How to Take & Store Photo Evidence

A guide on safely taking, storing, and organizing photos for later legal use.

Photo Evidence Guide

Before You Start

This guide focuses on practical steps for taking, storing, and backing up photo evidence in a clear and organized way.

• Use the best camera available to you (phone, tablet, or camera).
• Turn on date and time display if your device allows it.
• Make sure your device has enough battery and storage space.
• Avoid editing photos in ways that change how things actually looked.

Lighting Tips

• Use natural light when possible:
  • Stand near a window during the day.
  • Avoid standing directly in front of a bright window (it can make the subject too dark).
• Use steady indoor lighting:
  • Turn on room lights and lamps.
  • Aim for even lighting without harsh shadows.
• Flash settings:
  • Take one photo with flash on and one with flash off if you are unsure which looks clearer.
  • Avoid flash reflecting off mirrors or shiny surfaces when possible.
• Check clarity:
  • Wipe the camera lens gently with a clean cloth.
  • Tap on the screen (on many phones) to focus before taking the photo.
  • Zoom with your feet when possible (move closer) instead of using digital zoom, which can blur details.

Angles and Composition

Multiple angles help show both detail and context.

• Wide shots:
  • Take photos that show the whole area (room, hallway, outside space).
  • Include objects that show scale (doorways, furniture, a standard item like a chair).
• Medium shots:
  • Move closer to focus on the main subject (for example, a damaged object or specific area).
  • Keep surrounding items in view so the location is still recognizable.
• Close-ups:
  • Take clear, close photos of specific details.
  • Hold the camera steady and keep the subject centered.
  • If useful, place a common object (coin, ruler, card) near the subject to show size.
• Multiple angles:
  • Photograph from the front, sides, and at a slight angle.
  • Take additional photos from slightly higher and slightly lower positions.
• Context tools:
  • Where safe, include clocks, calendars, or screens that show date and time in a few photos.
  • Include doorways, windows, or identifiable features to show where something is located.

Taking Photos Over Time

• Capture changes:
  • Take photos as soon as practical.
  • Take follow-up photos over the next several days if anything changes (for example, bruises changing color or swelling reducing).
• Use consistent angles:
  • Try to stand in the same spot and use similar framing for follow-up photos.
  • Keep the same object for scale (like the same card or ruler) in repeated photos.
• Note dates:
  • Ensure your device date and time are correct.
  • If safe, keep a simple written or digital note listing the date each photo set was taken.

File Naming and Organization

Organizing photos makes them easier to find and explain later.

• Use a simple, consistent naming format, for example:
  • YYYY-MM-DD_location_subject_number
  • Example: 2025-03-10_bedroom_door-damage_01.jpg
  • Example: 2025-03-10_arm_injury_02.jpg
• Include:
  • Date (year-month-day).
  • Location (room or place).
  • Short subject label (door-damage, wall-mark, phone-screenshot).
  • Sequence number if there are multiple photos of the same thing.
• Folder structure options:
  • By date: /2025-03-10/, /2025-03-11/
  • By type: /injuries/, /property/, /messages/
  • By location: /home/, /work/, /public/
• Notes:
  • Keep a short text file or notebook with:
    • Date and time photos were taken.
    • Location.
    • Brief description of what each file name refers to.
  • Avoid putting sensitive personal details in the file names themselves if others might see the device.

Secure Storage Options

Choose storage options that match your safety and privacy needs.

• On-device storage:
  • Use a device with a lock screen (PIN, password, or biometric).
  • Store photos in a folder that is not obvious from the home screen if that is safer.
  • Consider whether anyone else knows your passcode or has access to your device.
• Removable storage:
  • Use a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive if you can store it in a safe location.
  • Label the device in a neutral way (for example, “backup” instead of “evidence”).
  • Avoid leaving removable storage connected to shared computers.
• Trusted third-party devices:
  • Store copies with a trusted person if that is safe for you.
  • Agree on how the files will be named and where they will be kept.
• Cloud storage (caution):
  • Review who has the login information and recovery email/phone for any cloud account.
  • Turn off automatic photo backup if someone else can access that account.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and, if safe, two-factor authentication.

Backup Options

Backups reduce the risk of losing photos if a device is lost, damaged, or accessed by someone else.

• Multiple locations:
  • Keep at least two copies of important photos in different places (for example, phone and USB drive, or USB drive and trusted person’s device).
  • If using cloud storage, consider pairing it with an offline backup such as a USB drive.
• Backup schedule:
  • Decide how often to back up (for example, weekly or after each new batch of photos).
  • Delete any copies from devices you no longer control, where it is safe to do so.
• Password protection:
  • Where possible, password-protect folders or compressed archives on USB or external drives.
  • Store passwords and recovery codes in a safe and separate place.
• Checking backups:
  • Occasionally open backup files to confirm they are accessible and not corrupted.
  • Confirm that file names, dates, and folders still make sense and are easy to follow.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

• Device monitoring:
  • Consider whether someone may check your photos, messages, or cloud accounts.
  • Be aware of shared Apple IDs, Google accounts, or other linked services.
• Metadata:
  • Photos often contain hidden information like date, time, and sometimes location.
  • Decide whether that information is helpful or risky for your situation.
• Sharing photos:
  • Before sending photos, think about:
    • Who will see them.
    • How they will be stored.
    • Whether they might be forwarded.
  • Ask how long the recipient plans to keep them and where.
• Professional guidance:
  • Local legal or advocacy professionals may have specific guidance on how to store and share photographic evidence in your area.
  • Information on additional tools and supports may also be available through resources listed at DV.Support.

Simple Photo Evidence Checklist

• Check device:
  • Battery charged.
  • Date and time correct.
  • Enough storage space.
• Take photos:
  • Wide, medium, and close-up shots.
  • Multiple angles.
  • Good lighting with and without flash if needed.
  • Repeat over time if things change.
• Organize:
  • Rename files using a consistent format.
  • Place files into clear folders.
  • Keep brief notes describing what each set shows.
• Store and back up:
  • Choose a secure primary storage location.
  • Create at least one backup in a separate place.
  • Review who has access to each storage and backup option.

Recommended Articles

• Evidence Gathering Basics
• Digital Safety Checklist
• Secure Document Storage Options
• Working with Advocates and Support Workers
• Preparing for Legal or Support Appointments