CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION 2012
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| CONSTRUCTION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2012 |
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When (and how often) to photograph
| When and how often you should photograph is a pretty simple formula: |
• Stay consistent.
• Timing, which day of the week and what time of the day.
• Don't miss special events like pouring concrete or equipment deliveries.
• Timing, which day of the week and what time of the day.
• Don't miss special events like pouring concrete or equipment deliveries.
More or Less Often?
I have found that photographing your
projects once each week produces an
adequate photo-document.
There are some projects that may require
that you photograph more or less often.
Compressed schedule projects that may be
working double shifts or include weekend
work may require you to photograph 2 or
more times each week to keep up with the
progress.
I have found that photographing your
projects once each week produces an
adequate photo-document.
There are some projects that may require
that you photograph more or less often.
Compressed schedule projects that may be
working double shifts or include weekend
work may require you to photograph 2 or
more times each week to keep up with the
progress.
Different project phases:
You can adjust your photography schedule to meet the project's schedule for the different
project phases. Site clearing, footings and foundations, steel framing and exteriors may not need
weekly photo-documentation. If you have a 14 week schedule for driving piles you don't need to
see the same thing each week. Instead, and few representative photos and then take photos of
the entire site after this work is done.
same time you will need weekly photographs. To capture the "visual as-built" photographs you
may need to show up several times each week. You need to get every wall and ceiling just before
cover-up but this only lasts for a few weeks.
Special Events:
Sometimes it's more for show than a need for documentation but taking photographs of some of
these events can be beneficial later. Photographs of concrete trucks lined up for a pour or a large
crane setup to bring in equipment is impressive for senior management and donors. It also
documents when and how the event occurred.
TIMING:
The time of day and day of the week can make a difference in the quality and consistency of
your photo-document. Scheduling photo-documentation for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday works out the best. This avoids the Monday holidays, black Fridays, etc. This makes
taking pictures more of a routine and less of a chore. The time of day also makes a difference
depending on who is creating the photo-document. If you have a dedicated person or a
third-party contractor then it doesn't matter. However, if this person has other duties on the
project then it becomes much more important to schedule a time of day when they will not be
distracted or needed elsewhere on the project. Early morning or end of the day may be the best
time.
You can adjust your photography schedule to meet the project's schedule for the different
project phases. Site clearing, footings and foundations, steel framing and exteriors may not need
weekly photo-documentation. If you have a 14 week schedule for driving piles you don't need to
see the same thing each week. Instead, and few representative photos and then take photos of
the entire site after this work is done.
same time you will need weekly photographs. To capture the "visual as-built" photographs you
may need to show up several times each week. You need to get every wall and ceiling just before
cover-up but this only lasts for a few weeks.
Special Events:
Sometimes it's more for show than a need for documentation but taking photographs of some of
these events can be beneficial later. Photographs of concrete trucks lined up for a pour or a large
crane setup to bring in equipment is impressive for senior management and donors. It also
documents when and how the event occurred.
TIMING:
The time of day and day of the week can make a difference in the quality and consistency of
your photo-document. Scheduling photo-documentation for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday works out the best. This avoids the Monday holidays, black Fridays, etc. This makes
taking pictures more of a routine and less of a chore. The time of day also makes a difference
depending on who is creating the photo-document. If you have a dedicated person or a
third-party contractor then it doesn't matter. However, if this person has other duties on the
project then it becomes much more important to schedule a time of day when they will not be
distracted or needed elsewhere on the project. Early morning or end of the day may be the best
time.
