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You don't need a professional camera to look like a pro. Learn how to showcase your craftsmanship using just your smartphone—and where to find free photos when you’re in a pinch.
Proof is in the Pictures
In the trades, trust is everything. A customer wants to see that you aren’t just "handy," but that you are tidy, precise, and professional. You might be the best joiner in the county, but if your website photos are dark, blurry, or cluttered, you’re losing leads.
Here is how to take photos that actually win you work.
1. The "Golden Rule" of Lighting
Flash is your enemy. It creates harsh shadows and makes even the best tile job look "cheap."
Do this: Open the curtains. Turn on every light in the room.
Pro Tip: The best time to take a photo of an outdoor project (like a fence or deck) is on a slightly cloudy day. The clouds act as a giant light-softener, so you don't get "blown out" white spots in your images.
2. Clear the Clutter
Before you hit the shutter button, look at the background.
The No-Go Zone: Move your toolbox, your half-eaten sandwich, and the pile of sawdust.
The Goal: You want the customer to imagine you in their house. A clean workspace suggests a clean worker.
3. The "Before & After" Magic
People love a transformation. Always take a photo of the "mess" before you start.
Angle Consistency: Try to stand in the exact same spot for both the 'Before' and 'After' shots. It makes the "swipe" effect on your Google Site much more satisfying.
4. Wide Shot vs. Detail Shot
The Wide Shot: Shows the scale of the project (e.g., the whole bathroom).
The Detail Shot: Shows the quality (e.g., a close-up of a perfectly sealed corner).
No Photos? No Problem.
If you’ve just started out and haven't built up your portfolio yet, don't leave your website blank. Use high-quality "Stock Photos" to set the mood—just be honest that they are "service examples."
Best Free Sources for Professional Trade Photos:
Unsplash (Construction/Home) – Incredible, high-end photography for free.
Pexels (Home Improvement) – Great for "action" shots of tools and renovations.
Pixabay – A huge library of literal "tools of the trade" images.
Stride Tip: Use the "Image Carousel" widget in your template to create a "Gallery" page. It’s the perfect way to let customers flip through your best work.
Related guides:
Use images to make your Stride template look expensive, load instantly, and rank on Google
Where to find stock photos, colour swatches, advice on fonts etc - all for free!
Learn how to link your Stride template to your Google Business Profile to dominate local search
Google Sites
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