{"id":12739,"date":"2014-01-27T08:00:05","date_gmt":"2014-01-27T13:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=12739"},"modified":"2015-04-21T14:09:02","modified_gmt":"2015-04-21T18:09:02","slug":"how-to-capture-the-before-and-after-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/how-to-capture-the-before-and-after-shot\/","title":{"rendered":"Detailing Photography: How to Capture the ‘Before and After Shot’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Documenting your detailing work can be extremely helpful. \u00a0Being able to effectively capture photos of your work allows you to demonstrate your abilities to your customers as well as any potential customers who may be looking through your website. \u00a0By presenting high quality before\/after images to your customers, you will be able to show them the drastic transformation their vehicle has gone through. \u00a0This will help them to truly appreciate your hard work and they will have no doubt that their money was well spent.<\/p>\n

Equipment<\/h2>\n

There are several items that help to make a quality before\/after shot. \u00a0First, you obviously need a quality camera. \u00a0A DSLR is not necessarily a requirement, but it will definitely help produce top notch images when used properly. \u00a0This means learning how to utilize manual settings and not relying on the camera’s “auto mode”.<\/p>\n

Second, a sturdy tripod is a must. \u00a0Setting your camera up on a tripod allows you to make a great before\/after shot in which the photos are framed identically. \u00a0This shows a true before\/after demonstration and looks much more professional than hand held shots that are not identically composed.<\/p>\n

Next, you need a good light source. \u00a0Since I shoot many of my before\/after shots during the paint correction process, I usually use my halogen work lights as my light source. \u00a0They are bright, so they easily highlight defects in paint, and they are mounted on a stand so they will be in the same exact spot for both the before and after photo. \u00a0For other types of shots, ambient light may be more suitable.<\/p>\n

An optional piece of equipment that I use very often are wireless remote triggers. \u00a0These make it easier for me to capture before\/after shots without having to touch the camera in between shots, therefore reducing the chance of bumping the tripod and messing up my shot. \u00a0It also means I do not have to walk back to the camera each time I want to take a photo, I simply reach in my pocket and press the button on the remote and the camera will take the photo. \u00a0As I said, these are certainly not needed, but are quite handy. \u00a0Some photo enthusiasts may already have these for triggering flashes, but may not have considered using them for their detailing photography.<\/p>\n

Taking the Shot<\/h2>\n

Now it is time to put all of your equipment to good use in order to properly capture the before shot and the after shot. \u00a0Remember, the goal is to to have two\u00a0photos that are identical to one another<\/strong> with the exception of the work you have done to enhance the appearance of the vehicle in between the before shot and after shot.<\/p>\n