BG Training Guide
Learn how to take high-quality photos and videos for property documentation.
Why Quality Matters
As a Boots on the Ground (BG), your photos and videos are the investor's eyes on their property. High-quality documentation helps investors make informed decisions and builds trust in your work. Taking the time to capture clear, well-focused images will set you apart as a reliable professional.
📱 iPhone Camera Tips
Disable Live Photos
Live Photos create larger files and can cause issues with uploads. To disable:
- Open the Camera app
- Look for the Live Photo icon (concentric circles) at the top
- Tap it until you see a slash through it (Live Off)
- To keep it off permanently: Settings → Camera → Preserve Settings → Live Photo → On
Focus and Exposure
The yellow square on your iPhone camera shows where it's focusing:
- Tap on the screen where you want to focus (a yellow square appears)
- The camera adjusts focus and exposure for that area
- Slide your finger up/down near the yellow square to adjust brightness
Lock AE/AF (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus)
For consistent shots, lock the focus and exposure:
- Tap and HOLD on the area you want to focus on
- Hold for 2-3 seconds until you see "AE/AF LOCK" at the top
- The focus and exposure are now locked - you can move the phone without them changing
- Tap anywhere on screen to unlock
Tip: Use AE/AF Lock when photographing rooms with windows to prevent the camera from constantly adjusting exposure.
Grid Lines
Enable grid lines for better composition:
- Go to Settings → Camera
- Turn on "Grid"
- Use the grid to keep horizons level and walls straight
📱 Android Camera Tips
Focus and Exposure
Most Android cameras work similarly to iPhone:
- Tap on the screen where you want to focus
- A focus indicator (circle or square) will appear
- Look for a brightness slider that appears - slide to adjust exposure
Lock Focus (AE/AF Lock)
On most Android phones:
- Tap and hold on the area you want to focus
- Look for "AF/AE Locked" or a lock icon
- Some phones require going to camera settings to enable this feature
Pro/Manual Mode
Many Android phones have a Pro or Manual mode in the camera app that gives you more control over focus, exposure, and white balance. Look for it in your camera modes or settings.
✅ Best Practices for Property Photos
Do:
- Clean your camera lens before starting
- Hold your phone steady with both hands
- Take photos in landscape (horizontal) orientation for rooms
- Include context - show how areas connect to each other
- Photograph all four corners of each room
- Capture close-ups of any damage, repairs, or items of interest
- Turn on all lights when photographing interiors
- Take more photos than you think you need
Don't:
- Take blurry or out-of-focus photos
- Shoot directly into bright windows (causes dark interiors)
- Use flash in mirrors or reflective surfaces
- Include people's faces (privacy concerns)
- Rush - take your time to get quality shots
- Forget to photograph the exterior from multiple angles
🎥 Video Recording Tips
- Hold steady: Use both hands and keep your elbows close to your body
- Move slowly: Pan and walk slowly to avoid motion blur and dizziness
- Narrate: Describe what you're showing as you record
- Horizontal only: Always record video in landscape orientation
- Keep clips short: 30-60 second clips are easier to upload and review
- Check audio: Make sure your finger isn't covering the microphone
Pre-Visit Checklist
- ☐ Phone fully charged (or bring a portable charger)
- ☐ Plenty of storage space on your phone
- ☐ Camera lens cleaned
- ☐ Live Photos disabled
- ☐ Grid lines enabled
- ☐ Review project requirements and scope of work
- ☐ Note any specific areas the investor wants documented