I do a narrative report based on a running commentary to a digital voice recorder and pictures, based on inspection habits and a "mental checklist".

One thing that helped me a *lot* when was getting started was to *always* take certain pictures in addition to any others, and to take them at camera's highest resolution.

- A wide shot of each side of the structure
- The electrical service at exterior
-[ Wide shot(s) of entire accessible attic
- Wide shots(s) of entire accessible crawl space/basement
- Wide shots(s) of all utility areas
- Each HVAC component / WH.
- The main water and gas shut offs
- Wide shots of all electrical panels with the dead front closed, one with the panel door open (labels).
- Close-ups of the interior of each panel as required to be able to see the entire interior.
- Wide shots of each fireplace or SFBA, one head-on and one from one side. I also like to take a number inside the fire-box, especially of the junctions with other materials, and one each of the damper open and closed.

Invest in Photoshop, and learn how to use it to enhance your pictures.

With this material in hand you will be able to "visually re-inspect" many critical areas and systems as you write the report, and chances are if you have common beginners questions you will be able to illustrate many of them with pictures.

I still take take these photos as a matter of habit, and I still occasionally find myself referring to them.

YMMV.