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Taking Photos

Photo Basics​

Q. Should I consider a wheelchair user's perspective when taking photos?​

A. Even within a wheelchair user's perspective, there is variation. Shoot in whatever way is most comfortable for you, prioritizing ease of shooting.

Q. Are there any points I should keep in mind when taking photos?​

A. Yes, please keep the following in mind when shooting.

  • Aim for a wide-angle composition that shows the full picture
  • Shoot in landscape orientation (horizontal) as a general rule
  • Take 1–3 photos per spot (more is even better)

Q. Should I use a flash?​

A. With today's camera quality, a flash is generally not needed.

Tips by Subject​

Q. What are the key points when photographing entrances?​

A. Please keep the following in mind.

  • Make sure the entire door is visible in the frame
  • Include some of the floor in the foreground
  • Capture any open/close buttons if present
  • Capture any in-use indicator lights if present

Q. My reflection shows up in mirrors sometimes. How should I handle this?​

A. You can handle this in post-processing using an editing app — add a mosaic or sticker to cover your reflection. If you have time, try adjusting your shooting position to avoid it.

Q. What are the key points when photographing the area around a toilet seat?​

A. Please consider the following.

  • Make sure surrounding equipment (such as grab bars) is visible
  • Make the spatial relationship between fixtures clear

For details, see photo examples.

Q. Should I photograph restroom beds in the open position?​

A. The default is to photograph them in the closed (folded) position. If you have time, please also take a photo with the bed open.

Managing Situations During Shooting​

Q. Someone came to use the restroom while I was photographing it. What should I do?​

A. Vacate promptly. Post whatever photos you were able to take, and consider coming back another day to fill in the rest.

Q. The general rule is not to lock the door when photographing restrooms, but does this apply in every situation?​

A. It depends on the situation. For example, in the case of a barrier-free restroom adjacent to a women's restroom, there may be cases where locking the door is the better choice.

Q. Sometimes baby changing tables or attendant care beds are already unfolded in restrooms. What should I do?​

A. The basic approach is to return them to their original position. Since an unfolded bed can block the entrance, please fold it back if possible.

Q. Should I also photograph things like diaper bins in restrooms?​

A. Yes. If you have time, please do photograph them.

Q. I sometimes lose track of where I took a photo. What's the best approach?​

A. Find a method that works for you.

  • Take a photo of the store name or scenery before shooting
  • Shoot with location data enabled and cross-reference with a map
  • Note the time and place in a memo app, etc.

Photography Etiquette & Considerations​

Q. Do I need to get permission in advance before posting photos of a store?​

A. It is not required. Posts on WheeLog! are treated as personal map-based social media posts, similar to Google Maps or Instagram. Requiring permission for every post would hinder opportunities for information sharing, so it is not mandatory. That said, from the perspective of building trust with stores and communities, it is ideal to say a quick word to staff when possible.

Q. Is it okay to take photos inside a store?​

A. Please refrain from shooting and posting in the following situations.

  • There is a "No Photography" notice posted at the store
  • Staff or other customers are visibly identifiable in the photo
  • The photo shows back areas or storage rooms that require discretion for business reasons

If you really need to shoot in those situations, please ask a staff member for confirmation, or check any posted notices.

Q. Other customers or staff ended up in my photo. Is it okay to post?​

A. It is acceptable to post if you process the image first. If faces are identifiable, use mosaic, sticker, blur, or cropping to obscure them. If only a back view or partial image is captured and identification would be difficult, processing is not strictly necessary — but when in doubt, processing is recommended.

A. In most cases this is fine, but please use good judgment. When these elements appear naturally as part of the facility or interior — rather than as the main subject — this generally does not constitute copyright infringement, just as with regular social media posts. However, please avoid compositions where a poster or advertisement becomes the main focus, or photos that could reflect negatively on a company's image.

Q. Can posts be deleted if they are judged to be inappropriate?​

A. Yes, posts may be subject to deletion or modification. We will take action on the following types of posts regardless of whether they have been reported.

  • Defamatory or inappropriate content
  • Photos that include other people's faces or personal information without consent
  • Photos taken in areas where photography is prohibited

We will also respond promptly if a request is received from a store or business.

Q. Who is responsible if there is a problem with a posted photo?​

A. Posts are made under the individual user's own responsibility as a general rule. We will take down posts as necessary, but responsibility for the content of a post lies with the person who posted it.

Q. Is there a suggested phrase I can use when explaining to a store?​

A. The following is a handy phrase to use. "I'm posting to 'WheeLog!', an app that shares barrier-free information for wheelchair users across Japan. Would it be alright if I took some photos of the entrance and accessibility facilities?"