Advice on Method Statement

[Conor Clancy]

Hi all,

A client of mine has asked for a method statement for the creation of a series of photomontages. I'm not really sure how to proceed with this. DOes anybody have any advice?

 

Thanks

[mitchellpeacock]

Hi Conor,

 

A listed procedure (detailing what you did and how you did it) is usually sufficient. Your client will want to insert your methodology into his report to accompany your photomontages.

 

You should include reference to the software you used, camera type, focal length, viewpoint position (relative to a grid system) and any other information you feel would demonstrate that the photomontages are indeed accurate.

 

Cheers

 

Mitch

Edited March 16, 2010 by mitchellpeacock

[Conor Clancy]

Thanks Mitch. That's what I'll do. All that information is part of the notes I normally make on site (scribbled into site plans, google earth screen grabs etc. it's easier than rummaging in my camera bag for my notebook) so it shouldn't be a problem just to type it all up into a coherent document.

[YOHKOH]

Hi Conor

 

Be careful what your client is using your images for.

 

Did you sign up to produce verified views??

 

Normally a method statement would only be produced for these, so it sounds like this is what they are being used for.

 

Sorry if you already know all this but.

As far as I know, Independent Verified views effectively become a legal document the same as planning application drawings, in England anyway.

If you did not sign up to take on this responsibility it sounds a bit dodgy, as you will be effectively having a liability placed on you that they are accurate. You should charge extra for this as well as having decent PI insurance to cover it.

[mitchellpeacock]

As Jim rightly pointed out, you should clarify to your client that that the photomontages are not verified, and that he should not label them as such.

 

I would however disagree that a method statement is only relevant to verified views. A method statement (or methodology) is a common requirement for any technical service used in support of a planning application. A verification document will include a methodology, but goes into further minute detail to describe a repeatable process. Verified or not, it's good practice to support your photomontages with clear documentation.

 

Mitch

[alexg]

better be careful in describing the term 'photomontage' most client tend to translate this as verified views.

 

always put 'artist impression montage' in your contract etc to avoid legal problems later.

 

and yes, simple statement of how you build the model, precision, placement of model and camera setup is usually sufficient enough.