Step 27 of 27Finish Phase

How to Take After Photos of Your Renovation

Congratulations—your bathroom renovation is complete! Now it's time to document the transformation. Good after photos let you appreciate the full scope of your work and create compelling before-and-after comparisons.

Quick Summary

Time needed

20-30 minutes

Cost

Free

Difficulty

Easy

Why After Photos Matter

Appreciate the transformation: Side-by-side comparisons bring the 'wow' factor. You'll forget how bad it was.
Document for resale: Before-and-after photos prove improvements to future buyers and appraisers.
Share your success: Whether for social media, friends, or just personal satisfaction.
Portfolio for contractors: If you worked with a contractor, they'll appreciate photos for their portfolio.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Deep Clean Everything

Your bathroom should be spotless for after photos. Clean all surfaces, polish chrome fixtures, wipe down tile, clean mirrors, and make the grout shine. This is your chance to show it at its absolute best.

  • • Clean all glass and mirrors
  • • Polish faucets and fixtures
  • • Wipe down tile and grout
  • • Clean toilet inside and out
  • • Vacuum or mop floors

2. Stage the Space

Light staging makes photos look magazine-worthy without appearing fake. Less is more.

Do Add:

  • • Fresh white or matching towels
  • • A small plant (real or quality fake)
  • • One or two minimal accessories
  • • A candle or soap dispenser

Remove:

  • • All personal toiletries
  • • Toothbrushes and cups
  • • Trash cans (or empty them)
  • • Bathmats (often look messy)

3. Match Your Before Photo Positions

This is critical for compelling comparisons. Use the notes or tape marks you made when shooting before photos. Stand in the exact same spots with the camera at the same height and angle.

Can't find your notes? Pull up your before photos and try to recreate the angle by matching visible reference points like door frames, fixture positions, or tile patterns.

4. Use Consistent Lighting

Shoot at the same time of day as your before photos for consistent color and shadows. Turn on all bathroom lights and open any windows, just as you did before.

5. Take Plenty of Shots

Capture everything: wide shots, wall straight-ons, detail close-ups of new fixtures, tile work, vanity, and any special features. Take more than you think you need.

6. Create Before-and-After Comparisons

Use an app or online tool to create side-by-side comparisons. Many photo editing apps have before/after templates. Save these to share and for your records.

After Photo Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my after photos match my before photos?

Use the position notes or tape marks you made when taking before photos. Stand in the exact same spot, hold the camera at the same height, and shoot at the same time of day for consistent lighting.

Should I stage my bathroom for after photos?

Light staging improves photos without looking fake. Add fresh towels, a small plant, and minimal accessories. Remove all personal items, toiletries, and clutter.

What's the best way to create before-and-after comparisons?

Use apps like Canva, PicCollage, or your phone's built-in photo editor. Many have side-by-side templates designed for before/after comparisons.

Congratulations!

You've completed your bathroom renovation! Enjoy your beautiful new space. Don't forget to save your before-and-after photos for future reference and sharing.

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