Take After Photos
Document your completed deck from multiple angles at different times of day. These photos capture your achievement, provide insurance documentation, and create lasting memories of your transformation.
Quick Summary
30-60 minutes
Golden hour
$0
Priceless
Congratulations!
You've built a deck! From planning and permits through framing, decking, railings, and finishing, you've created an outdoor living space that will serve your family for years to come. Now it's time to document your achievement and capture this transformation.
Why After Photos Matter
Personal Record
Years from now, you'll love looking back at what you accomplished. Your deck will weather and evolve - these photos capture it at its best.
Insurance Documentation
Photos of the completed project can be valuable for insurance claims if damage ever occurs. Document the structure and finishes.
Before/After Comparisons
Match your before photos to create dramatic transformation images. These are incredibly satisfying and inspire others.
Future Sale Value
When selling your home, photos of the deck's construction quality and original appearance demonstrate the care you put into improvements.
Best Photography Times
Golden Hour - The Best Light
The hour after sunrise and before sunset provides warm, soft light that makes wood tones glow and minimizes harsh shadows. This is when professional photographers shoot real estate and outdoor spaces.
Morning Light
Fresh, clean look. Good if your deck faces east. Dew may still be present.
Overcast Day
Even, soft light without harsh shadows. Good for detail shots. Colors may appear muted.
Evening/Dusk
Warm, atmospheric light. Great for showing deck lighting in action.
Photo Checklist
Essential Shots to Capture
Wide Shots
- Full deck from yard (include house)
- Corner angle showing depth
- View from deck toward yard
- Full deck from above (if possible)
Detail Shots
- Railing and post cap close-up
- Stair detail showing treads/risers
- Decking pattern and finish
- Built-in features (benches, planters)
Lifestyle Shots
- Furnished dining area
- Lounge seating arrangement
- Evening with lights on
- Family or friends enjoying space
Before/After Matches
- Same angles as before photos
- Similar time of day/lighting
- Same camera height/position
Photography Tips
Stage Before Shooting
Clean and sweep the deck. Arrange furniture attractively. Add some lifestyle elements - a throw blanket, potted plants, a book and glass on a side table. Remove clutter, hoses, and anything that distracts from the deck.
Camera Technique
Keep your phone or camera level - tilted photos look amateur. Step back to capture more of the scene. For wide shots, hold camera at chest height. Clean your lens! Take multiple shots of each angle.
Create Depth
Include foreground elements (a corner of a chair, a planter) to create depth and make photos feel more three-dimensional and inviting. Shoot from corners rather than straight-on for more interesting compositions.
Share Your Success
You built something amazing - share it! Your project might inspire someone else to tackle their own deck build.
- - Create a side-by-side before/after comparison
- - Post to Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook
- - Share in home improvement communities (Reddit r/DIY, r/HomeImprovement)
- - Save in a home improvement portfolio for future reference or home sale
- - Send to friends and family who watched you work on it
- - Add to your permit file for complete documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to photograph a deck?
The best light for deck photography is during "golden hour" - the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light minimizes harsh shadows and makes wood tones glow. Overcast days also work well. Avoid midday sun which creates harsh shadows and washed-out colors.
What angles should I photograph my deck from?
Capture: 1) Wide shot from the yard showing the whole deck and house, 2) Shot from the deck showing the view and furniture arrangement, 3) Corner angle showing depth and dimension, 4) Detail shots of railings, stairs, built-ins, and special features, 5) Evening shot with lights on.
Why should I take after photos of my deck?
After photos serve multiple purposes: documenting your accomplishment for personal satisfaction, creating before/after comparisons, providing records for insurance purposes, helping with future maintenance planning, inspiring others considering similar projects, and adding to your home's documentation.
How do I make my deck photos look professional?
Stage the space with clean, arranged furniture and some plants or flowers. Shoot during golden hour for best light. Keep the camera level and frame the deck as the main subject. Include some foreground interest (plants, chairs) for depth. Clean your lens and take multiple shots to choose the best one.