
10 Tips For Better Jobsite Photos
When it comes to showcasing your custom integration projects, great photos and videos can make all the difference in attracting potential customers. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera to capture stunning visuals of your work. Your iPhone, with its advanced camera features, is all you need to create a professional portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take photos and videos that will make your website shine.
1. Plan Your Shots
Before you start snapping away, take a moment to plan:
- What to capture: Highlight the key features of your work, like cleanly mounted TVs, organized racks, or beautifully installed lighting systems.
- Angles to consider: Think of the best ways to show off symmetry, lighting, and how the technology integrates with the space.
2. Use Natural Lighting
- Natural light can make your photos look crisp and vibrant.
- Take photos during the day when rooms are well-lit by windows, but avoid direct sunlight that can cause harsh shadows.
- If natural light isn’t available, use the iPhone’s Night mode or turn on soft indoor lighting for a warm, inviting look.
3. Stabilize Your Shots
Shaky hands can ruin a great photo or video. Use these tips for stability:
- Hold steady: Use both hands and keep your elbows close to your body.
- Use tools: A tripod or even a makeshift stand can help keep your phone still.
- Leverage your iPhone’s features: Enable Grid in your settings (Settings > Camera > Grid) to keep your shots level and aligned.
4. Use the Right Settings
- Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range): This ensures details in both shadows and highlights are captured.
- Portrait Mode: Use this to focus on specific elements, like a beautifully installed control panel or elegant light fixtures.
- Adjust Exposure: Tap on the screen where you want to focus and slide your finger up or down to adjust brightness.
5. Shoot Wide and Close
Capture a mix of wide-angle shots that show the entire space and close-ups that highlight your precision work. For instance:
- Wide shot: Showcase a living room with an integrated AV system.
- Close-up: Focus on the craftsmanship of hidden wires or clean cable management.
6. Capture Video in 4K
Your iPhone allows you to shoot high-quality 4K video. Use this feature to record smooth pans of the room or demonstrate how the system operates.
- Keep it smooth: Move the phone slowly to avoid jerky footage.
- Use Cinematic Mode: This adds depth to your video, keeping the focus on the key elements.
7. Include People in the Shots
Don’t forget to include yourself or your team in some of the photos and videos!
- Show your team working on an install, smiling in front of a completed project, or interacting with clients.
- This helps potential customers connect with you as real people, not just a brand.
8. Edit Your Photos and Videos
- Use the built-in editing tools on your iPhone to crop, adjust brightness, and enhance colors.
- Apps like Lightroom or Snapseed can give your photos a professional polish.
- For videos, iMovie is a user-friendly option to trim, add transitions, or overlay text.
9. Highlight Your Branding
Make sure your company’s identity is clear in the visuals:
- Wear branded shirts in the photos.
- Include subtle shots of your logo on vehicles, tools, or documents.
10. Keep It Real
Customers love authenticity. While it’s great to polish your photos, don’t over-edit. Let the quality of your work speak for itself.
Bonus Tips for a Professional Look
- Declutter the area before taking photos to ensure the focus stays on your work.
- Use reflective surfaces (like TVs or glossy equipment) wisely to avoid showing unwanted reflections.
- Take multiple shots from different angles to find the best one.
By following these tips, you can create a stunning portfolio of your work using just your iPhone. And remember, showing yourself or your team in the photos helps customers connect with you, building trust before they even make the first call.
Ready to turn those photos into a customer-generating machine? At Pixel Vault, we specialize in creating websites that showcase your work and help drive traffic. Let us know if you’d like to learn more!