Salon Marketing 101 – 5 Tips for Taking the Best Photos Possible

Everyone loves beautiful photos, right? If you’re like us, you’ve spent hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram looking for inspiration on all-things salon (and probably a whole lot of other things, too). From decorating ideas to salon furniture, from products to client “before-and-afters,” photography is the premium medium for expressing creativity and sparking imagination.

And as far as salon marketing goes, great photos can help set you apart from the competition and attract more of the clients you are looking to serve.

Unfortunately standing behind the camera can feel a little daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! Being in the salon business for 40+ years (way before digital!!!), we’ve seen tons of examples of “what works” in salon photography.

Take a peek inside one of our customers’ spaces for some great examples.

Here are our top tips for capturing the best photos possible. 

TIP #1: Get the lighting right.

Salon mirrors and lighting can sometimes prove challenging so hiring a professional photographer that specializes in interiors would provide you with the best shots. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go it on your own! If you’re taking the shots, try snapping photos at different times of the day and at different angles to minimize shadows and glare.

TIP #2: Capture every inch.

When it comes to great photos, angles and dimension are everything. Start by taking photos from the main corners of your salon. Then focus on styling stations or pedicure areas for more detailed, up-close-and-personal shots. Having a variety of shots can really showcase your business at its best while keeping your social feeds full of photos with tons of visual interest.

TIP #3: Focus on design.

What makes your salon unique? Incorporating a color scheme and complimenting design elements will help your business stand out from the rest. Be sure to capture your unique flair in your photos!

TIP #4: Tidy it up.

Imagine the salon photos that inspired you then remove anything that might detract from that vision. Before you take photos, clean up any clutter in your salon and ensure that there are no people in your shots (including their reflection in your mirrors). Also be sure to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces – there’s nothing worse than taking that “perfect shot” up-close only to find a distracting piece of dust in your final photo. And once you see that speck of dust, trust us, it’ll be the ONLY thing you’ll see!

TIP #5: Plan ahead.

Take photos of your salon when you do not have any clients or when the salon is closed. But be sure to have as much natural lighting as possible - so don’t do it too early in the morning or late at night. If your salon is closed on a certain day, that would be your best time for an undisturbed photoshoot. You want your photos to most closely resemble what your salon looks like to your clients.

BONUS TIP! Repurpose for growth.

The time and effort you put into showcasing your salon will help attract more future clients.

Use your salon photos to refresh your website, social pages, or Google My Business listing. Never underestimate the power of a beautiful photo in your salon marketing!

See? Showing off your salon with great photography doesn’t have to be hard. By following these few easy tips, you can stage, frame, and shoot your salon with confidence!