When you’re building your Trade Scouts profile, your photos can make the difference between being “just another name” and standing out to an employer. In skilled trades, seeing is believing—and showing your work in a clean, professional way helps employers picture you on their team. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, welder, or landscaper, learning the…
When you’re building your Trade Scouts profile, your photos can make the difference between being “just another name” and standing out to an employer. In skilled trades, seeing is believing—and showing your work in a clean, professional way helps employers picture you on their team.
Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, welder, or landscaper, learning the basics of good photography will help you market your skills. This guide covers how to capture both your projects and yourself so your portfolio does the talking.
Get good lighting for job site photos.
Natural daylight is your best friend. If possible, take photos during the day with the light behind you, not behind the subject (to avoid shadows). The National Institute of Standards and Technology explains why proper lighting can dramatically change how details appear.
Clean the work area before photographing.
If you just finished a kitchen install, sweep up the dust. If you’re photographing a welding project, clear away extra tools. A tidy frame makes the work look more polished.
Take before-and-after project photos.
Employers love seeing transformation. If you’re doing a remodel, capture a photo before you start and one when it’s finished.
Photograph your work from multiple angles.
Step back for a wide shot to show the whole project, then zoom in for detail shots—like a perfect seam, smooth paint finish, or precise cuts.
Dress to represent your trade.
Wear clean work gear—high-vis, tool belt, or uniform—that reflects your trade. Avoid clothes with large brand logos (unless it’s your own business).
Choose a distraction-free background.
A plain wall, open job site, or workspace works best. You want employers focusing on you, not the clutter behind you.
Use confident posture in your profile photos.
You don’t need a big grin if it’s not your style—but stand tall, make eye contact with the camera, and look approachable. The U.S. Department of Labor’s career guide even notes that posture and appearance can influence hiring decisions.
Wipe your camera lens before shooting.
It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in clarity.
Hold your phone steady for sharp images.
Use both hands or rest your phone on a stable surface. Slight motion blur can ruin a great shot.
Tap to focus for better job site photography.
Before snapping, tap the screen where your subject is—this sharpens the image and adjusts lighting.
Edit photos lightly for a professional look.
You can brighten or crop a photo, but avoid heavy filters—they can make the work look unrealistic. For free, easy tools, check out Canva’s photo editing tips.
Think of your photos as a timeline. Show a mix of:
This helps employers see not just the final result, but the quality and process that got you there.
Bottom line: Your portfolio photos are your handshake before you meet in person. Take the time to capture them well, and you’ll give employers a reason to click “Contact” instead of scrolling past.