How to take before & after photos that win you more jobs

Before and after photos help your customers see what’s possible when they work with you, and can be some of the most powerful marketing tools in your toolkit. They help homeowners visualize what working with you looks like and how you can transform their space. 

Yet, a surprising number of pros still treat before and after shots as an afterthought, snapping blurry images, forgetting to clean up the space, or not even taking the “before” at all. And that’s a missed opportunity. In a business where trust and credibility are everything, your photos are one of the few tools that can both prove your quality and build your brand. 

1. Showcase the biggest transformation

Do this: Focus your photo series on the most visually dramatic part of the job, whether it’s a total bathroom gut, a damaged HVAC unit, or a crumbling driveway turned sleek. Frame your shots to emphasize the change. This helps homeowners immediately grasp the value of your work and picture their own space transformed.

Not that: Avoid overly subtle transformations, like repainting a white wall white again, unless it's paired with something more striking.

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Project by Swift Hand Painting.

2. Use natural light (and skip the flash)

Good lighting makes a huge difference. Whenever possible, take your photos during the day using natural light. A flash can create harsh shadows, which may make even your best work look off, so try to prioritize natural lighting whenever possible.

Project by Florida A1 Fencing.

3. Use your phone camera the right way

You don’t need a fancy camera. Most iPhones and Androids have great built-in cameras. Just make sure to:

• Clean the lens before shooting
• Use portrait orientation (rather than landscape) to post on social media
• Try wide-angle mode to show more of the room or full extent of the installation
• Most phones have this built-in; look for “.5” when the camera is on

Project by 1st Class Paint.

4. Declutter the space

A cluttered “after” photo distracts from your work. Before snapping the final shot, take a few moments to tidy the area.  Move tools, sweep up debris, and make sure packaging materials are out of frame. The cleaner the space, the more professional and finished the work looks. 

Project by The Screen B.

5. Edit to enhance 

Don't overdo it with filters, but a little editing goes a long way:

• Adjust brightness if your shot is too dark
• Improve contrast to make features pop
• Balance color/hue to enhance liveliness

Here are a few iPhone camera settings for better-looking photos.

Project by Ohio Painting Company.

6. Pair your photos side by side 

To maximize impact, present your “before” and “after” photos side by side. This creates an instant visual comparison that’s easy for potential customers to process. With tools like Canva, you have access to advanced photo editing features.

Project by Uniserve Air Conditioning.

7. Share it where it matters

Reach the right people by sharing your financing offer where they’re already paying attention.

• Google Business Profile — see how to make the most of it
• Instagram/Facebook
• Customer emails/newsletters
• Direct mail, printed materials
• Yelp, Angi, Thumbtack, Nextdoor

Project by Swift Hand Painting.

Want more eyes on your photos? Here’s how to grow your social media following and make sure your best work gets seen.

Final thoughts

Before and after photos are more than just nice pictures. They're testimonials. By taking a few steps to ensure quality and consistency, you can stand out in a competitive market. 

Check out how these businesses shared their work and share your own Wisetack-financed projects on Facebook or Instagram using #TheWisetackWay. You’ll get an exposure boost, and maybe even some Wisetack swag.