Your camera is one of the most powerful tools you carry — and you already own it. Today’s smartphones take sharp, high-resolution photos that are more than acceptable for claim documentation… if used correctly.
At MileHigh Adjusters Houston – Training the Special Forces of Adjusters, we drill into students how to capture clear, consistent, and audit-ready images that speak for themselves when a file gets reviewed — or challenged.
Here’s how to use your smartphone like a pro in the field.
Use Proper Angles and Framing
Avoid blurry close-ups and awkward angles that don’t tell the story.
Instead:
- Take wide shots to show context (entire room or full slope of a roof)
- Mid-range shots for clarity (full appliance, window, etc.)
- Close-ups for damage details (hail hits, water stains, cracks)
Always shoot before, during, and after mitigation or repairs if possible.
Clean Your Lens
Yes — physically clean your lens. Dust and smudges = blurry photos.
Do this:
- Wipe your lens with a microfiber cloth or even your shirt before each inspection
- Check the first few photos to ensure clarity
A dirty lens can make $10,000 in damages look like $1,000.
Capture with Intention
Every photo you take should answer the question:
“What does this image prove?”
Reviewers want to see:
- Evidence of cause of loss (hail, wind, fire, water)
- Location of damage within the property
- Visual support for each line item in your estimate
Label them as you upload: “Living room – Ceiling stain – Water damage”
Include Reference Points
Close-up damage photos mean nothing without context.
Do this:
- Include a ruler, tape measure, or coin for size reference
- Show building features (windows, outlets, cabinets) to identify room/location
- Take a wide shot before close-ups
For hail or impact damage, chalk circles or arrows help highlight what the photo is documenting.
Use Good Lighting — Always
Dim, shadowy, or overexposed images get flagged fast.
Best practices:
- Use natural daylight when possible
- Enable flash in dark attics, closets, or crawl spaces
- Avoid direct sunlight glare on surfaces
Don’t shoot toward windows — stand with the light behind you for clarity.
Stay Organized as You Shoot
Speed matters — but so does staying clean and organized.
Use these tips:
- Group photos by room or exterior elevation
- Take photos in the same order as your scope notes
- Rename photos (if needed) or label in your inspection app
“IMG_8432” means nothing. “Bathroom – Vanity leak – Water damage” saves time and stress.
Know Your Camera Settings
Your phone is more powerful than you think.
Try this:
- Turn on grid lines to help frame shots level and centered
- Use tap-to-focus for clear damage close-ups
- Avoid digital zoom — step closer instead for detail
Most camera settings are under “Settings > Camera” on iPhone or Android.
Use Burst Mode for Action Shots
Need to capture hail in motion, a dripping leak, or shifting elements?
Burst mode helps:
- Hold the shutter button to snap multiple frames quickly
- Choose the clearest image afterward
Especially useful for roof shots or windy conditions.
Document the Unexpected
Not everything goes by the book — and your photos should reflect that.
If:
- The insured cleaned the area before inspection
- A contractor made temporary repairs
- Damage is inaccessible
Then:
- Photograph what you can, take overview/context photos, and
- Note the reason in your file clearly
Reviewers can only approve what they can see — or what you documented trying to see.
At MileHigh Adjusters Houston, We Teach Field Photography — the Right Way
We don’t just hand you a camera and say “go.” We teach our students how to document each claim like it’s going to court — with crisp, clean, and compliant photography. Our training includes live simulations, photo reviews, and step-by-step instruction using your real device.
Want to learn how to document claims like a seasoned pro?
👉 Schedule a 15-minute call with Mark
🌐 www.milehighadjustershouston.com
📱 Call or Text: 281-741-8505
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MileHigh Adjusters Houston – Training the Special Forces of Adjusters!