A method for improved image acquisition for photogrammetry includes focusing a camera on one end of an object, capturing one or more images of the object, incrementally adjusting the focal length of the camera toward the opposite end of the object, and capturing images at each new focal length. Once the object has been photographed at varying focal lengths that run the entire length of the object, the multitude of images are then combined using focus stacking to create a singular image that is more in focus for the entire length of the object. A method for utilizing thermographic cameras to aid in the acquisition of images for photogrammetry includes applying thermal textures to the object and isolating an object from the background due to thermal differences.