Take Before Photos to Track Your Fitness Journey
Why is documenting your journey important?
When starting a fitness journey, one of the best and most effective ways to document the way your body changes isn’t just stepping on the scale. It is taking before photos (or even short videos).
Yes I know, it can feel uncomfortable for some of you at first. If you’re like me and been avoiding the camera for the majority of your life because of how you look or the shame you feel when you see the ‘thing’ staring back at you. But honestly, I can tell you from. my experience with these photos, that they are a powerful visual reminder of how far you’ve come.
Even if progress feels slow, images like these will remind you of your progress. A reminder that every workout, every healthy meal, and every bit of effort adds up.
Your progress is worth celebrating!
Top Tip… I always advise my clients online and at JD Gyms to take videos instead of photos. Why? Because this way, you don't need to look at them, they're hidden behind the cover of the video. You can screenshot them to get any angle you want in the future. This trick has helped me to get angles and images matched up almost perfectly.
Find a video guide at the end of this blog, or click here to view it on YouTube!
The ‘before’ phone on the left was taken in 2022. The ‘after’ photo taken whilst on holiday at the same exact place, 18 months later. I was looking forward to recreating the photo SO much. But when I looked at the collection we took when we got back to the cottage we were staying in, I was mortified. I didn’t like any different. I didn’t look like I’d lost over 100lbs and I was devastated that ‘that’ was what I still looked like.
That was when I was looking at the photos in isolation, thought. I decided that I would make a before and after with the original. A photo I had been so happy in yet never shared it, never posted it, because despite that big grin on my face, I looked awful. Even today, I look at it and just see a whale coming out of the sea. I had thought in my new images that I still looked like that whale. That feeling could have completely derailed my journey. What was the point?
Well, the point was that when I put these two photos side by side, and I saw the difference, I couldn’t believe it.
Because look.
Look at the difference.
But I just couldn’t see it without that direct comparison.
This is why I tell all my clients, every single one of them, to take before photos.
They might make the difference to you being able to maintain a fitness and health plan.
They might save your mental health. They might keep you on track. The last thing we want it your own view on yourself, your poor mental health, body image or confidence to be the thing that stops you from improving your health. Our brains often don’t register change. Our brains often have us seeing what it ‘feels’ or ‘wants to see’ rather than the reality and actual truth in front of us.
You’ll already know that it can be hard to see the very real changes other people see when looking in a mirror. By having something to look back on and draw a comparison to, you can make it so much easier to spot those changes. So, I urge every single person starting a fitness journey to take 'before' photos. You'll only regret it if you don't.
How to Take the Best Before Photos
1. Wear the Right Clothing
Choose fitted clothing or activewear that helps you to see your body shape clearly.
Avoid baggy clothes, as they can hide changes in muscle definition and fat loss.
If you want to get yourself some exciting unique gym clothes for your images and to help you feel good in the gym, check out my affiliate links here!
2. Use Good Lighting
Natural light is best.
Stand in a well-lit area to avoid shadows that distort your body’s appearance.
If using artificial light, make sure it's bright and even across your body.
3. Take Multiple Angles
Capture front, side, and back views to get a complete picture of your transformation.
Stand in a neutral, relaxed position with good posture.
Can’t get photos right? No problem, just prop your phone up and take a 'before' video of yourself, moving through different angles. This way, the images don’t stay in your camera roll as a constant reminder. This can be beneficial for mental health and body image concerns. Later, you can screenshot the frames to get comparison photos when you're ready to compare
4. Keep Your Background Consistent
If you can, take your fitness photos in the same place each time to ensure the best comparison.
A plain wall or minimal background distractions work best.
5. Use a Timer or Ask Someone for Help
A tripod, phone stand and utilising a timer can help take clearer, more stable photos.
If comfortable, ask a friend or partner to take the photos for you.
6. Take Photos at the Same Time of Day
Your body can look different depending on hydration, meals, or workouts.
For the most accurate comparison, take photos at the same time each session.
What to Do with Your Before Photos
Your before photos are for you. Whether you choose to keep them private or share them is completely your decision. Save them in a dated folder so you can easily look back. Every 4–6 weeks, take a moment to compare because those subtle changes add up.
Most importantly, use them as a source of motivation and a reminder of how far you’ve already come.
Why “Before” Photos Matter More Than You Think
Before photos aren’t just snapshots. They’re powerful reminders of how far you’ve come.
They show progress in ways the scale never could, highlighting strength, shape, and subtle changes that build up over time.
When motivation dips, looking back at where you started can reignite your drive. They also hold you accountable, encouraging consistency and celebrating your commitment. Most importantly, they remind you that your journey is working—even if it doesn’t always feel like it.