Reference photo vs. evidence photo
The reference photo is yours. You take it once, when the area is freshly cleaned, and it defines what "done correctly" looks like. Every future shift is compared against it. Update it only when standards or the layout change.
The evidence photo is your team's. Field staff take it after each shift in the mobile app, and FotoFinish compares it to your reference. The comparison is only as reliable as the reference it matches against.
Before you start
Clean first. You are photographing the target condition — never shoot a reference in a dirty or half-cleaned space.
Choose lighting you can repeat. All lights on, blinds closed — or a time of day with stable light you can replicate in every season.
Open your FotoFlow first. Know which slots need reference photos before you walk the site, so you cover everything in one visit.
Clear the area. Remove carts, supplies, and personal items. Only permanent fixtures should appear.
The 6 rules
Photograph the standard — shoot after a full clean; you're setting the visual target.
Fix the lighting — all lights on, blinds closed, no flash.
Include a landmark — a door, fixture, or corner that tells workers exactly where to stand.
Frame wide — the full zone, not a close-up. Workers need to recognize the position.
Use an angle workers can repeat — eye level, from a spot anyone can reach.
Take two, keep the best — shoot each slot twice and upload the sharper one.
What to capture, room by room
Restrooms: toilet bowl and base · floor and drain · stall door closed · sink and mirror area.
Lobby, offices, workstations: entrance mat and floor · full desk surface · trash bin position · window area.
Kitchen and break room: counter and sink basin · fridge and appliance fronts · floor corner showing two walls · microwave or stovetop.
Hallways and common areas: left baseboard full length · right baseboard full length · wall fixtures and notice boards · full floor length from center.
When to retake a reference photo
After any renovation or layout change. New fixtures, furniture, or layout means retake immediately.
When workers flag a slot as hard to match. A bad angle or missing landmark isn't their fault — review and retake before penalizing anyone.
Seasonally, in rooms with large windows. Summer and winter light can make the same room unmatchable.
Uploading to your FotoFlow
Take and select — review your camera roll, pick the best shot per slot.
Open the FotoFlow — dashboard, then FotoFlows, then select the one to update.
Upload per slot — click each slot, choose Upload Reference Photo, confirm.
Review and save — preview all slots, confirm they show your standard, save and activate.
Tip: a slot with several reference photos gives a richer baseline — the app picks which one to compare each shift. A slot with exactly one photo is always compared against that photo.
Questions about your setup? Send us a message.