Resources
Photo Protocol
A practical photo protocol for recording lightbox installs, print finish, and site condition on South African projects.
How Photo Protocol records the job properly
Photo Protocol sets out which images should be taken during and after a lightbox installation. Good records include the full display, close views of print finish and frame joins, and the surrounding site condition for retail and project handover files.
Record the display before any frame section is opened. Include the wall width, visible obstacles, nearby power outlet, ceiling height if it hangs, and the store frontage or stand number in the first set of images. South African sites vary widely between mall passages, shopfitting zones, and expo halls, so the photos need to show more than the lightbox itself.
The opening image should show the untouched site from a few metres back. After that, capture the unpacked frame, the printed fabric before tensioning, and any marks or damage noticed on arrival. Those images help when a reprint, missing part, or disputed site condition must be checked later.
Images required at handover
A complete set usually includes one full front view, angled views from both sides, and close shots of corners, joins, cables, and print edges. Add a lit photo once the LEDs are on, then take a final wide image showing the lightbox in its retail or expo setting. That combination gives a usable record for fitment files, print review, and maintenance reference.
Before sending anything through the contact form, put the install notes in order from site arrival to finished install. Include notes for glare on shopfront glass, skew graphics, dark sections, damaged silicone edging, or missing hardware if any of those appear. One image of the power connection and one image of the complete display are more useful than a long batch of similar close-ups.
- Wide shot before installation starts
- Lit front view after final tensioning
- Power point and cable route captured
Site conditions that affect photos
Mall work often needs photos that show the hoarding line, neighbouring shopfronts, and access conditions around the display. For airport freight, regional roll-outs, or couriered kits, photograph the crate or cartons if they arrive torn, crushed, or wet. These details matter when the job moves between Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and smaller centres.
Along the coast, salt air marks acrylic covers and aluminium edges more quickly, so close-up photos should show any residue before cleaning starts. Inland centres collect dust on top rails, diffusers, and cable exits, which is worth recording before the lightbox is powered up. After load-shedding, take one image with the display off and another once illumination is stable so colour shift and dark sections are easy to compare.
Operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd from 2 Makro Place, Sunnyrock 1401.
Notes to pair with photos
Issue the Photo Protocol with site images, shoot timing, and notes on what has already gone wrong, whether glare, poor alignment, or missing frames. Keep the subject line factual.
Add the site name, date, installer name, frame size, and whether the unit is wall mounted, freestanding, or suspended. It also helps to note if the fabric was a new print, a refit, or a replacement graphic from an earlier campaign. Keep each note tied to the matching image set so the record stays useful long after the install day.