1. Create a routine for taking pictures – One routine is to take a picture when you enter a room (pictured below). This helps you to distinguish between rooms upon photo review. Your photo taking routine will also help you to scope losses better which will help you improve at estimate writing.

2. Perspective then Close-up – The person viewing your photos did not have the privilege of being at the loss site, therefore you must walk them through the site with your photographs. Perspective shots help tell the story of the loss. Focus on providing a perspective then closing in on the particulars to fully document a loss with photographs. This also helps if you need to review your photos when estimate writing.

3. Take at Least a Dozen Pictures of the Loss Origin – For instance if a pipe breaks, then take photographs from multiple angles and perspectives. This will help you if the adjuster later attempts to argue that the loss is not covered. If it is a covered loss, the adjuster will be happy for the additional documentation.

4. Flash can be a Nuisance – Shoot without flash to document subtle damages such as cupped wood flooring (pictured below).

5. Use a quality camera. We recommend an entry-level DSLR. Yes, they can be pricey, but for the earnings you could potentially lose by not having adequate photographs makes a DSLR well worth the investment.

Note: When writing your Xactimate Estimate, remember that you must be able to justify all the line items used in the estimate. The best way to justify those line items is by providing irrefutable photographic evidence.