the brief descriptive note.
Date:
Always write down the date on the notes form but also check the camera settings for correct date and time before each photo session. The photograph
number and date and other information (that you'll never need) is encoded with the photograph when it is taken.
Photograph number:
Each digital camera numbers the photographs as they are taken. This is one item to check on your camera's settings. The normal setting is to continue
numbering but some cameras have the option to restart numbering each time the photos are downloaded. You don't want this. Using the camera's
numbering helps you keep each note linked to it's photograph.
Location:
This is done using room numbers, floors, areas like "northeast corner, 4th floor", etc. I normally get my location identifiers from the plans. I also keep a
copy of the plans, both electronically and printed, with the photo-document for reference. The location can be specific or more generic with the exact
location listed in the description. "4th floor" is the location and the description might add "Northeast corner between columns 3 & 4 on column line C".
Type of Work:
These are the categories that will quickly describe the original intent of the photograph by type. These descriptors help find a particular photograph later.
The categories that I have used are: (fell free to add your own as needed)
- • Architectural, this is used to describe basic architectural elements, kind of a generic description when it doesn't fit anywhere else.
• Structural, all structural elements including re-bar, steel and structural equipment supports
• General Progress, these are your wide-angle photos that are best to show just that - general progress.
• Below Grade, includes anything underground or even buried in concrete slabs
• Concrete, I only use this one when it is a mostly concrete structure
• Framing / Drywall, also used to describe plaster work
• Electrical, high and low voltage installations including conduit, panels, transformers, etc.
• Mechanical, wet and dry side mechanical installations
• Plumbing, this includes irrigation, fire sprinklers, pneumatics and other gases
• Doors / Windows
• Casework
• Finishes, this is everything from floor coverings to paint and tile
Description:
This is your description of the photograph you are taking. Keep it brief, you should use fixed points for references such as columns, walls, compass
directions, etc. Describe what the intent of this photo is like "Main room (rm.230), view looking west" or "new chilled water valves on north side of
column F-10". A simple description like these tells the viewer why you took the picture.
The simplest way to take the proper notes is by using a "notes form" that is laid out the same as the final Master Log. (The Master Log for notes is
covered in the "Organize and Save" chapter) Keep many copies on your clipboard at the job site. This is for your handwritten notes you’ll record while
taking pictures.
A ready to use Notes Form is included with this program. This form and the Master Log is in a spreadsheet format and the notes form is also provided
as a single-page pdf file for easy printing. I always carry many copies with me, it's the easiest way to record your notes and transcribe them into the
Master Log later.
covered in the "Organize and Save" chapter) Keep many copies on your clipboard at the job site. This is for your handwritten notes you’ll record while
taking pictures.
A ready to use Notes Form is included with this program. This form and the Master Log is in a spreadsheet format and the notes form is also provided
as a single-page pdf file for easy printing. I always carry many copies with me, it's the easiest way to record your notes and transcribe them into the
Master Log later.
| Download a copy of the notes form here: XL Spreadsheet .pdf file Download a ready to use copy of the Master Log Spreadsheet |
Each week the notes must be transcribed
into a spreadsheet or other document that
will make them easy to find and read. I
like to use an Excel spreadsheet because it
is easy to navigate, easy to add and
remove lines, and almost everyone has
software that can read it. These days you
don't even need to purchase this type of
database software, there are a few office
type application suites available on-line for
free.
into a spreadsheet or other document that
will make them easy to find and read. I
like to use an Excel spreadsheet because it
is easy to navigate, easy to add and
remove lines, and almost everyone has
software that can read it. These days you
don't even need to purchase this type of
database software, there are a few office
type application suites available on-line for
free.
There is virtually unlimited ways to sort and organize your notes, this is just the one I have used. I organize the notes chronologically but
you may need to organize by location, or other criteria.
you may need to organize by location, or other criteria.