RETAINER 1437620 - Caterpillar

Tips and Tricks for Taking and Submitting Technical Photos
Listed below are some pointers that will help produce quality photos that will convey the information you are trying to share.
When providing photos of failed components, provide a photo of the machine ID plate showing the serial number, and the service hours on the machine. Also, where applicable, the component ID plate showing part number, serial number, and or date code.
Digital cameras require an abundant amount of light in order to ensure that a clear photo is produced. Allowing for ample lighting will reduce the number of photos that will be discarded due to blurry images. Good lighting will also reduce or prevent shadows from developing on the parts you are photographing.
Using a tripod or firm foundation to hold the camera when taking pictures will also reduce any opportunity for producing blurry and unusable images.
Be sure that the photo is in focus. Review the photos before sending the photos off to ensure that the photos show the problem clearly. Remove photos that are blurry or out of focus.
Some "post processing" may be necessary. Crop out unnecessary portions of pictures. Brighten the image if the image is a little dark. Add arrows and descriptions to draw attention to smaller details in large photos.
When providing detailed close up photos, always include a complete zoomed out photo of the entire machine or component. For example on a cracked push arm of a tractor, supply a photo of the entire tractor. Then, provide a zoomed in view of the front of the tractor including the entire push arm. Next, provide a zoomed in view of only the push arm. The next photo should be a zoomed in view of the entire crack. Also, include a zoomed in view of the crack to indicate severity. Be sure to indicate where the crack is located by using arrows during post processing of the photo.
When indicating problems such as cracks in welds, in structures, or scratches or scoring, the zoomed in view of the entire defect should indicate size. Indicate size by taking a photo with a tape measure or ruler to provide clear indication of the size of the defect.
Take photos of components against a white background where possible to help improve the photo. This procedure will increase the clarity of the photo especially when taking photos of components with a high reflectivity such as chrome rods.
If the flash on the camera is covering the defect on the component, increase the ambient light, and turn off the flash.
When using photos for comparison, try to take side by side photos to indicate the comparison clearly. Use arrows to indicate the features you are comparing.
When submitting photos with a DSN service request or in an E-mail, use WinZip or Win RAR to compress the files into one file. This process allows the recipient to open the file at once rather than downloading multiple photos one at a time.
When taking photos of components, unless the photo is to indicate