Five Important Things You Should Photograph with Your Digital Camera

Your digital camera can be more than just a tool to capture your favorite memories. You can use it to take pictures of things you may have never thought to, but should. There are some things to photograph right now and some things that you should keep in mind to photograph in case the moment arises.

Photograph injuries from a physical altercation

Whatever situation happened that caused one person to put their hands on you, take the pictures of the marks that show up on your body. Do not just take the pictures when the bruises start to show, take them as soon as you can get your hands on a camera. Take them again when the injuries start to show themselves more prominently. Make sure to have a correct time stamp on the picture when you put them onto your computer and lock the pictures into your camera so you will not accidentally delete them. Even if you go to the hospital, take a set of pictures for your own records. Someone could turn around and say they never touched you, but you have the proof to back up your statement.

Photograph any valuable items that you own

If you have something worth money in your home, you should have a photograph of what the item is. Should someone steal one of your valuable items, or it becomes damaged in a fire or weather related incident, you have a picture of what it is and proof that you owned it. In addition, you are able to provide an actual visual of the item instead of just a vague description.

Photograph any important documents that you have

If someone steals your wallet or the documents are lost or damaged, pictures can help prove that you had them in the first place and can prove your identity. Photograph any credit cards or photo ID's that you own along with any other documents that you deem important. Make sure to keep the pictures in a safe place, where no one can take your personal information, but where you can get a hold of the pictures if you need them.

Photograph any physical damage to your car

It does not matter if a tree fell on it, someone threw a rock at it or you got into a fender bender you should photograph any damage that happens to your car. Whether you are dealing with an individual, the court system or an insurance company they are going to ask if you have photographs of the initial damage. It is better to have proof then just hope someone takes your word for it.

Photograph your family

When some people get kidnapped and the police ask for a photograph, sometimes the only one available is one from a year ago. A lot can change in that time, especially with children. Take updated pictures of everyone in your family from your spouse to your pet. Make sure you take a picture of the face and any identifiable markings such as tattoos. In addition, you should take a picture of the person or pet standing, so you can have a full body shot. If an incident were to occur, you have updated pictures all ready and on hand.

While it may seem silly to take all of these photographs, you never know when they might come in handy. To say that some of these events could not come up because they would never happen to you is not going to help you if something actually does happen. It is better to be prepared, then to be without what you need.