In some cases, the right decision is to proceed with a shoot even when conditions aren’t fully ideal. The work still deserves to be documented—and timing often matters as much as perfection.

One of my longtime clients, Xan of Congaree Construction, recently completed a remarkable 10,000-square-foot lakefront home in Columbia, South Carolina. The design was exceptional, but the project came with real constraints. Coordinating access required sensitivity, the home was not yet fully complete, and the clients had not fully moved in.

During the walkthrough, it was clear that several key elements were still in progress. There was no opportunity for staging, construction equipment remained on site, and the surrounding landscape hadn’t yet turned green for the season. Rather than delaying indefinitely, we evaluated the project as a whole and determined that over 90% of the design intent was complete—enough to move forward with confidence.

We proceeded with a focused 1.5-day shoot, prioritizing the architectural features most important to Xan and his portfolio. Through thoughtful composition and intentional post-production—removing construction equipment, correcting seasonal landscaping tones, and enhancing the natural color of the lake—we elevated the finished imagery while remaining true to the integrity of the build. The result is a strong body of photographs, along with an upcoming hero video, that clearly communicates the quality and craftsmanship of the project.

If you’re a general contractor looking to build a portfolio that accurately reflects your work—even when projects are still in progress—I’d love to help. I also offer in-process photography to document each phase of construction, creating a visual narrative from foundation to finish.

Let’s set up a call to discuss your current projects and customize a photographic approach that aligns with your timeline, goals, and brand.