Finding the right salon photographer isn’t just another task on your to-do list. It’s an investment in your beauty business’s brand identity and marketing success.
High-quality visuals can make your salon stand out in a competitive industry, attracting new clients and building trust with your audience.
As both a salon marketing specialist and someone who works closely with visual content creators, I’m excited to share insider guidance on finding and hiring the perfect photographer for your salon.
Play the short…
…and watch the full episode 48 of Marketing 100 with salon marketing expert Kayle Yanez and professional photographer Ian Hitre as they share actionable tips and insights to help you find the right photographer for your salon.
Continue reading below for straightforward advice on finding photographers, understanding pricing, and getting the best results from your salon photo shoots.
👉 Download our Photographer Interview Checklist for quick tips on evaluating photographers, reviewing portfolios, and discussing budgets.
Finding a Professional Salon Photographer: Start with Your Network
Word-of-mouth recommendations from your professional network are invaluable when searching for a salon photographer.
Start by identifying salons whose visual content catches your eye. Did a competitor’s stunning staff headshots make you pause mid-scroll? Have you spotted exceptional interior shots from other local businesses?
These are golden opportunities to find proven talent.
Reach out with intent to people that you know have already been down this path. Did you see someone who clearly is posting some higher quality than average shots on their social media, on their website? Do you like those? Do you like the style?
Where to Find Professional Salon Photographers (Beyond Instagram)
While Instagram might seem like the obvious place to start, it’s not always the most effective platform for finding local talent. As Ian points out,
Instagram is great for pushing out to wider audiences, but it’s not necessarily the best geo-targeted way to find someone to work with.
You might find stunning portfolios, but the photographers could be located anywhere in the world.
↓ Pin it for Later ↓
This platform offers several advantages for finding photographers:
- Search by location and service area
- View detailed portfolios and rates
- Connect directly with professionals
- Review their business experience
Wedding Photography Directories
Don’t overlook wedding photographers. They often make excellent salon photographers because:
- They’re experts at capturing beauty and emotion
- They have extensive experience with lighting and portraits
- They’re skilled at handling high-pressure situations
- Many are looking to diversify their portfolio with commercial work
Wedding professionals are totally unfazed by most things that could ever happen on a shoot because they’ve seen the worst.
With hundreds of weddings under their belts, these photographers have mastered working in challenging conditions and tight timeframes – skills that translate perfectly to salon photography.
Professional Platforms
Consider exploring:
- Upwork
- Wedding Wire
- Local photography associations
Google Search (With Caution)
While Google is a common starting point, be aware of its limitations. You’ll likely find two types of providers:
- Larger production companies with strong SEO presence
- Nationwide companies that hire local freelancers
A word of caution about nationwide companies: “They’ll hire out local freelancers… but the work that they’re putting out does not necessarily match the work that’s on the company’s site,” Ian warns. “It’s really a crapshoot as to who you get.”
While you might get lucky with their A-team, you could also end up with less experienced photographers whose work doesn’t match your expectations.
Planning Your Salon Photo Shoot
Consider what type of content you need:
- Professional salon website photos
- Salon team headshots and group photos
- Social media content
- Brand lifestyle images
- Educational content
Keep in mind your target audience’s preferences. Research suggests younger customers, in particular, are highly influenced by visual elements like stylist appearance and salon aesthetics (Source). A skilled photographer can help you create images that resonate with these demographics.
Before your shoot, familiarize yourself with essential salon photography techniques. For social media content, you might want to consider what Ian calls a “content day” where you “bank” multiple pieces of content in one session. This approach allows you to create weeks or months worth of content in a single shoot day.
Salon Photography Pricing and Packages
Rates, like everything, vary, but I would budget at least two grand, and it could be a lot more.
The final cost depends on the photographer’s experience, team size, and the scope of your project.
You’ll typically encounter two main pricing approaches:
Package-Based Pricing
These are all-inclusive quotes where photographers bundle everything together:
- Full day or half-day shooting time
- Set number of team members
- Required equipment
- List of deliverables
- Defined turnaround time
While package pricing might seem higher at first glance, it often includes elements that would be extra costs in other pricing models.
