Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited as a guest speaker for a subscription-based hairstylist membership group. During our 40-minute session on Zoom, I spoke about something that so many hairstylists struggle with: how to improve their photography skills and use brand imagery to grow their business.
Your work can be incredible, but if your photos don’t reflect that quality online, potential clients may never book an appointment. In this post, I’m sharing some of the key takeaways from my session that can help hairstylists (and other creatives) take stronger, more consistent brand photos.
Why Brand Photography Matters for Hairstylists
Visual content is the first thing your audience sees. People form an impression in seconds when scrolling through Instagram, TikTok or your website.
- High-quality images reflect your professionalism.
- Behind the scenes photos show your expertise.
- Personal brand photography builds trust and connection with potential clients.
Your photos are a powerful marketing tool.
Common Mistakes Hairstylists Make With Photography
When I asked what felt hardest about photography, Lisa the host shared that often on a wedding morning the bridal suite is messy, the lighting bad and things a little hectic. The good news is that these are all easy to improve with a few small changes.
5 Simple Photography Tips for Hairstylists
Here are the five practical tips I shared during the session:
- Lighting is everything – Natural light near a window or doorway beats overhead lights every time. Switching off the main light helps to get rid of mixed lighting which isn’t a good look.
- Declutter the background – A neutral wall, curtain or styled corner keeps the focus on your client’s hair.
- Find your angles – Shoot at eye level or slightly above for the most flattering results.
- Keep it consistent – Use the same setup, colours and editing style to build brand recognition.
- Show yourself – Clients want to know the face behind the brand, so include photos of you working and smiling.
Beyond the Hair: Building a Personal Brand
Brand photography isn’t just about capturing hairstyles, it’s about showing you. Hairstylists who share behind-the-scenes moments, snippets of life and their products/tools of the trade online create a stronger connection with their audience.
Speaking to this group was so enjoyable and it reminded me how powerful photography can be for hairstylists and other creatives.
If you’re ready to go deeper, my online course for female business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives helps you go from hiding from the camera to confidently capturing your own brand photos. This enables you to show up authentically online, connect with your audience and grow a thriving business you love.
You can learn more about my course here: www.hannahphipps.com/course
