How to Take Before Photos for Your Bathroom Renovation
The first step of any bathroom renovation is documenting where you started. Good before photos aren't just for bragging rights—they help you appreciate the transformation, guide contractor conversations, document existing issues, and provide valuable insurance and resale documentation.
Quick Summary
Time needed
20-30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Free
Why Before Photos Matter More Than You Think
Most people skip this step or take a few hasty phone snapshots. Then demolition starts, and they realize they can't remember where that outlet was, what the tile pattern looked like, or how bad the grout actually was. Or worse—they need to show an insurance adjuster or contractor the existing condition, and they have nothing to show.
Taking 20 minutes now to document your bathroom properly will pay dividends later. Here's what good before photos enable:
- Transformation appreciation: You'll be amazed at how much you forget. Before photos bring the 'wow' factor back.
- Contractor communication: Show exactly what needs to change without guessing or relying on memory.
- Issue documentation: Identify hidden problems like water damage, mold, or structural concerns.
- Insurance documentation: Prove improvements for claims or appraisals if you ever need to.
- Resale value proof: Buyers and agents love seeing before-and-after documentation of upgrades.
What You Need (Probably Already Have It)
You don't need fancy equipment. A smartphone made in the last 5 years will produce photos that are more than good enough. Here's your minimal kit:
Required
- Smartphone or digital camera
- Soft cloth to clean lens
- Note-taking app or paper
Nice to Have
- Phone tripod or stable surface
- Wide-angle lens attachment
- Measuring tape (for reference)
Step-by-Step: Taking Your Before Photos
1. Clean Your Lens (Seriously)
Your phone goes in and out of pockets, bags, and hands all day. The lens picks up fingerprints, dust, and moisture that create hazy, unflattering photos. Give it a quick wipe with a soft cloth or your shirt before starting.
2. Declutter Minimally—Don't Stage
Remove obvious clutter: toiletries scattered on the counter, towels on the floor, trash in the bin. But don't go overboard. The point is to document the real state of your bathroom, not create a magazine shoot.
Leave things like your soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, and towel bars in place. Over-staging defeats the purpose and makes the transformation less dramatic.
3. Choose the Right Time for Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks interior photos. The ideal time is early to mid-morning when natural light is soft and diffused. If your bathroom has no windows, use bright overhead lighting.
Do This
- • Shoot in early/mid-morning
- • Open blinds and windows
- • Turn on all overhead lights
- • Overcast days work great too
Avoid This
- • Using only camera flash
- • Harsh midday direct sunlight
- • Dim lighting with shadows
- • Mixed lighting temperatures
Flash photography creates harsh shadows and washes out details. Natural light or bright overhead lighting gives the most accurate representation.
4. Camera Settings and Technique
You don't need to be a photographer, but a few simple settings make a big difference:
5. Capture Your Wide Shots
These are the money shots for before-and-after comparisons. Take at least 3-4 wide photos from different positions:
Essential Angles
Shot 1: Doorway view
Stand in the doorway, capture what you see when entering the bathroom
Shot 2: Opposite corner
From the far corner looking back toward the door
Shot 3: Vanity wall
Standing opposite the vanity, capture the whole wall and mirror
Shot 4: Shower/tub area
Full view of the shower or tub enclosure
6. Capture Straight-On Wall Shots
In addition to corner shots, take a straight-on photo of each wall. Face the wall directly, align your camera so the wall edges are parallel to the frame edges. These shots are especially useful for comparing tile work, fixtures, and wall treatments.
7. Take Close-Up Detail Shots
Now zoom in on the specific elements you're planning to change or that show existing problems. These close-ups document the condition of individual features:
8. Document Behind and Under Fixtures
If accessible, photograph behind the toilet, under the sink, and inside cabinets. These areas often reveal water damage, mold, or structural issues that contractors need to know about before providing accurate estimates.
9. Organize and Back Up Your Photos
Don't let your before photos get lost in your camera roll. Immediately after shooting:
- Create a dedicated album: "Bathroom Renovation - Before"
- Back up to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Add notes about camera positions for each shot
- Share with your contractor for reference
Your Before Photo Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you've captured everything. Aim for at least 12-18 photos total.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using only camera flash in a windowless bathroom
Why it's a problem: Creates harsh shadows and washes out tile colors and textures
What to do instead: Turn on all overhead lights and any additional lamps for even illumination
Only taking one or two wide shots
Why it's a problem: You can't recreate the exact angle later if you want a different comparison
What to do instead: Take multiple angles from doorway, corners, and straight-on views
Not photographing problem areas closely
Why it's a problem: Contractors need to see issues like water damage, cracked tile, or mold for accurate bids
What to do instead: Zoom in on any damage, stains, or areas of concern
Forgetting to note camera positions
Why it's a problem: You won't be able to match the exact angle for after photos
What to do instead: Mark floor positions with tape or photograph your feet placement
Not backing up immediately
Why it's a problem: Photos can get deleted or lost before demolition starts
What to do instead: Create a dedicated album and cloud backup right after shooting
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera should I use for bathroom before photos?
A modern smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for before-and-after renovation photos. The key is consistency—use the same device for both before and after shots. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, that works too, but it's not necessary.
What time of day is best for bathroom photos?
Early to mid-morning provides the best natural light for interior bathroom photos. The light is soft and diffused, avoiding harsh shadows. If your bathroom has no windows, use bright overhead lighting but avoid flash photography.
Should I clean my bathroom before taking before photos?
Minimally. Remove obvious clutter, personal items, and trash, but don't deep clean or stage the space. The purpose of before photos is to document the authentic state of your bathroom. Over-staging defeats the purpose and makes the transformation less impactful.
How many before photos should I take?
Plan for at least 12-18 photos: 3-4 wide shots from different angles, straight-on wall shots, close-ups of fixtures, tile, vanity, shower/tub, and any problem areas. It's better to have too many than too few—you can't go back and retake them once demolition starts.
Why is it important to take before photos of a bathroom renovation?
Before photos serve multiple purposes: they help you appreciate the transformation when complete, provide documentation for insurance or resale value, help contractors understand the starting point, identify issues during planning, and create compelling before-and-after content if you want to share your project.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you've documented your bathroom with before photos, it's time to measure and assess the existing space.