WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?
Should you hire a professional photographer?
Yes, if your on-site personnel are too busy or unqualified and you want high-quality photos. Everyone carries a cell phone. When properly used and with adequate light, they can produce excellent results, and photos can be shared instantly. But cell phone cameras have limitations, particularly in low-light conditions, that require a professional approach.
Pre-construction photos & video
Documenting pre-construction conditions and existing features on your job site can protect you from claims of damage due to construction activity. I will produce a set of consistently sharp, clear photos and/or video and record the location, date and time of every shot. I can't guarantee zero risk, but I am very thorough. My photos can help you avoid claims that could result in unfair, unwanted expense, time & hassle.
Periodic progress photos & video
On monthly (or more-frequent) site visits my photos will record the large-scale progress of site work, foundations, framing, MEP installations, drywall, roofing, finishes, etc. Smaller-scale photos show detail of each of these major steps, but I don't produce true as-built photos that show every element of MEP installation. I will photograph "concerns" that are brought to my attention, but you should rely on your personnel to record day-to-day quality-control issues as they arise.
Final photos
Progress photos are not always required, but your contract to build may require a set of Final photos to document the project at Substantial Completion or a month or so later, after the last details have been completed. Final photos meant to document the end of the project are un-retouched and true to the scene as photographed. Your marketing department may prefer to have some non-permanent "distractions" removed from Final photos. Retouched versions of Final photos may be suitable for marketing purposes.
Key Plans
For each site visit I create a Key Plan using your construction drawings. They are marked up with a numbered arrow for each still photo. The arrows show the camera location and direction of view; the numbers refer to the photo filename. For stationary videos a similar numbered marker locates the camera position. A "trail" approximating the camera's path is drawn for each "walking" video. The marked-up Key Plans are submitted in PDF format.
Demonstration & Training Videos
Section 017000 Closeout or Section 017900 Demonstration and Training occasionally require video recording of sessions conducted for systems operators on the use and operation of newly installed equipment. I can provide video adequate for most training purposes.
Marketing photos
The difference between Final photos and Marketing photos can be found in the attention to detail. I take great care to make the project look its very best. Marketing photos may be re-touched to eliminate distractions and to correct colors, perspective, and other factors. Before you move on to your next challenge, please put me in touch with your sales/marketing manager. You can see examples on my Architecture page.
Digital delivery
Digital photos, key plans and other required documentation are delivered as zip files via Dropbox or Google Drive, or uploaded directly to your file-sharing platform. Identification data is presented in a narrow margin added to the bottom of each photo. My Digital Photo Format page contains links to sample photos.
Enlargements
If your project requires traditional photographic prints (enlargements) they will be 8x10 prints that display all required identification info in a wide margin on the long side of each photo. Identification data is an integral part of the printed photo; no special software is required to read metadata. Further details can be found on my Print Photo Format page.
If you like what you see here, please refer me to your Marketing department or other colleague. Thank you!
