Photographing a defect before, during and after repair
The finished patch looks tidy in the photograph. The reviewer cannot see the original defect or the stage that has now been covered. The crew must explain a repair from a single surface image.
Plan the defect photographs before the authorized repair begins. Capture the condition, the relevant stages that will disappear and the finished result, then link the sequence to one deficiency or nonconformance item. Ask the designated reviewer which records and visits are required. A photograph set helps that review; it does not replace a required inspection or decide acceptance.
Keep one repair sequence
- Define the subject. Give the defect an item number and precise location. Take an overview that shows where the detail belongs, then a closer view of the condition. Include an appropriate scale only where it can be placed safely and without disturbing the subject. Record who took the photographs and when.
- Plan the disappearing stages. Check the approved repair process and review points with the responsible people. Agree who captures each stage and who receives the record before work conceals it. Do not invent a repair method or continue through a required hold point because a camera is available.
- Make the sequence comparable. Where access allows, repeat the overview position and orientation. Add closer views of the specific stage the reviewer requested. Label any changed viewpoint or area so a later reader does not compare two different defects by mistake.
- File the result and its limits. Keep the original files, use item-and-stage labels and link the repair instruction, inspection or test record and review response. Mark completion of the repair separately from acceptance. If a stage was missed, record the gap and ask the reviewer what further verification is needed.
Give each set a short caption describing what is visible, rather than 'all good'. Describe the stage as observed without asserting concealed properties the image cannot show. An annotated working copy can point to the issue; retain the unaltered original and identify the annotation. Keep unrelated areas and unnecessary personal information out of the shared set.
Common mistakes
- Taking only the finished surface and losing the earlier stages.
- Using a close-up with no location or item reference.
- Treating an upload as permission to conceal work or close the item.
Checklist
Plan the repair's photo record
- Item number and location identified.
- Before condition and overview captured.
- Reviewer-required stages and recorder agreed.
- Comparable finished view retained.
- Originals, review records and actual acceptance linked.
Check your understanding
Can three photographs close every repaired defect?
