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Best Practices for Photos

Great photos are the foundation of effective navigation guides. Follow these proven techniques to create photos that make wayfinding effortless for your visitors.

Think like a first-time visitor

The best navigation photos show exactly what someone would see when standing at each decision point along the route.

Essential Photo Guidelines

1. Take Photos from Eye Level

Good: Eye-level view

Hold your phone at chest/eye level to match what visitors will naturally see when walking.

Avoid: Overhead or low shots

Unusual angles create photos that don't match what people see in real life.

2. Focus on Decision Points

Photograph places where people need to make a choice about where to go:

  • Entrances and doorways - Show which door to use
  • Intersections and hallways - Indicate which direction to turn
  • Staircases and elevators - Show which floor or direction
  • Signage and landmarks - Include helpful visual cues
  • Final destination - Show the exact location they're looking for

3. Maintain Good Lighting

Tip: Take photos during well-lit times. If lighting is poor, turn on your phone's flashlight to illuminate key features.

Photo Composition Tips

Show Context and Detail

  • Wide enough view: Include enough surrounding area so people can orient themselves
  • Clear focal point: Make it obvious what they should look for or do next
  • Readable signs: Ensure any important text or numbers are clearly visible
  • Consistent perspective: Keep the same general angle and height throughout your guide

Highlight Key Features

Make important elements stand out in your photos:

  • Door handles, buzzers, or intercoms
  • Room numbers, apartment letters, or booth signs
  • Distinctive architectural features
  • Directional indicators (arrows, signs)
  • Colors or patterns that help with identification

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Many Photos

More isn't always better. Aim for 3-6 key decision points rather than documenting every step.

❌ Blurry or Dark Images

Take time to ensure photos are sharp and well-lit. Retake if necessary.

❌ Personal Information Visible

Avoid including sensitive details like full addresses, key codes, or security features.

❌ Photos Taken in Wrong Order

Walk the route and photograph in sequence from pin location to final destination.

Ideal Photo Sequence

A typical effective guide follows this pattern:

  1. Photo 1: View from pin location showing the first landmark or entrance
  2. Photo 2: Inside the entrance showing which way to go
  3. Photo 3: First decision point (hallway, staircase, or turn)
  4. Photo 4: Any additional navigation points needed
  5. Photo 5: Final destination clearly visible and identifiable

Writing Effective Photo Captions

Pair each photo with a clear, action-oriented caption:

✅ Good Captions

  • "Enter through the glass doors"
  • "Turn left at the elevator"
  • "Go up the stairs to level 2"
  • "Look for the red door on your right"

❌ Vague Captions

  • "Go inside"
  • "This way"
  • "Almost there"
  • "You'll see it"

Testing Your Photos

Before publishing, review your photo sequence:

  • 🤔 Could someone who's never been here follow these photos?
  • 📍 Is each decision point clearly shown?
  • 💡 Are the photos bright and clear enough?
  • 🔄 Do the photos flow logically from one to the next?
  • 🎯 Is the final destination unmistakably clear?

Ready to create your guide?

With these photo techniques, you're ready to create guides that make navigation effortless for your visitors.

Start Creating Your Guide →Learn About Video Guides →