We live within an exceedingly visual society and quality photographs are some of the most important components within any marketing campaign. This is particularly relevant when speaking of the beauty industry, as customers will often take the aesthetics of an establishment into account. So, it is clear that being able to create stunning imagery can often equate to long-term success.
The only problem is that the majority of those who own spas and salons have little experience with the art of photography. They might also lack the appropriate equipment or are simply unable to come up with any unique ideas. This is why it is a good idea to take a look at some professional tips and tricks if you hope to take the visual allure of your establishment to the next level.
Create a “Shot List”
Whether referring to beauty parlours, spas, nail salons, or hairdressers, it is first important to create a list of what you want to capture. Naturally, many of these photographs will be based around individual treatment options to illustrate your customer-centred approach. It is nonetheless wise to remember that this imagery should also reflect other facets of your business. Here are some elements to consider:
- The interior and exterior of your premises
- A team photo
- Discounts and promotions
- The types of products that you employ
- Any local events that your business may have participated in
By displaying the multiple dimensions of your business, potential customers will be provided with a better idea of what is in store.
Image Branding
Let us assume that you have taken a few dozen photos and you are pleased with the outcome. Should you be concerned about branding? First and foremost, we are not referring to traditional forms of branding (such as a logo or a watermark) in this sense. If you do indeed need to place a watermark within the photos, it is best to keep it as small as possible and to utilise a transparent font.
Branding instead involves unique visual qualities that all images share in common. Perhaps you wish to add neutral filters or heighten contrast levels. You might instead prefer to embrace a minimalist perspective in order to focus upon key elements. From fun and playful vibes to more serene and organic content, there are numerous options at your disposal. This is why it is often prudent to experiment in order to determine which flavour suits your business the best.
What Equipment Will You Require?
The good news is that you will not normally need to spend a great deal of money in order to obtain quality photographic equipment. In terms of a camera, the majority of newer smartphone brands (such as Samsung and Apple) offer extremely high-quality cameras. If you still wish to purchase a standalone digital camera, one can normally be obtained for between £300 and £400 pounds.
Some will argue that lighting is more crucial than the type of camera that you decide to use. As many salons and spas are equipped with large windows, be sure to take advantage of as much natural light as possible. Thus, the majority of photos should be taken close to these locations. You may also choose to turn on any existing light fixtures if you wish to add even more brightness. In the event that few fixtures are present, portable miniature ring lights can be purchased through online sites such as Amazon and eBay.
Backgrounds should also be considered, as they can help to tie the elements of an image together. While there is nothing wrong with using your business as a backdrop, you might instead purchase a background mat that displays a specific pattern for smaller photos or headshots. It is also wise to include specific elements that can be attributed to your brand within the background to provide a more seamless appeal.
Planning and Editing
Always remember that planning is important if you hope to create a series of stunning photos. Speak to your employees and inform them of when images will be captured. This will ensure that they are prepared and that the location is tidy. Additional suggestions include taking a series of photos over a handful of days, encouraging customers to become involved and including images that illustrate your day-to-day activities.
You can then begin to edit your images by adding filters, cropping their size, choosing appropriate borders and including after-effects. It is normally wise to work with professional image editing software platforms such as Photoshop, GIMP or Aurora HDR in order to ensure quality results.
Final Thoughts
We can now see that there are a handful of important steps to keep in mind if you want to present your business in the most appropriate light. Whether referring to day spas, hairdressers or beauty parlours, the advice outlined above will certainly come in handy.
Author Bio: This article was written by Ted of Ted Murphy Photography. Ted works with salons and spa’s as part of his Wedding Photography business.
