Should I take screenshots or photographs?¶

Use an external photograph first when it can preserve the information adequately. Take an on-device screenshot only where its added clarity justifies interacting with the system.

The methods record different context¶

A photograph can show the device, complete screen, surrounding scene, cables and condition as encountered. It is usually less intrusive, although glare, focus and resolution may hide small details.

A screenshot can produce a clear image of displayed content, but it may create a file, alter recent activity, show a notification or be recorded by the application or another user. It also removes the physical link between the screen and device unless supported by wider photographs.

Capture the whole display before close details. Cropping away the application, account or time can make a visually sharp image evidentially ambiguous.

Preserve the image and its provenance¶

Record who created each image, when, by which method and whether the state changed first. Retain the original file rather than relying only on a version compressed or stripped of metadata by a messaging service.

For images supplied by a witness, establish the source device or account, creation process, edits and transfer route. Neither a screenshot nor photograph replaces native data, provider records or controlled acquisition; it documents what appeared at a particular moment.