Are you struggling to make your salon’s social media pop? As a salon pro, you know your cuts and colors are on point, but capturing that magic for Instagram? That’s a whole different ballgame.
But what if you could transform your social media game with just a few pro tips? In this video, pro photographer Ian reveals salon photography techniques to captivate followers and boost bookings.
Play the short…
…or watch the full video of episode 11 of our Marketing 100 series.
3 Essential Techniques for Stunning Salon Photos
1. Mastering Light for Perfect Salon Shots
You’ve heard it before, but I can’t stress this enough: lighting is the make-or-break factor in your photos. And you don’t need fancy equipment to nail it.
Window Wonder: Position your subject near a window. Natural light is your best friend, especially on cloudy days. Think of it as nature’s very own softbox.
Cloudy with a Chance of Perfection: Overcast days? They’re perfect for capturing flawless skin tones.
Ring Light Magic: Invest in a ring light for those beauty close-ups. It creates even lighting that’s particularly flattering for facial shots.
Pro Tip: Dark colors absorb light, while light colors reflect it. If your salon has a darker interior, consider using additional lighting, like a ring light. That natural window light will bounce beautifully for lighter, brighter spaces, giving you excellent illumination at no extra cost.
2. Framing Secrets for Eye-Catching Salon Images
Have you ever wondered why some photos just look… off? It’s all in the framing.
- Fill That Frame: Your subject should be the star. Make sure they take up most of the space in your shot.
- Headroom Matters: Don’t leave too much space above your subject’s head. Keep it tight.
- Negative Space: Use it wisely. Leave some room if you plan to add text for a promo post. Otherwise, keep it minimal.
A study by Georgia Tech found that Instagram photos with faces are 38% more likely to receive likes and 32% more likely to receive comments. So make sure your framing highlights your clients’ faces.
3 Pro Posing Tips for Natural-Looking Client Photos
Posing can make or break a photo. Here are some pro tricks to make every client look their best:
- The Turtle Technique: Have your subject stretch their neck forward slightly. It sounds weird, but trust me, it defines the jawline beautifully.
- The Tongue Trick: Ask them to press their tongue to the roof of their mouth. It subtly lifts the area under the chin, bye-bye double chin!
- Angle is Everything: Shoot from slightly above. It’s universally flattering and avoids the dreaded “chin multiplication” effect.
Celebrity photographer Peter Hurley, known for his headshot techniques, swears by these tricks: “The ‘turtle’ move and tongue pressure are game-changers. They instantly improve how a person looks in photos.”
Now, this move might sound familiar if you’ve been anywhere near TikTok in the past few months. The “mewing” trend has taken the world by storm, and for good reason: it’s the catchy new name for the tongue trick.
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Advanced Strategies for Salon Photography Success
Want to really elevate your salon’s image? Consider bringing in a pro for key shots:
Space Showcase: Just renovated or opened a new location? A real estate photographer can capture your salon in all its glory with high dynamic range (HDR) photos that showcase every detail.
Signature Service Spotlight: Invest in professional before-and-after shots of your most popular treatments. High-quality visuals can significantly boost your booking rate!
Quality visuals are an investment in your business. They create an air of prestige that can attract high-end clients and set you apart from the competition. As Ian puts it, “If it’s going to make you money, spend some money on it.”
Implementing Your Salon Photography Strategy
Ready to transform your salon’s marketing and social media presence? Here’s what to do next:
- Set up a designated “selfie spot” in your salon with great natural light or a ring light. Ian suggests calling it the “selfie chair” to make it fun and inviting for clients.
- Practice the framing and posing tips with your team.
- Encourage clients to take photos in your “selfie spot” and tag your salon. Create a unique hashtag for your business to track these posts.
- Consider booking a pro photographer for a “content day” to capture your space and signature services.
- Always show clients their photos before posting. This builds trust and ensures they’re happy with how they’re represented.
So, are you ready to shine on social media? Your followers (and your books) will thank you.
Next, watch the episode on salon video tips with Ian.
Stay tuned for 89 more game-changing tips in Marketing 100, our top 100 Marketing Ideas series.
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all 100 marketing tips and learn how the most successful salon businesses are thriving.
