How to take your before and after photos.
Before and after pictures show a dramatic change or transformation to something. Taking high-quality photos is the best way to convey this. Here are some simple tips to help you take picture-perfect photos.
1. Use natural light.
Lighting is arguably one of the most important aspects of taking before and after pictures. A dark or grainy picture won’t convey your message well. Natural light or bright, artificial light can allow for consistent lighting and enhance the quality of your photos.
If you’re taking pictures indoors, use the natural light pouring through the windows. If the room doesn’t benefit from natural light, consider using photographic equipment for a balanced, professional finish. Avoid shadows and aim for the same light for both photos.
2. Ensure consistent angles and perspectives.
Before and after pictures aren't as effective when taken from different angles. You want to capture the same subject with the same background and lighting. This will allow viewers to register the changes made and draw an easy comparison.
Let’s say you’re taking a before and after picture of a kitchen renovation for your restaurant. Using the window or room corner as a reference point can ensure each shot has a consistent perspective. Alternatively, marking the spot where you’re standing can allow you to snap pictures from the same distance each time.
3. Explore different camera settings.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your camera settings as you see fit. Your smartphone or camera can only do so much. It can be useful to explore built-in editing options to achieve the best possible results. This includes adjusting the brightness, contrast, colour/hue, focus, and more.
Luckily, you have many how-to guides and tutorials online for your exact phone or camera model. For more professional photo editing, Adobe Express’s image editor is also available. Avoid using filters in before and after photos, as they can distort the true representation of changes and appear unrealistic.
4. Keep things stable.
Steadiness is a key element of before and after photos. Even the steadiest hands can wobble, leading to blurry or unfocused pictures. Using a tripod or resting your phone or camera on a stable surface can give your photos a solid foundation.
There are plenty of affordable tripod options for cameras or tripods designed for smartphones. If you’re in a pinch, you can always rest your phone against a prop on a flat surface, such as a stack of books or a shelf.
5. Take multiple photos.
Taking more than one photo gives you more material to work with. Your first photo might be the winning shot, but it’s better to have more options.
Try different lighting conditions or experiment with different angles and perspectives. When it’s time to make your before and after collage, you’ll be glad to have multiple shots. You might even choose the photos you least expected.
How to do before and after pictures with Adobe Express: Step-by-step.
Adobe Express lets you make before and after photos in just a few clicks. You can also customise your pictures with photo effects, image enhancers, image resizing, and more.
Make expert before and after pictures with the handy side-by-side collage tool:
- Go to the collage tool. Head to the free side-by-side collage maker tool on Adobe Express.
- Choose your side-by-side template. Create your before and after collage from scratch, or browse the full collage template library.
- Upload your images. Select your preferred side-by-side layout, then drag and drop your images, or click the ‘Upload images’ button.
- Adjust your before and after collage. With your photos added, make any necessary tweaks to the collage. You can adjust border space, swap images around, and more.
- Download and share. Once you’re happy with your before and after picture, click ‘Download’. You can share it via link or post directly on social media.
