After putting your time and effort into a DIY project, there’s no doubt you’ll want to share the outcome. How do you make sure everyone knows just how amazing it looks? Snapping a picture! A series of before and after photos can be all the inspiration someone else needs to get started on a home project. It will also make you feel incredibly accomplished with your final result! The only problem is that sometimes photos don’t perfectly translate what we see in real life, which is why putting a little extra time and effort into taking the perfect picture will work to your benefit. Here are a few things to keep in mind before taking the ideal shot of your newly framed mirror!
Lighting
One of the trickiest aspects of properly photographing any mirror is the fact that it reflects. While this may seem like common sense, there are a few things you don’t really want reflected! Before you get ready to take the photo, make sure your lighting is just right.
The bathroom shouldn’t be so dim as to need a flash. The goal is to avoid flash at all costs, as its reflection is seen in the mirror and takes the focus entirely off of the main target: your mirror’s frame! Make sure your bathroom lighting is even and bright so that the photo is clear. If you have natural light coming in from windows, double check with a test shot to see if it creates any unwanted shadows or beams. If so, use blinds and rely on your light fixtures.
Decor
Remember that this photo is going to be seen as design inspiration, so keep an eye on what your bathroom looks like. This could be as simple as a quick tidying up. Keep in mind that your sink and vanity area will not be the only spot on display; the mirror will likely show the walls, floor, and more! If there are lingering bathroom products or towels, the viewer will likely miss the DIY project and be more interested in what products you have stocked up. Keep it as simple and clean as possible. Imagine you’re inviting over a very important guest and want your bathroom to look its best!
Angles
This point can’t be brought up enough, but mirrors are reflective! The photographer shouldn’t be the star of the show. As such, try to take advantage of alternate angles when snapping shots. This means avoiding any head on photos by removing yourself from any mirror visibility. If you can’t see yourself in the mirror while you’re taking the photo, you probably have a good angle. This may mean stepping in your tub or stepping outside your bathroom door (like the image below) and peeking in with your camera.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to DIY before and after photos, don’t feel overwhelmed by the documenting process. Luckily, you have plenty of time to play around and experiment! If you take a round of test shots and review them closely, you’ll likely start to notice what may seem off in a few of your photos and learn to avoid those mistakes in your next round. Simply trying to get it perfect with just one shot isn’t the best route to take. If you have a wide selection to work from, you can narrow it down to your best shot! Also, feel free to play around with photo editing apps or features that come with your phone or camera. By adjusting the lighting just a little, your shot might just look even better!
Lighting
One of the trickiest aspects of properly photographing any mirror is the fact that it reflects. While this may seem like common sense, there are a few things you don’t really want reflected! Before you get ready to take the photo, make sure your lighting is just right.
The bathroom shouldn’t be so dim as to need a flash. The goal is to avoid flash at all costs, as its reflection is seen in the mirror and takes the focus entirely off of the main target: your mirror’s frame! Make sure your bathroom lighting is even and bright so that the photo is clear. If you have natural light coming in from windows, double check with a test shot to see if it creates any unwanted shadows or beams. If so, use blinds and rely on your light fixtures.
Decor
Remember that this photo is going to be seen as design inspiration, so keep an eye on what your bathroom looks like. This could be as simple as a quick tidying up. Keep in mind that your sink and vanity area will not be the only spot on display; the mirror will likely show the walls, floor, and more! If there are lingering bathroom products or towels, the viewer will likely miss the DIY project and be more interested in what products you have stocked up. Keep it as simple and clean as possible. Imagine you’re inviting over a very important guest and want your bathroom to look its best!
Angles
This point can’t be brought up enough, but mirrors are reflective! The photographer shouldn’t be the star of the show. As such, try to take advantage of alternate angles when snapping shots. This means avoiding any head on photos by removing yourself from any mirror visibility. If you can’t see yourself in the mirror while you’re taking the photo, you probably have a good angle. This may mean stepping in your tub or stepping outside your bathroom door (like the image below) and peeking in with your camera.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to DIY before and after photos, don’t feel overwhelmed by the documenting process. Luckily, you have plenty of time to play around and experiment! If you take a round of test shots and review them closely, you’ll likely start to notice what may seem off in a few of your photos and learn to avoid those mistakes in your next round. Simply trying to get it perfect with just one shot isn’t the best route to take. If you have a wide selection to work from, you can narrow it down to your best shot! Also, feel free to play around with photo editing apps or features that come with your phone or camera. By adjusting the lighting just a little, your shot might just look even better!