How to Improve Before and After Photos: A Case Study
Confession time; I sometimes take terrible before and after photos. Photos are a crucial
part of our business because they are the first things clients look at to decide
whether or not we are the permanent cosmetic professional for them. Yet many
of us never really think about how we are taking photos. I decided to examine
the gallery of my work and look for ways to improve the quality of the photos. There are many things that contribute to great before and after photos, but the main three are: the client, lighting, and tools.
The goal is to reveal the best angle of the client, as well as the best angle of the procedure. Most
of us were taught to take photos with the client looking directly at the camera.
While taking photos straight on may be the best way to exhibit symmetry and
an even design, it is not always the best way to represent your work. If the
client looks to the side or an oblique angle, the photo will show the arch
and tail of the eyebrow, or the subtle wing/clean ending of the eyeliner procedure.
Studies have proven that most people have a better side, usually the left side
of their face. If you want a more appealing photograph, then taking the client’s
photo on the diagonal might be the way to go. The client is generally more attractive in the photo when her head is slightly turned to the side at an angle.
I have recently turned into a paparazzi of sorts by taking many photos of my
clients at many different angles. First, I ask the client to look straight,
then to the right diagonal, left oblique, and also to look up if I’m photographing
an eyeliner procedure. Immediately after an eyeliner procedure the client’s eyelids are still swollen so finding the right angle is essential to showcase your work. When I am photographing the client after an eyeliner procedure, it may be helpful to have the client look up to see the eyeliner better with less swelling. I make a picture collage of the same client when her eyeliner is healed.
A variety of angles is the key for photos that best illustrate any permanent
cosmetic procedure results. Later I can choose which photo will be best for
my portfolio. In addition to taking photos at different angles, I sometimes
take several expressions (smiling versus relaxed). I have the client look at
me with a slight smile and then ask them to relax their facial muscles to determine
the correct eyebrow placement. Is the client tilting their head or are the
eyebrows unbalanced from (muscle and/or bone structure) facial expression? Sometime a client has a higher right eyebrow and a stronger muscle on her right side that makes a big difference in eyebrow placement.
They might not realize that one eyebrow is higher, so these photographs can
be used to explain and illustrate the process of eyebrow design to give her
more facial symmetry.
After taking a photo with the best angle and countenance, the next priority
is to get close up aspects of the permanent cosmetic procedure. You may want
to illustrate the details of a hair stroke eyebrow. Depending on your camera
and photography skill level, you might be able to zoom in and have a great
focused shot. I have not been able to get too close without my camera going
out of focus. I only recently discovered this (too late) when uploading my
close-up photos to my computer and most of the close-up images were blurred.
A friend shared that adjusting the shutter speed on the camera setting can
help avoid blurriness, however doing that will also allow less light into the
camera. Lighting is another significant photo problem and will be addressed
later in this case study. Maybe I need to get a better camera and take a photography
class, but lack of time is always an issue, so I’ve modified my technique and
learned to zoom in when editing the pictures on my computer and this avoids
the blurring effect. I have also learned to stop rushing the picture taking
process and give the camera time to focus instead of being so quick to push
the button. When I’m more relaxed, so is the client and the pictures are better.
It is a simple solution, but very effective in improving the quality of the photo. I now use my Ipad camera for most of my pictures, which allows me to see the picture immediately after and store them all on one device. This also allows for easy uploading to social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. I will discuss this in more detail later in this article.
When photographing clients the work is best presented without any background
distractions. Sometimes when feeling harried by a client or running late, we try to quickly
take a shot without concern for the surroundings. I have learned from this
mistake and now strive to always take the picture in the same place with a
plain background. Many permanent cosmetic and microblading artist have created a special “photo booth” area
where the client stands for before and after photos. Putting a mark or piece
of tape on the floor also helps the client know where to stand. Some have installed
a window roll up shade to be pulled down as a dark background for their photos.
Others use a blank wall or even an extra-large 25” x 30”self-stick sheet of
paper from a Post-it™ easel pad. Minimizing the background ensures that potential
clients will be able to concentrate on the procedure results in the picture.
Having a diversity of subjects (different ethnicities, different genders, etc.)
and a range of their best angles without background distractions in your gallery
of client photos is the best way to establish a great before and after portfolio.
