April 16, 2019
If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, then why would you do yourself the disservice of not taking quality photos?
Photographs not only are your best testimonial for showcasing your skills and a job well done, but they can also help address issues and concerns should the installation not go according to plan.
The most obvious factor affecting photo quality is lighting. To highlight the true color and texture of a floor, best practice is to face into natural light. In most circumstances in this industry, loads of natural light is just not available, and we must rely on overhead lights. When possible (and if the floor is cured), be aware of shadows and glares caused by lighting and try several different angles and views rather than just standing in a doorway. Move to different corners of the room, stand in the middle and look out vs only taking long view photos.
Bending down to capture lower angles across the floor will help minimize the glare in many cases while adding the added benefit of providing a different perspective. Getting down low to the ground allows you to showcase the detailing of your work.
Varying camera angles and capture locations will change the perspective of the floor and show the floor as roomy, small or narrow depending on the final photo.
Putting your best floor forward also includes being mindful of your surroundings and the people and items that may also be in the frame. For instance, if you are taking a photo showing the installation, having buckets and tools in the shot makes perfect sense, but if you are taking an image of a finished floor, try to be sure all of these items are out of the frame. Also when taking an installation shot, be sure installers are wearing the proper PPE (especially if you are considering publishing these images with a third party.)
Best Practice for Images:
- Consider taking images before, during and after installation
- Pay attention to lighting and position yourself to reduce shadows
- Take images from various locations in the room and vary camera angles
- Bend down low to reduce glare from the lights
- Have a “clean shot” by removing any tools or debris from the area
- Ensure any crew members are wearing proper PPE
- Whenever possible return to the site for photos of the completed rooms
In the event that issues arise, floor installation photos are an important tool to help your Sales Manager or Technical Representative assess your concerns. Here are three simple tips to keep in mind for taking photos of specific areas:
1 – Take a photo of the entire area so the ‘big picture’ can be seen.
2 – Zoom-in on the specific problem area while avoiding shadows and glare as much as possible.
3 – Place an object such as a pen, coin, or ruler next to the spot being photographed to provide size perspective for issues such as fisheyes or pinholes.
All of these photographs can be achieved with a decent smartphone that is always at arm’s reach. Get into the habit of taking photos from multiple angles on every job and you’ll soon find you have a library of examples to show to new and potential customers. This not only allows you to showcase the great work you’re capable of but also demonstrates how you address problems when they do inevitably arise increasing your trustworthiness and credibility to your customer base.