As a shade or screen installer, showcasing your work is one of the most effective ways to attract new clients. Whether you specialize in residential or commercial installations, your photos can speak volumes. High-quality images can highlight your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the transformative power of your installs.

However, getting great photos isn’t just about pointing and shooting. You don't have to be a professional photographer or have expensive camera equipment to take portfolio-worthy images. You just need to apply a few essential tips to capture the magic of your work with the smartphone you already have. Let’s dive into some practical photography tips that will help you present your installations in the best possible light (pun intended).

1. Timing is Everything: Leverage Natural Light

softer and casts fewer harsh shadows. This golden, diffused light is perfect for showing off the texture of your shades and how they interact with daylight. Natural light also reduces the need for artificial lighting, which can sometimes create glare or distort colors.

Tip: For outdoor screens or patio shades, position yourself so that the light hits your installation from the side. This adds depth and dimension to your photos while keeping your shadow from overshadowing your work.

2. Composition: Frame Your Shot Thoughtfully

Before you snap a photo, think about how you’re framing the scene. A well-composed image can make even the simplest installation look high-end. Always keep in mind the “Rule of Thirds.”

Imagine your photo is divided into a grid of nine equal sections by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Luckily, most smartphones have this grid option within their camera settings. Try to place key elements of your installation—like the top of the window frame or the bottom of the shade—along these lines or at their intersections. This creates balance and draws the viewer’s eye to the most important parts of the image.

Tip: Don’t just take a photo of the window. Show the entire room or a corner of the room that includes the window and its surroundings. This gives your potential clients a better idea of how the installation enhances the overall space.

3. Show Before-and-After Comparisons

Clients love to see transformation. A simple before-and-after photo can go a long way in showing the value of your work. Make sure to take a picture of the window or outdoor space before you start the installation, then capture the finished product from the exact same angle for a powerful comparison.

Tip: Use apps or basic photo editing software to create side-by-side images. This not only makes the comparison clear but also demonstrates your attention to detail and pride in your work.

4. Highlight Functionality

with ease or how solar screens cut down on bright sunlight in a living room.

Tip: Including human interaction in your photos—like someone adjusting a shade—adds a sense of practicality and relatability while also providing a sense of scale.

5. Keep the Space Clean and Clutter-Free

This might seem obvious, but clutter can distract from your installation. Before snapping any photos, take a few minutes to tidy up the space. Remove unnecessary objects like tools, cords, and packaging.

If you’re photographing an interior space, ensure that the furniture is arranged neatly and the area looks lived-in but not messy. When photographing commercial installations, make sure the area looks professional and polished. Clean lines and an uncluttered space convey quality and precision.

Tip: Don’t forget to also clean your camera lens. You’re showcasing the work your hands have done, not the smudges they’ve left on your phone.

6. Use a Tripod for Crisp, Clear Images

While smartphone cameras are more than capable of taking great photos, handheld shots can sometimes turn out blurry, especially in lower lighting. A tripod is a simple, inexpensive tool that can make a world of difference in the sharpness of your images.

Tip: If you don’t have a tripod, you can stabilize your camera by resting it on a flat surface, such as a table or ledge. When opting for handheld shots, use both hands with your elbows held tightly to your body.

7. Capture a Variety of Angles (and Lots of Photos)

Don’t limit yourself to one angle or perspective. Take wide shots to show the entire room or outdoor area, medium shots to focus on the windows and surroundings, and close-ups to highlight textures, patterns, or the smoothness of your installation. It’s always better to take more shots than you think you need. You can always delete extras, but it’s unlikely you can return to the site for more once the job is completed.

Take both portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) shots using your smartphone’s gridlines to keep your photos straight and avoid any unwanted tilting or distortion. Angles that are too extreme can make your installation look off-kilter.

Tip: Don’t fret if you get done and notice some of your photos are more askew than you expected. You can always straighten them slightly while editing them.

8. Skip the Zoom, Get Closer

Instead of using the camera zoom to get closer to your subject, move yourself closer. Camera zoom can cause a loss of quality, reduce the clarity of your image and possibly skew the proportions of the subject. If you wouldn’t be satisfied with a shade that’s installed crookedly, don't be satisfied with a grainy, low-quality photo of your work.

Tip: If you can’t get physically closer to the subject, it’s always better to take the photo without zooming in and then crop the image later.

9. Edit, but Don’t Overdo It

After you’ve taken your photos, a little bit of editing can enhance their quality. Simple adjustments to brightness, contrast and sharpness can make your installations pop. But be careful not to over-edit. Too much saturation or filtering can make the colors of the shades or screens look unnatural, which could mislead potential clients.

Tip: These adjustments can be done right in your phone’s default camera or photos apps. If you want to experiment a bit more, there are many apps – like Snapseed or Lightroom – that can help you make professional-looking adjustments with minimal effort.

10. Use Your Photos Across Platforms

Once you’ve taken and edited your photos, make sure you’re using them effectively. Post them on your website, share them on social media and include them in your brochures or digital portfolios. High-quality photos are a key part of building trust and professionalism in your brand.

Consider creating a project highlight reel by posting a series of images to show off your best installations. This not only keeps your portfolio fresh but also keeps potential clients engaged.

Tip: If posting on social media, be sure to tag us so we can see our quality products in a quality install.

Great photography is one of the best tools you have to showcase your skills as a shade and screen installer. With a few simple techniques—good lighting, thoughtful composition and careful editing—you can elevate your portfolio and attract more clients. So, the next time you finish a job, don’t just pack up your tools. Grab your phone (or camera if you prefer) and snap some photos that show off your hard work! 

Remember, your installations are a form of art. Make sure the world sees it that way too.

Phifer would love to see them too! We’re looking for eye-catching interior and exterior application photos of all our sun control and insect screening products. If you are one of our direct buy customers or purchase from one of our distributers and use one of our products on your job, follow these tips and send us the results. If selected, your photos will be highlighted in our literature and on our website, and the credit will be all yours. What better way to improve name recognition and show off our professional installation job!