Your completed projects deserve to be shown off. But if you're like most tradespeople, you've got an iPhone in your pocket, not a professional camera. Good news: that's more than enough to create stunning portfolio images.
The difference between a mediocre photo and a great one usually comes down to a few simple techniques. Master these, and your work will look as professional online as it does in person.
1. Clean Up Before You Shoot
This sounds obvious, but it's the most overlooked step. Before taking any photos, spend five minutes tidying the space:
- Remove tools, packaging, and debris from the frame
- Wipe down surfaces to remove dust and fingerprints
- Straighten any items that look crooked
- Close toilet lids (a classic mistake in bathroom photos)
"Your eye naturally ignores the ladder in the corner because you know it's temporary. The camera doesn't—and neither will potential clients viewing your portfolio."
2. Use Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend. Turn off overhead lights (which often cast an unflattering yellow tint) and open blinds or curtains. The best time to shoot interiors is when soft, indirect sunlight fills the room—typically morning or late afternoon on an overcast day.
If you must shoot in low light, avoid using your flash. It creates harsh shadows and washes out details. Instead, try increasing your exposure by tapping the screen and sliding the sun icon upward.
3. Keep It Level
Nothing screams "amateur" like a photo where the walls appear to lean. Enable the grid lines in your camera settings (Settings > Camera > Grid) and use them to keep horizontal and vertical lines straight.
For interior shots, position your camera at chest height and keep it perfectly level. Shooting from too high or too low can distort the space.
4. Shoot from Corners
To make a room look spacious, shoot from a corner. This technique captures two walls and creates a sense of depth. Stand in a doorway or corner, step back as far as you can, and use the 0.5x wide-angle lens if your iPhone has one.
5. Capture the Details
Wide shots show the overall work, but close-ups tell the story of your craftsmanship. Take detailed shots of:
- Joinery and connections
- Material textures
- Hardware and fixtures
- Before-and-after comparisons
6. Edit Lightly
A little editing goes a long way. Use your iPhone's built-in editor or a free app like Snapseed to:
- Straighten any crooked lines
- Increase brightness slightly
- Boost contrast to make colours pop
- Crop out any distracting elements at the edges
Resist the urge to over-filter. Your work should look realistic—potential clients want to see what they'll actually get.
Conclusion
Great portfolio photos don't require expensive equipment—just attention to detail and a few simple techniques. Make it a habit to photograph every completed project, and over time you'll build a library of images that showcase your best work. That portfolio is one of your most powerful marketing tools.