Inspection photography skills and requirements Inspection, factory inspection, inspection and certification services

During product inspections, factory inspections, and other types of product testing, video documentation is not only an essential component of the job but also a direct reflection of the report's credibility and professionalism. High-quality photos clearly demonstrate the product's condition, defect details, and on-site environment, providing a key basis for quality assessments and effectively preventing customer disputes and complaints. Therefore, mastering professional photography techniques is a fundamental skill that every inspector must master.

This article will systematically introduce how to take photos that meet the requirements during the inspection process from four aspects: equipment setup, shooting operation, post-management and typical problems.

1. Equipment preparation and setup before shooting

Before carrying out the inspection photography task, the camera should be set up in a standardized manner and all preparations should be made to ensure shooting efficiency and image quality.

1. Image size settings

   • It is recommended to set the pixel size to 1-2 million (for example, 1024×768 or 1600×1200), taking into account both clarity and storage efficiency.

   • If there are "Fine" and "Normal" modes, be sure to select "Fine";

   • In special circumstances where small images need to be transmitted quickly, 300,000 pixels can be selected, but special attention should be paid to focus and stability.

2. Memory card capacity management

   • Taking a 1GB memory card as an example, the number of photos that can be taken at different pixels is shown below:

     Pixel level	Number of shots (approx.)
     300,000 (0.3M)	About 3,000
     2 million (2M)	About 500 sheets
     5 million (5M)	About 200 sheets

   • During the shooting process, you need to pay close attention to the remaining number of photos and back them up in time. It is recommended that you keep the photos on the computer for at least one week to prevent accidental loss.

3. Macro mode use

   • Macro is the most commonly used function in inspection photography, so you must be familiar with the minimum focusing distance of your camera (usually 6–15cm).

   • If the object is closer than the minimum focusing distance, you need to move the camera further away, otherwise it will not be able to focus.

4. Image stabilization

   • If your device supports image stabilization (OIS/EIS), please keep it enabled to significantly improve the quality of photos.

5. Principles of flash use

   • Automatic mode can be used in normal circumstances;

   • Scenes where flash is disabled : reflective surfaces (such as packaging boxes, metal signs, glass, coated fabrics, etc.);

   • Using flash when shooting macro shots can easily cause overexposure or color distortion, so it is recommended to rely on ambient light.

6. Battery Management

   • It is recommended to use nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries or original lithium batteries to avoid accidental shutdown caused by unstable voltage of alkaline batteries;

   • Please carry spare batteries and chargers with you when traveling.

7. Basic parameter settings

   • It is recommended to set white balance and ISO to "AUTO";

   • Confirm that the camera system date and time are accurate to facilitate later archiving and tracing.

2. Operational skills and quality inspection points during shooting

Inspection photography requires not only clear images, but also objective content, complete structure, and prominent key details.

1. Focus, composition and exposure – the three core elements

   • Focus : Half-press the shutter button, wait for the focus frame to light up or a beep to sound, then press it fully;

   • Composition : Center the subject, highlight the key points, avoid cluttered background, and try to shoot at a 90° vertical angle to minimize distortion.

   • Exposure : When the light is insufficient, avoid backlighting, increase the EV value appropriately, or use a tripod to extend the shutter speed.

2. Shooting angle and distance

   • Labels, logos, defects, etc. should be photographed vertically to avoid perspective distortion;

   • When shooting macro shots, pay attention to the light angle to avoid your arms and camera blocking the light source;

   • The distance should be moderate to ensure that the subject is clear and the content is complete.

3. Flash Usage Strategies

   • It can be set to automatic in normal environment;

   • For highly reflective objects, macro close-ups, etc., the flash must be turned off, and you must rely on ambient light or additional fill light.

4. Anti-shake and shutter control

   • Hold the camera with both hands, keep your elbows close to your body, and lightly press the shutter button;

   • After turning off the flash, the shutter speed slows down, so you need to pay special attention to stability. You can use tables, chairs, walls, etc. for support.

5. Real-time playback and retakes

   • Play back and zoom in immediately after shooting to check key details, and reshoot immediately if blur, deviation or omission is found;

   • It is advisable to take multiple photos of the same content and select the best ones.

6. Do not delete the principle for the time being

   • Avoid deleting photos on the camera to prevent accidental operations, and screen and process them after importing them to the computer.

3. Image Management and Editing after Shooting

Completing the inspection photo shooting is not the end. Only scientific management can maximize the value of the image data.

1. Backup and Filtering

   • Use a card reader to import the data into the computer and create folders according to the inspection batches;

   • Filter out clear, typical and qualified photos and delete duplicate or invalid images.

2. Naming and labeling

   • The photo title should be concise and clear, such as "Damaged Outer Box - Batch 2035", "Rusted Hardware - No. 12";

   • A photo list can be created to list the serial numbers, corresponding questions and notes.

3. Basic image processing

   • You can use ACDSee, Photoshop, Lightroom and other software to batch adjust the size, brightness and contrast;

   • Avoid excessive photo editing and keep the original image as evidence.

4. Camera Maintenance and Solutions to Common Shooting Problems

1. Equipment maintenance

   • The lens should be cleaned with special cleaning paper, the body should be drop-proof and waterproof, and should be stored away from high temperature and high humidity environments.

2. Typical problems and improvement methods

   Question Type	Cause Analysis	Improvement methods
   Blurred image	Hand shaking or focus failure	Turn on image stabilization, practice holding steady, and reselect the focus point
   Overexposed/too dark	Flash misfiring/backlit shooting	Turn off the flash and adjust the light direction
   Theme is too small	Too far away	Adjust the distance so that the subject occupies the main part of the frame
   Missing logo	Unlabeled or unnamed files	Mark each photo in time and create a list
   Content reflection	Macro flash/incorrect light incident angle	Turn off the flash and adjust the shooting angle
   Missing key photos	Missed the shot or did not follow the list	Take photos and check each item according to the inspection item list

5. Checklist of photos required for inspection site (for reference)

To ensure the completeness of the inspection records, the following are typical photography items. At least 1-2 clear photos should be taken for each item:

1. Panoramic and close-up views of goods stacked in warehouses;

2. Outer box markings (main mark, side mark, multiple colors need to be framed together);

3. Packaging structure: outer box, inner box, plastic bag, filler, strapping tape, etc.

4. Comparison between product and sample (overall and details);

5. Internal structure and components of each layer;

6. Labels: main label, care label, hang tag, price tag, CE mark, warning label, etc.

7. Close-ups of various defects (all degrees of severity must be recorded);

8. Photos of the testing process: weighing, drop test, function debugging, equipment calibration, etc.;

9. Inspection environment and equipment: on-site conditions, measuring tools, inspection samples, etc.;

10. Traceability records of signed documents, seal samples, stamp locations, etc.

Conclusion

For inspectors, photos aren't just a supplement to reports; they're crucial evidence for quality assessment and accountability. Mastering photography skills, standardizing operating procedures, and paying attention to detail can significantly enhance the professionalism and credibility of inspection work. We recommend applying this guide flexibly in your daily work, integrating it with factory inspection practices and client requirements, and gradually establishing a personalized photography checklist and workflow.

If you have further shooting requirements for specific product categories or application scenarios, I can expand the corresponding content for you.

We at China Huibang Focus specialize in product inspection and quarantine, testing and certification, supplier background checks, audits, factory inspections, and other services.