Hourly + Equipment Pricing
This more detailed approach breaks down costs by:
- Base hourly or day rate
- Additional team members (second shooter, assistants)
- Specialty equipment (gimbals, extra lighting)
- Post-production and editing services
Ian emphasizes checking what’s included in editing services: “If you don’t see a line item for editing, you need to ask.” Some photographers deliver raw footage, while others include full post-production in their base price.
Understanding Team Sizes
Your options typically include:
- Solo photographers (one person with essential equipment)
- Small teams (photographer plus assistant)
- Full production crews (multiple cameras, lighting specialists, etc.)
Choose based on your project’s complexity and budget. As Ian notes:
You don’t necessarily need 10 people to come in… If you’re just doing a small shoot at your salon, it really makes sense to have a small team that’s going to hold your hand and walk you through everything.
If you don’t see a line item for editing, you need to ask. There are plenty of people who show up and film, and the only thing that they’re doing is providing high-quality footage… Just make sure that you are getting what you need, what you’re asking for, and that if it’s a separate charge, you know that so you can budget accordingly.
Making Your Final Decision
When evaluating photographers, consider:
- Their portfolio quality and style
- Previous salon or beauty industry experience
- Communication style and professionalism
- Package options and pricing transparency
- Post-production capabilities
To make the process even easier, download our Photographer Interview Checklist PDF. This comprehensive guide includes pre-screening questions, a portfolio review guide, budget discussion templates, and more to help you find the perfect photographer for your salon.
The Investment Perspective
Remember that professional photography is an investment in your salon’s brand. Quality visual content does more than just fill your social media feed. It tells your salon’s story and sets you apart in an increasingly visual industry.
As Ian emphasizes, the right visual content can transform how potential clients see your business. High-quality photos and videos showcase your team’s expertise, capture the unique atmosphere of your salon, and help attract the clients you want to serve.
Studies suggest that attractive visuals can enhance a business’s reputation and even offset potential negative impressions during subpar experiences. This makes professional photography not just a marketing expense, but a strategic tool for reputation management and client loyalty.
The impact is particularly noticeable on social media. “If you have someone come in once a month in a day, you can create 30 60-second Instagram reels,” Ian explains. This kind of consistent, professional content keeps your salon top-of-mind with existing clients while attracting new ones.
Ongoing Salon Photography: Consider a Retainer
For salons serious about maintaining a strong visual presence, a retainer relationship with a photographer can be game-changing.
It makes sense for some clients. It doesn’t make sense for others. You’re going to know whether or not it’s for you.
A typical retainer might involve monthly content creation days where you can produce multiple pieces of content at once. Ian suggests starting small: “I would probably try to pull it back if someone pitches you on a retainer and go, ‘All right. Well, I want to do 2-3 high-quality posts.'”
These could include:
- Before and after transformations
- Educational content showing your expertise
- Team-focused social media content that showcases your staff’s personality
- Direct-to-camera talking sessions
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. You can record multiple pieces in one sitting and bank content for future use. As Ian notes, “We all have people online that we follow, where you can tell they banked it. We bank stuff, too. That’s just the nature of the game.”
Next Steps
Once you’ve found your photographer, preparation becomes key to a successful shoot. Start by having a detailed conversation about your vision and expectations. Be specific about what you need, whether it’s website photos, social media content, or team headshots.
Remember to discuss editing expectations upfront. As Ian emphasizes, “If you don’t see a line item for editing, you need to ask.” Some photographers provide raw footage, while others include full post-production services. Understanding these details before the shoot prevents surprises later.
Finally, prepare your space and team for the shoot day, and consider how the photos will fit into your overall social media marketing plan. A well-organized salon and prepared staff can make the difference between good photos and great ones.
👉 To help you get started, download our Photographer Interview Checklist for quick tips on evaluating photographers, reviewing portfolios, and discussing budgets.
P.S. For even more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
