A picture is worth a thousand words, but in court, it's worth a thousand dollars. A survey report without excellent photos is indefensible. The days of "Description: Good Condition" are over.
1. The "Marco to Micro" Rule
Never take a close-up without an establishing shot.
- Bad: A photo of a crack in white gelcoat. (It looks like a crack in a bathtub or a cloud).
- Good:
- Wide shot of the starboard quarter.
- Medium shot of the stanchion base.
- Macro shot of the stress crack radiating from the base.
2. Labeling (The "Finger" Trick)
If you don't have a digital pointer, use your finger to point at the defect. It gives scale and focus. Even better? Use a plastic ruler or a coin for scale. A "large blister" means nothing without a reference object.
3. The "Money Shot" (HIN & Engine Serial)
The first photo on your roll MUST be the HIN (Hull Identification Number). If you mix up photos from two different boats, you are dead.
Also Mandatory: Engine Serial Numbers. Take a clear photo of the data plate. This proves you were on this boat with this engine.
Conclusion
Storage is cheap. Take 300 photos. Delete 200. Keep the best 100. You will never regret taking too many photos, but you will lose sleep over the one you didn't take.