I would say it depends on the position and the authority that been delegated to the inspector.
If one is representing the owner, i.e., the verification inspector, a retest could be requested.
If the inspector is the fabricator's inspector, a retest can be required.
If one reads D1.1, the verification inspector (VI) has very little authority. The building code or the project specification may grant the verification inspector additional authority, but generally, the VI simply reports back to thee Engineer. The Engineer is the individual with the authority to make demands of the fabricator.
In most circumstances, when the VI makes demands of the fabricator, it is a young buck that is overstepping their authority and possibly incurring major expenses for his employer.
About all the verification inspector can do is report the work as noncompliant and include sufficient information that the Engineer requires repair or replacement. When the cost of the corrective action reaches a pinnacle, the contractor will make a determination that the welder's continued employment is no longer cost effective.
As for photographs; I have an entire course based on such photographs. If a weld is found to be unacceptable, it is highly likely there is a photograph of the weld in my report for all to see. The adage "A picture (photograph) is worth a thousand words" is very true.
Best regards - Al
