Do you want to have an impressive portfolio of beautiful eyelash extensions on your Instagram? I've got a whole host of tips and tricks for you to get the perfect shots that will win you the admiration of other lash artists and new customers.
1. Angle can't make up for quality
It seems perfectly logical, but while a good photo can hide minor flaws, it doesn't magically improve an unsightly extension. So always try to do your job as well as possible when doing eyelash extensions. Not only does the paying client deserve it, but it will help your prestige and reputation.
That's not what quality work looks like. ->
Remember: The final effect and appearance of false eyelashes will always depend to some extent on the material, time and the person you are doing the lashes for. A "regular" eyelash extension - that is, one where a regular paying client comes to your salon and you know there will be three more after her - will always be different from a photo shoot with a beautiful model that you chose yourself, take the time to work on and pull out the best material. But always try to get the most out of both.
2. Before you pick up the camera...
It doesn't matter if you got an expensive camera or are happy with the camera on your phone. Always make sure you have a perfectly clean lens at the start of your shoot. You may not notice a foggy, dirty or greasy camera lens during your shoot. It's only when you check the resulting photos that you'll realise you've invested your time and energy in something that's unusable. And that's a huge shame for such a small thing! The only acceptable photos are perfectly sharp photos.
<- A dirty camera lens can ruin your whole job.
3. Consistent QFS
The success of your photos will rest on three basic pillars - quality, focus and style. All of which you also need to deliver consistently and regularly to your followers on the networks. Don't be afraid to take inspiration from accounts of industry leaders you admire, who you feel have photos and work of the highest standard.
4. Good light does half the work for you
Always shoot your lashes in the best possible light. I'm not exaggerating when I say that without the right light, you can never expect a good quality and pretty photo. If you don't have a suitable lamp to shoot indoors such as a Glamcore or LED ring light, don't hesitate to rely on good natural light!
The circular LED light, or "ring light", is very popular with the beauty industry. ->
5. Too much light doesn't help
The more light you have, the better? That's not true! The direction your light source comes from is almost as important as the lighting itself. You don't want to irradiate the model into semi-blindness, nor do you want to cause unwanted shadows (the whole eye shouldn't be in the dark, not even partially covered by the shadow of the nose, etc.).
6. Angle of the photo
Pay attention to the angle from which you photograph the lashes. The most rewarding view of the eyelashes is from above. It shows off the fullness of the set and the perfect lash line. If you shoot the lashes from below, even the smallest imperfections will stand out, so only the best in the business really dare to use this angle. That doesn't mean you should avoid it, but keep in mind rule number one - the quality of your work here will determine the quality of the photo. Straight lash photos are the best compromise, where everyone can appreciate a beautiful extension and a well-chosen lash styling.
Practice tip: Tell your model to always look straight ahead, not into the camera, no matter what angle you're shooting from. This is very important for full face shots, as otherwise the model may appear to be slightly squinting in the photos, even though this is not the case.
7. Beautiful model, even more beautiful photo
Examples of beautiful work always stand out more with charming models (healthy skin, pretty eyes...).
Even if you focus on capturing perfect eyelash extensions, remember that the photo should be flattering for the model as well. Forget about the angle where the nostrils dominate the view or the fine hairs above the upper lip are visible. She will be grateful for it and the resulting photo will be all the more attractive!
Important: Always remember to ask the model's permission to take and use the photo, possibly even in writing. Protect the time and investment you have made to get beautiful photos.
-> Don't forget that the photo should be flattering for the model too!
Consider: Your work should stand out in the photo first and foremost, so don't bother with elaborate makeup and eye makeup for the model. For close-ups (close-ups of the lashes), it's important that the lashes are beautifully combed and clean. If you want some makeup at any cost, then go for natural makeup. Lightly fill in the brows, unify the skin with a cream, and keep the contouring minimalistic. The more natural, the better.
8. No one wants red eyes
Beware of irritated and red eyes. When applying false eyelashes, the client may have reddish whites after extension. But it doesn't look nice in the photo. Offer the model eye drops to soothe and moisturize her eyes. Give her a moment of rest on the lounger with her eyelids closed and you'll see her eyes just glow in the photos.
9. The more photos, the bigger chance for perfection
Take lots of pictures! Before, during and after the extension. Don't hesitate to ask the model to change her facial expression. A relaxed face, a smile and a change of angle will ensure that you have plenty to choose from, plus you can do a before-after collage, choosing whether you want to present an eyelash detail or a full face. It's okay to have a few dozen photos from one job. At least you can be sure to choose the really best ones.
10. What's in the back is as important as what's in the front
Focus on the details, but also on the background and surroundings of the photo. Uncombed eyelashes are a rookie mistake (always comb them thoroughly with a brush to make them fluffy, even and rich), a stray eyelash on the cheek, a disheveled eyebrow, smudged makeup residue under the eyes or a mess in the background of the photo (even if it's out of focus) is simply an unnecessary eyesore that can ruin the whole photo.
This is what a photo where the lash artist thinks of all the details looks like ->
11. Give your photos depth
Almost all modern smartphones allow you to tap the display to focus on a specific point in the image and blur the farthest point. So you can have perfectly focused eyelashes and a sexy blurred background. Don't be afraid to take advantage of this and play around with the settings. For example, you can deliberately bring out the length or curl detail of your lashes.
How to do it: when taking the photo, ask yourself "What do I want to be seen in this image? Perfect framing, lines, styling, curves...?" And then change and adjust your angle and distance, camera settings and focus accordingly.
12. Photo editing
Aim for minimal interference in the photo and avoid any filters. You can lightly tweak the contrast, highlights and shadows of a photo before publishing, but don't make any big or drastic changes. If the client has blemished skin, a lot of redness or pimples, just take a close-up of the eye rather than trying to retouch the skin.
Stay away from nonsensical collages where one photo of the eye is mirrored five times. I don't know who came up with that, but it's unprofessional and doesn't help anything. ->
This might come in handy: After each photo shoot, take note on the lengths and the styling/lash map you chose and the materials you used to select the most successful photos. As the photos pile up, you'll be grateful for these notes.
13. Let it be known who you are and who you work with
Don't forget to put a "signature" (your profile name, for example @lashespro_shop) and the Lashes PRO logo on the photo of your work before publishing if you work with our material. Don't use big and bold watermarks - more people are likely to be disappointed by a watermark ruining a detail in the photo than someone is likely to pass off your work as their own.
Advice for the beginning: If you're going to use the photo for your Instagram, choose the square (1:1) format on your camera straight away, it will help you especially in the beginning with getting the composition right.
14. Perfectionist bonus: rule of thirds and special lenses
If you want a good composition, you can rely on the so-called rule of thirds. The moment you're focusing on the display, imagine the image is divided into nine equal squares (this grid will automatically show up even if you want to post a photo to your Instagram and you have the option to zoom in/out, or you can also set it on most smartphone cameras). The important things you want to draw attention to (lash line, eye) should be at the intersection of these squares.
Using special lenses may appeal to the extra playful and creative among you. There are lenses on the market in sets, where each one has a slightly different feature (they add specific effects to your photos). They are anchored to your smartphone with a special mount and usually, you will use them to take macro photos when you are working.
You might also be interested in:
- 6 principles on how to properly care for eyelash extensions
- Makeup trends for 2023
- Taping and tape work as a way to perfect results
- Work like a pro with a UV lamp
Now you know how to do it, and I can't wait for you to share your work on your social media. Don't forget to tag @lashespro_shop, so I can see how you're getting along with our products!
