How to instantly elevate your business with a professional photoshoot​

Whether you are a newer lash artist, or very seasoned, it’s likely you are due for some professional photos of your lash work. If you are a solo artist or run a salon, a pro shoot can feel like “just one more thing to do”, and I get it. The last thing busy lash artists need is something else to do, but having pro photos should move up your priority list. That’s why I included a handy timeline at the bottom of the post to help you plan your shoot.

For almost all clients their first impression of you is your website or social media. You can apply the most phenomenal lashes, but if you don’t have photos that really show the quality of your work, it’s a missed opportunity. Potential clients need to see the quality and care you put into your lash work, and your actual business. Your website and social media need to be a reflection of everything you pour into your craft every day. And that simply is difficult to do by yourself with a phone camera.

Another reason getting pro photos done is it can really help push your lash artistry up a notch. We all get in ruts, it’s quite common, especially because lashing is such a nuanced, detailed service. Knowing you have a pro shoot coming up can really help get your creative juices flowing, while inspiring you to tighten up & refine your application and technique.

And finally, I can promise you will not regret it. These images can go a long way in multiple formats, from websites, social media, email campaigns, and printed material. I even had very large photos from my first site printed and framed as a backdrop behind our front desk at my first lash salon. The possibilities are nearly endless. Below is my front desk with photos from my first shoot in the background.

My first pro shoot didn’t go off as perfectly as I had hoped. I still was able to get some great images from the shoot, but I learned a lot about what not to do, and most importantly what I need to do for the next time. Here’s what my experience has taught me:

Don’t try to do the lashes the same day. Most of us do our best work when we are relaxed and not under pressure, and you want these to be top-notch. Ideally, you will want to see your models the week before for their full set, and a touch-up the day before to adjust any styling, add a few more lashes and make sure they are photo-ready.

Speaking of models, let’s talk about how to choose models. Try having a diverse group of models for your shoot. Different ethnicities, age ranges, skin tones, eye colors, and even lashes are helpful. Think about your clientele or the clients you want to attract. Try to represent them. I love the idea of using a model who is slightly more mature, or unique looking so your clients can really see the range of your work and clients you see.

But, NUMBER 1 when it comes to models: if they have the exact look you want and seem just perfect but are not comfortable in front of a camera, keep looking. It does not matter how gorgeous your model is if she looks stiff and awkward in all of your photos. Select models that can show off your work looking happy and natural.

Choosing the models and doing the lashes is the hard part. The other tips are really much less daunting, but do require planning and attention to detail:

Have your models bring (or you can supply) clothing that harmonizes with your branding, in the color and style.

Make sure your models brows are properly groomed before the shoot.

Hire professional hair and makeup. Create a Pinterest board of hair and makeup looks that you think will be a good fit for your photos. Generally clean, simple & fresh makeup helps the lashes shine more then overly dramatic makeup. Make sure your makeup person knows to wipe off any eyeshadow residue or power from the tops of the lashes so they can look their blackest in the photos.

Speaking of Pinterest, create a board with angles of shots you would like to recreate. It’s helpful to show your photographer exactly what type of shots you need to help show off your lash work. Try to get a mix of close up lash photos, but also get some farther away lifestyle photos. A mixture of poses and angles will give you the most bang for your buck with your shoot.

Get yourself in the mix. Having a polished, professional photo of yourself really can help you put your best face forward in your business interactions online. This shoot is the perfect time to knock out a few shots for yourself.

And finally, the biggest tip… just do it! Find a photographer you like, if you don’t know a HMUA ask your photographer for recommendations, scout some models, and get it on your schedule. I can promise you if you take the time and effort to do this you will not be disappointed. Even my very first pro shoot 10+ years ago gave me some beautiful images that I could be proud of. It is time and money well spent to help elevate your brand, and needs to be done someday, so why not now? The first step is deciding to do it, then just use the timeline below and you will be so excited when you have some amazing new photos for your business a short time from now.