CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION 2012
CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2012
Putting it all together
The easiest and fastest way to learn how to use photo-documentation is to just get started.
Print out the forms, grab a camera, assign someone on the project and start taking photographs and notes.
Remember the 4 simple rules to true photo-documentation:

1) IF YOU DON'T TAKE THE PHOTOGRAPHS NOW YOU CAN'T GO BACK AND GET THEM LATER.
2) ALWAYS TAKE NOTES. IF YOU CAN'T IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OR REASON THE PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN THEY COULD END
UP BEING USELESS.
3) STAY CONSISTENT. TAKE PHOTOS AT REGULAR INTERVALS, NO MATTER WHAT THE ACTUAL PROGRESS HAS BEEN.
4) SHARE YOUR PHOTO-DOCUMENT WITH THE PROJECT TEAM THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT.
The best way to start photo-documentation is to just start.

  1. Think about which project you would start with. Large or small, it can already be underway
  2. On that project consider who will be responsible for taking the photographs and notes. This person needs to have a few hours per week
    dedicated to this task.
  3. Gather the tools of the trade: Camera, clipboard and notes form, pen or pencil, floor plans of the project.
  4. Figure out which day of the week and what time of the day will yield the most consistent results.
  5. Plan your photo work, consider where your starting point is and how you will work through the project site.
  6. Take pictures and notes.
Meanwhile... Back at the office...

  • Setup your files for storing the photo-document.
  • Download CPD's photo-document master log or create your own.
  • Setup an on-line service for sharing your photo-document across the project team.
  • Each week make sure to copy and save your photographs, transcribe the notes onto the master log, and upload everything to the on-line service.
Download a copy of the notes form here:
XL Spreadsheet        .pdf file

Download a ready to use copy of the
Master Log Spreadsheet