How to Take Stunning Beauty Portfolio Photos

We’ve all heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to a career in the beauty industry, this couldn’t be truer. Whether you’re a stylist, makeup artist, lash and brow specialist, or nail technician, building a portfolio is an excellent strategy for showcasing your skillset to potential clients. If you’re interested in investing in yourself by leasing a luxurious beauty studio, there’s no question that you’ll want to maximize this business decision by connecting with new clients. If you’re ready to start your portfolio, we share a few tips for taking stunning photos that highlight your talents:

Know Your Equipment

Although having a full-frame camera can help you capture the best photos, it’s not necessary to be a photography guru to get great shots for your portfolio. Whether you use a camera meant for professional photography or just the camera on your phone, it’s possible to snap photos that are sure to catch the attention of potential clients. Regardless of which avenue you choose, be sure to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the equipment. Watch a YouTube tutorial or two, take pointers from photographer friends, and get plenty of practice by taking experimental shots.    

Use Appropriate Lighting and Backgrounds

It’s crucial to take photos in the most flattering light possible. The best lighting will depend upon your area of expertise. If you’re a stylist or makeup artist, using natural light is almost always an excellent choice for photos. Position your subject so that the balanced light from the sun is neutral and indirect so that it captures the vivid colors and details of your work. You’ll also want to make sure that you choose a background to complement your work. In most cases, a solid background is best for highlighting the subject of your photos.

Capture the Breadth of Your Skills

Your portfolio should showcase the scope of your skillset. Since clients come to you for a variety of needs, they’ll want to see what you’re capable of producing. Although you can (and should!) focus on showing off your niche, aim to include photos that show the entire range of your skills and expertise. You never know what may capture a potential client’s attention and motivate them to visit your salon.

Work With a Professional Photographer

Hiring an experienced photographer to take photos for your portfolio is often well worth the investment. A professional who specializes in photos for the beauty industry can help you show off your work in a way that meshes with your stylistic preferences. If you choose to work with a photographer, consider interviewing before hiring. It’s ideal to find someone you can have fun collaborating with to ensure that your vision is achieved.

If you’re ready to jump into 2022 by leasing a beauty studio, building a portfolio to showcase your incredible work is a savvy decision for your business. By following the tips mentioned here, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning shots that will make future clients take notice. When you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect studio salon, the Indie team is here for you. When you’re part of our community of beauty professionals, you’ll enjoy a plethora of perks that you’ll only find here. Each studio salon is top-of-the-line, but that’s not the only reason our Indies love being part of the family. We’re here to provide business support, studio setup, continuing education opportunities, and so much more. To learn more about what makes life so sweet as an Indie, please contact our Market Manager, Kandice Meylan. Call or text Kandice at 303-792-8222 to schedule a meeting.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash