Should I buy a quality camera or hire a professional photographer? The answer is, it depends. However, most painting contractors opt for the former when it comes to taking before and after interior painting photographs. Modern mobile phones come with quality cameras. With such quality, it is a lot easier to get the job done.
Just because you have the finest camera doesn’t mean you’ll be able to snap quality pictures. Some things are best left to a professional. Lighting, aperture, and exposure times can impact picture quality.
However, if you landed one of the biggest painting projects of your career that requires quality photography, then spending a few dollars on a professional photographer to take professional photographs isn’t a bad idea. This is a great option if you run an advertising campaign for your company. The right photographs taken from the perfect angles will help draw more attention from potential customers to your paint company.
How to Take the Perfect Before and After Interior Painting
If you are considering taking pictures yourself, then you must invest in a high-quality camera. Here are some helpful painting photography tips.
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Ditch Portrait Photos, Use Landscape Instead
Many amateur photographers take their pictures in portrait form. Turn your phone sideways. Computers have wider screens and are short in length. So when taking pictures for marketing and advertising purposes, go with landscape images.
Portrait photos leave little room for adjustment and resizing. Landscape photos allow you to capture more of the surroundings.
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Keep Your Photos Level
Most phone cameras come with features that can help you keep your photos level. Go to your phone’s camera settings and enable the grid for your camera. This helps you maintain straight lines when taking pictures.
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Maintain the same shooting position for before and after pictures
Before and after interior painting photos require planning and foresight. Prior to getting the job done, map out strategic spots for your before and after pictures. To maintain consistency, consider things that may not be in the after shot, like wall paints, animals, and other debris.
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Avoid Using Photo Filters
Photo filters make your pictures look more beautiful. What many people do not know is that these filters have on average an 8-month trend pattern. So what do you do to these pictures when new trends pop up? Without photo filters, your photos can be used for adverts and marketing for as long as possible.
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Put Lighting Into Perspective
One of the most crucial aspects of photography is lighting. Lighting can impact your shot. Do not take photographs in direct light or harsh shadows. You can control exposure to lighting using curtains and blinds. Turn on interior lights and lamps until you find the perfect combination. Do not take pictures facing the windows to avoid washed-out photos.
The time of the day is yet another factor to consider. Exterior painting jobs are best photographed at least one hour before sunset while interior photography is ideal in the mid-day when the natural light is at its brightest.