All guides

Before & after photo tips

Great project photos sell the job before you say a word. Use them on your site, Google profile, and social.

The golden rule: same angle, same light

Before/after pairs only work when viewers can compare apples to apples.

Before — same spot, same framing
After — stand where you stood

Shoot horizontal

Landscape photos fill website galleries better. Hold your phone sideways.

Use natural light

Open blinds, shoot daytime. Avoid harsh overhead-only garage lighting for "after" shots.

Clean the frame

Move hoses, coffee cups, and trash bags out of shot. Clutter distracts from your work.

Get permission

Ask homeowners/clients before posting identifiable exteriors or faces. A quick text is enough.

By industry

  • Roofing / siding: Wide shot from the street — before storm damage, after complete install.
  • Kitchen/bath reno: Same corner of the room. Capture countertops, cabinets, and flooring.
  • Landscaping: Edge of driveway or lot line as your anchor point.
  • Auto detail: Driver-side angle, same parking spot, wheels in frame.
  • Hair color: Back-of-head or over-shoulder — consistent background (salon chair).
  • Nails / lashes: Close-up with clean hands/eyes, neutral background, no filters.
  • Medspa: Subtle angles; focus on treatment area. Follow HIPAA — no identifiable patient info without consent forms.
  • Smile transformations: Lip-retracted clinical angle, same chair, same lighting.
  • Office shots: Reception, operatories, team in scrubs — builds trust on GBP.
  • Always get written photo consent for patient smiles used in marketing.
  • Progress photos: Same wall, same distance, same time of day, similar clothing.
  • Facility: Wide gym floor, equipment rows, class in session (with permission).

Where to use your photos

1
Shoot on every job
2
Email best 3–5 to AltaForma
3
We update your site
4
Upload same shots to Google

Reusing the same photos on your website and Google Business Profile builds consistency and trust. See site care for how to send us new images.

What not to do

Skip these

  • Heavy Instagram filters that change colors (roof looks nothing like reality)
  • Stock photos passed off as your work
  • Blurry zoomed-in screenshots from video
  • Before photo from Google Street View, after from your phone (different angle/season)
  • Photos with competitor signage or another company's truck in frame