The next big obstacle in this case study has to do with lighting. Sometimes the effects of lighting can be adjusted after a photo is taken with programs like Photoshop™. Nevertheless, it is best to address lighting issues
before taking a photo. Professional photographers have told me that natural
(sun) lighting is usually better than fluorescent lighting. I work in two offices,
a medical doctor’s office and a spa. Neither office has rooms with windows,
so I have to make do with fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights can put a
bluish cast on the client. The color balance on your camera setting can cause a blue or even orange cast,
so I was told to adjust my color balance to match my light source. A friend
also suggested I set a faster ISO. ISO stands for International Standards Organization
and refers to the industry normal measurements of how sensitive a camera’s
sensors are relative to light. It is measured in numbers (you've probably seen
them on film/traditional photography as 100, 200, 400, 800, etc.); the lower
the number the finer the grain. Most cameras are set on Auto, but can be adjusted
to the correct ISO needed for the shot. A higher ISO will allow for a slower
shutter speed and more light. It is a constant challenge to determine the best
settings to achieve correct lighting conditions. When I don’t use flash the
client appears dull and it is difficult to see the details of the procedure.
When I use flash or put the light in front of the client, there is often a
glossy reflection that impedes the view of the design. The shiny reflection on the client’s eyebrow hinders the photo.
We are often told it is best to avoid flash when taking close up portraits.
When implementing an overhead light, it adds unflattering shadows on the client’s
face, especially dark shadows around the eyes. This is especially unappealing since the eyes are the area I want
to emphasize.
More advanced cameras allow the photographer to direct the flash to the ceiling
to “bounce” the light off of that area, rather than directly flash light onto
the client. I’ve researched options and found that it is a good idea to purchase
a portable reflector to bounce light onto my client’s face. These reflector
discs come in many different colors (white, silver, gold), shapes, and sizes.
For permanent cosmetic purposes, mainly shooting individual portrait type photos,
one only needs a small reflector. A large reflector will offer more soft light,
but may be a bit intimidating to the client. Reflectors have different shapes
and options such as handles and frames. All you need is a simple circular disc
for the client to hold or to rest in the client’s lap if seated. Silver and
white are the most popular color choices for reflectors. Gold reflectors will
cast a warm light on your client for an enhanced photo. Fortunately, most reflectors
come with interchangeable covers in different colors. These reflector discs
are a minimal investment. They can be purchased for approximately $13 (silver/white
22”) and are collapsible to 1/3 of its open size for easy storing. A white
piece of cardboard or paper can have similar reflective properties. The change
may be subtle when using any object to reflect light. Attention to small details
adds up to better and more beautiful pictures. Experiment with different lighting
possibilities to find what works best to improve your before and after photos.
Now that you have showcased your client with the best lighting and have great
photos, there are various tools that can be used to enhance the results. Some
permanent cosmetic technicians use average cameras, some use top of the line
cameras, and many simply use the camera in their electronic tablets or cell
phones. I have recently started using my iPad™ as my principal camera for the
ease of use. After taking a photo I can immediately label and file it. It is
easy to sign up for Google™ drive and then organize by making folders for each
letter of the alphabet. Make additional folders inside the letter folders with
the client’s name. With this system the photo can be taken directly from the
photo folder so that it is automatically uploaded or filed at the end of the
day. Whether or not you use an electronic tablet or a cellular device, there
are many computer applications (apps) that can be utilized to improve before
and after photos.
My favorite apps to use for finishing pictures are “I-watermark™” to identify ownership of the images and “pic jointer™” to put photos in an easy viewing collage. These are free apps and there are many
others available. Watermarking photos has become essential for protecting images
of your work. Any collage program will help showcase your work in a multitude
of different ways. In addition to the basic before and after photos, a collage
can be made to creatively display images of the client before the procedure,
immediately after, healed after the first procedure, after the touch up appointment,
and then fully healed after the second appointment. Another collage could feature the client straight on with a close up of each side to show details at another angle with more dimension.
After making collages of an array of clients, they can be easily uploaded to
websites and social media sites. In addition to advertising through the internet,
use organized collage photos for printed marketing by uploading them to a marketing
website such as Vistaprint™. I've had marketing success utilizing Shutterfly™ and similar websites to create photo books. These portfolio photo books can be distributed to physician offices, hair salons, and beauty
related businesses. These books make wonderful presentations of your work and
it is easy to order multiple copies once they are put together.
Whether you are just starting your career with permanent cosmetics, you've
been doing permanent cosmetics for a while and wish to showcase a new technique,
or you are a long time veteran wanting to step up your marketing; better photos
are so important in marketing and promoting your business. Paying attention
to the lighting, showcasing the client, and using these tools should help you
achieve superior before and after photos.
Warm regards and wishing you a year filled with good memories and great photos!
April Meese, CPCP
SPCP Director, Ethics and Project Chair
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