Take Before Photos
Document your bathroom's current state from multiple angles. Good lighting helps track your progress.
Time Required
10-15 minutes
Cost
Free (use your phone)
Difficulty
Very Easy
Why Before Photos Matter
Before photos are the most underrated step in any home improvement project. Without them, you'll forget how bad things were and may not fully appreciate your transformation. They also serve as:
- Progress motivation: When you're mid-project and tired, looking at before photos reminds you why you started.
- Documentation: Useful for insurance, home value records, or if you need to hire a professional later.
- Inspiration for others: Share your transformation to help others see what's possible with a refresh vs. renovation.
- Personal satisfaction: The before/after comparison is genuinely satisfying and validates your hard work.
How to Take Effective Before Photos
Clear the clutter temporarily
Remove toiletries, towels, and personal items from counters and shower. You're documenting the bathroom, not your stuff. Put items in a basket just outside the door.
Maximize your lighting
Turn on all lights and open any blinds or curtains. If possible, shoot during daytime for natural light. Consistent lighting makes before/after comparisons more impactful.
Shoot wide from corners
Stand in the doorway and each corner to capture maximum space. Hold your phone horizontally for landscape shots that show more of the room.
Capture the problem areas
Take close-up shots of discolored grout, dated fixtures, water stains, worn caulk, or any specific issues you plan to address. These details show the real transformation.
Create a dedicated folder
Move photos to a "Bathroom Before" album on your phone or a folder on your computer. This makes it easy to find them later for comparison.
Photo Checklist
| Shot Type | What to Capture |
|---|---|
| Doorway view | What you see when you walk in - the first impression |
| Vanity area | Sink, faucet, counter, mirror, and lighting |
| Shower/tub | Fixtures, tile, grout condition, showerhead |
| Toilet area | Toilet, surrounding floor, nearby walls |
| Problem spots | Dated hardware, stained grout, worn caulk, water damage |
| Fixtures close-ups | Faucet, showerhead, towel bars, toilet handle |
Pro Tips
- Don't clean first: Resist the urge to scrub before shooting. You want to document the actual current state.
- Note your angles: Make a mental note of exactly where you stood. You'll want to replicate these angles for after photos.
- Take too many: You can always delete extras, but you can't go back once you've started work.
- Back them up: Cloud sync or email them to yourself. Don't lose these to a phone mishap.