How to Take Perfect Before and After Photos
One of the most important parts of being a lash and brow artist is showcasing your work, and the best way to show off your skills is by taking perfect before and after photos. Let’s face it, if you perform a stunning lash tint or a beautiful brow lamination, the first thing you want to do is share it on social media, where prospective clients can see it.
But taking photos of your finished work involves a lot more than just snapping a photo. From lighting to angles, there’s so much that goes into taking beautiful before and after photos. Let’s explore some tips for achieving the best results.
FIND THE RIGHT LIGHT
Possibly the most important part of taking an amazing before and after photo is making sure you have great lighting. Lighting can make the quality of your photos so much better, while also capturing the fine details of your work. If you happen to be in a place that doesn’t have the best lighting or maybe too much shadow, there’s no need to worry!
Using tools such as ring lights or selfie ring lights, which don’t require much preparation and are relatively easy to use, can add picture-perfect lighting to any photo. Keep in mind, there is such a thing as “too much lighting,” so it’s important to avoid overexposure when taking your photos. If you own an iPhone, using the portrait feature on your camera is a great way to achieve optimum lighting.
USE A QUALITY CAMERA
Okay, now that you have the lighting down, you want to make sure you’re using a high-quality camera. Most of today’s smartphone cameras should suffice, but if you have an older phone, it might be time to invest in a new one, or at least in a good camera. Capturing your work with an older or low-quality camera can result in blurry photos or just generally unflattering photos.
CHOOSE A NEUTRAL BACKGROUND
Opt for a clean and neutral background to keep the focus on the makeover. A neutral backdrop prevents visual clutter and will make your images appear more professional. Additionally, a neutral background helps to provide a consistent aesthetic, making both the before and after photos visually cohesive. With the viewer’s attention directed toward your work, they’ll be better able to appreciate your talent and attention to detail without any distractions.
Speaking of distractions, it’s a good idea to make sure there aren’t any stray lashes or brow hairs in the photos, which would result in a messy-looking photo. It might be necessary to ask some of your clients to pull their hair back (with a headband or hair tie) for this reason.
USE TIGHT FRAMING
The focus should be on the client’s eyebrows, so you don’t need a full-body photo. Zoom in on their face — or even just the eyebrows alone — so that the viewer will be able to see the brows in detail. This will help to highlight the texture and detail of the eyebrows, especially if the treatment involves techniques like microblading or brow lamination.
If the client’s eyes will be visible in the photo, ask them to keep their eyes open and to relax. A natural expression will appear more authentic in the final images, which will in general boost the appeal of the photos.
ANGLES MATTER
Finding the right angle is also important when it comes to showcasing your work. When you’re taking a before and after photo, you want to always make sure to take a few different photos from different angles. You should also consider your client’s eye shapes and facial structures when taking photos. Some eye shapes and facial structures look better from different angles, so you want to make sure to take photos that flatter your client’s face.
If you’re having trouble determining which angle is the best, consider starting with a closeup photo of the eyes, eyelashes, and brows. For example, closeup photos may be the best option for viewing the details of your work on clients who receive lash extensions or a lash lift. When in doubt, try multiple different angles and get feedback from a trusted colleague.
AIM FOR CONSISTENCY
When you’re taking before and after photos, it’s best to take them from the same angles and distances, and with the same lighting. This way, when you’re showcasing your work on social media, or to other professionals or potential clients, they can see just how different your clients' brows and lashes look compared to the before pictures.
This uniformity also streamlines the editing process, making it easier to align and present the images cohesively. The goal is to offer an authentic snapshot of the client's transformation, allowing potential clients and followers to appreciate your skills and the positive impact on the client's appearance.
CREATE A TEMPLATE
Design a template that will show off the images in the best way possible. This could be as simple as two images side by side, or you might use a collage-style format that uses three or more images. Whatever you choose, keep it simple and streamlined so that the viewer isn’t overwhelmed and can easily pick up on the changes between the two photos. A template will also make it easier for you to repeat the process for additional before and after photos down the road.
There you have it. As long as you dedicate time and attention to following each of these tips, you’ll be sure to capture images that you’re proud of and excited to share. A few final words of advice: Try to capture natural expressions to convey the client's satisfaction with the makeover. Avoid forced smiles or poses for authenticity. And lastly, always obtain the client's consent before taking and sharing their photos. Respect their privacy and only use images with their permission. Have a great photoshoot!
