Almost every single-one of our clients struggles with taking good before/after photos to show off cosmetic procedure results. First, you need patients to consent, second they need good results that are visible enough to be captured on a camera, and third you need the right set up.
Professional before and after photographs are the only way to truly evaluate the difference for your patients (and are one of the best tools to support your marketing strategy), so capturing the best possible photos are extremely important!
Below are recommendations to ensure your set up and process are optimized. Any questions, please reach out!
SET UP the office
The objective is to have a simple set up that remains consistent every day!
- Have a consistent backdrop (charcoal grey)
- Digital camera with tripod. Pro-tip, mark the height settings with tape so it is always set to the same height
- Use manual camera settings to keep consistency, do not use auto white balance
- Utilize a remote trigger button, second choice is the self-timer for 2 seconds – this way the camera and tripod will be 100% still for the photo
- Stool for patients to sit on
- Tape on the floor for tripod and chair so they are always in the exact same spot
- Dots on the wall for 0, 45, 90 angles so you can capture the best example of the results. Pro tip, take extras just in case!
- Good lighting behind camera, a 2 or 3 point portrait lighting system is best but at the last a single remote flash with photo umbrella
TAKING the photos
The objective is to have consistent & comparable before & after photo’s that highlight the patient and the results of the procedure
- Review “before” photo before taking “after” photo and attempt to mirror appearance, expression and overall look of the photo
- Pull back hair and bangs
- Remove distracting jewelry and glasses
- Remove anything around the neck (scarf, turtleneck, jacket)
- Keep hair and makeup consistent from before/after
- Think happy (but don’t smile)
- Chin up
- Take 5 photos: 90, 45, 0, 45, 90
TALKING with patients
The objective is to make them feel comfortable and enjoy the experience
- Help them relax
- Express your genuine enthusiasm for their outcome or what you think you can do to help them
- No pictures will ever be made public unless you give us your written permission
