Used primarily within the heritage professions to record internal and external features, including works of art, stained glass, industrial and historical artefacts. Record photography for insurance purposes may require general views of internal spaces showing contents in case of subsequent claims for fire or theft of prior to building or demolition works.

Record photography can be obtained using a variety of film and digital formats and is always carefully logged and referenced. Multiple copies are frequently required to satisfy a range of end users and different archives.