Before capture
- Confirm the device date, time and time zone.
- Clean the lens and disable filters or beauty effects.
- Set a stable project label for the whole photo set.
- Ask before capturing people, private property or protected records.
During capture
Use natural sequence: approach, context, subject, detail. Avoid digital zoom when you can move closer safely. If scale matters, include an approved measuring reference in the same plane as the subject. Retake blurred images immediately, but do not remove records merely because they are unfavorable.
Describe what can be seen
Prefer factual notes such as “outer carton crushed at upper-right corner.” Avoid conclusions such as “carrier caused damage” unless your process separately establishes that fact.
After capture
Export before clearing browser data or changing devices. Keep the original capture together with the stamped derivative. Record who received the handoff and apply your organization’s retention schedule. For regulated or disputed matters, use an approved evidence system with access control, hashing, signed timestamps and audit logs.