How to take great photos of your salon

Winning new clients means making a great first impression online – and that starts with having great photos of your salon for your online profiles. Not only do high-quality, compelling images prove that your business is credible, they’re your chance to show potential clients why they should pick your salon over a competitor. 

Partners who have professional photos on the Fresha marketplace get 4x more bookings than those who don’t. But if you’re on a budget, you can still effectively showcase your salon with your own photos until you can book a professional shoot.. Dive into our step-by-step guide and learn how to take great salon photos that convince clients to book.

Plan your photoshoot

Your online photos need to tell a story and showcase what sets your business apart, including eye-catching interior design, exclusive products, or any innovative treatments you offer. 

It’s important to include a good mix of photos that show both your salon space and the human element of your business. Take action shots of your team that show their skills, along with photos of satisfied clients enjoying their treatments. Remember to ask for permission from anyone who you want to appear in your photos first, and give as much notice as possible. Then, make sure they feel comfortable throughout the shoot.

If you specialise in unique, intricate hairstyles, you could take a photo of one of your stylists braiding a client’s hair. Or if you know clients come to your business for a calming retreat from their busy routines, include pictures of a relaxing atmosphere, such as a treatment room equipped with a comfortable massage table and a range of essential oils. You can also take photos of your business’s exterior if it’s well-decorated and situated near a popular landmark, or features distinct architecture.

Prepare your salon space

Just as you’d tidy up before welcoming a client into your salon, it’s important to make your salon clean and inviting for your photo shoot. Clean up any clutter, make sure your surfaces are spotless and your equipment is organised. Consider how you arrange your furniture – symmetrical layouts tend to look appealing in photographs, but don’t be afraid to experiment with an unconventional layout that highlights your salon’s unique features.

Lighting is key to taking great photos. Natural light tends to be warm and inviting, and will bring out the best in your salon’s aesthetic. So, aim to take your photos at a time of day when there’s plenty of natural light to work with, like the hours leading up to sunset. If natural light isn’t an option, you can use LED ring lights, lamps, or string lights to brighten up the space and create a cosy ambience. Keep in mind that dark furniture can absorb light and make your space look darker, so opt for light-coloured furniture in your shoot if you can. 

Lastly, avoid taking photos with prominent logos or social media handles – not only do they distract from the purpose of your visual content, they also go against the image guidelines of many online marketplaces.

No professional camera? No problem

While professional DSLR cameras do take stunning high-resolution photographs, your smartphone’s camera is likely more than capable of taking great photos. Often, newer phones have cameras that can rival professional equipment. Having the photos readily available on your phone is convenient too, since you can upload them directly to your online profiles. 

Use landscape orientation to capture wide shots that encompass your space. Try out different angles to see what works best for your salon. Low angle shots tend to make your space feel larger, while high angle shots give a more complete view and show new clients everything they can expect when they arrive. Remember to check your smartphone’s photography settings for easy ways to optimise your shot based on your lighting or position.

Don’t be afraid to take plenty of photos! The more you take, the more likely you are to find the perfect images to represent your business and help your online marketplace profile stand out.

1. Images should be at least 2800px x 1050px - to cover all 2x images at least
2. Best size: 5505px x 2060px (images at this size will cover all the sizes below)

Add polish with minor edits

Once you’ve chosen your photos, you can sprinkle in some edits as a finishing touch to make them even more appealing. There are plenty of easy photo editing apps you can use to tweak brightness, contrast, and saturation. Focus on minor tweaks and enhancements that bring out the natural appeal of your photos – they need to represent your space as authentically as possible, so avoid using heavy filters or substantial retouching. 

As for photo format, JPEG works best. Aim for a resolution of 5505 x 2060 pixels (or a minimum of at least 2800 x 1050 pixels). These specs will ensure most devices can display your photos clearly. 

Refresh your online photos regularly

Your salon is likely to evolve over time, with new treatments and team members, decor, or even new venues – so update your photos regularly to capture how your business grows and changes. You could even update your photos seasonally to reflect your most popular treatments and the current vibe of the salon, with bright, sun-drenched images in summertime and festive decorations during the holiday season.

Lead with your best photo

Set your best photo as your profile picture, since it’s the first thing clients will see when they browse online for your services. Whether it’s a shot of a trending treatment or an inviting photo of your salon space, choose an eye-catching image that captures what makes your business unique, and gives a glimpse of the experience clients should expect when they book with you.

Elevate your online presence with stunning salon photos

Professional photos will always be the best way to represent your salon online; but in the meantime, use your own photos to build credibility and impress potential clients on all your digital platforms, including your social media pages, your website, and your booking platform’s online marketplace. Start snapping!

It’s a great time to join the Fresha marketplace – we’ve just increased the number of photos you can upload to your profile, so you can make an even better first impression. Millions of potential clients use the marketplace to find new treatments every day. Create your profile now, showcase your salon with beautiful photos, and start winning new clients on the world’s biggest beauty and wellness platform.