Why You Should Ask for Photos Before Every Job (And How to Do It)

Why You Should Ask for Photos Before Every Job (And How to Do It)

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For tradespeople who want to run smoother, more professional businesses without losing their sanity.

How many times have you turned up to a job and found it wasn’t what the client described? An unexpected step, a hidden wall, a rotted frame — it happens all the time. That’s why I ask for photos before confirming any booking now.

In this post, I’ll show you why asking for photos is one of the easiest ways to save time, avoid mistakes, and offer better service — plus how to ask without putting clients off.

📸 Why Photos Make a Big Difference

You don’t need perfect lighting or pro angles. You just need a rough idea of what you’re walking into. Here’s what I look for when clients send photos:

• The condition of the area or item (e.g., frames, fixings, walls)
• Access issues (narrow spaces, stairs, parked cars)
• Hidden costs or extra tools needed (e.g., need for a scaffold or stud finder)

A photo can tell you more in 3 seconds than a 300-word email ever could.

✍️ How I Ask for Photos (Without Sounding Pushy)

I keep it friendly, simple, and explain the benefit. Here’s a message I use:

Hi there, to give you the most accurate estimate and advice, could you send over a couple of photos of the area or item? Just from your phone is perfect — it really helps me plan ahead and avoid wasting your time.

Sometimes I even send an example or mention specific things I’d like to see — like the full door and frame, not just a close-up.

🛠️ What to Do with the Photos Once You Get Them

• Save them to a client folder on Google Drive or Zoho WorkDrive
• Use them to pre-plan tools, timings, and materials
• Add comments in your CRM (e.g., “uneven brickwork on right side”)
• Use them again when writing your estimate or invoice

BlueWood Tip: Asking for photos makes you look professional. It shows you care about doing the job right — before you even arrive.

Related: Simple Ways to Track Jobs from Estimate to Payment | How to Qualify Leads So You Work with Clients You Actually Like

Ready to Improve Your Business?

At BlueWood Office, we help tradespeople like you get systems in place so you can focus on the work you enjoy (and stop chasing paperwork).

📅 Book a Free Discovery Call

Prefer video? Check out our YouTube series covering these tips step by step:

▶️ Watch on YouTube: BlueWood Office Channel

This post is part of our weekly series for tradespeople who want to build smarter businesses. New post every week — check back soon or follow us for updates.

Got questions or thoughts? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear what you look for in client photos or how you handle job prep!