Tips and Tricks for Photographing Your Esthetician Studio Space
A well-designed esthetician studio doesn’t just serve your clients—it can also become a powerful marketing tool. Whether you're updating your website, social channels, or promotional materials, high-quality photos help build trust, highlight your brand, and showcase what sets your business apart.
Whether you’re taking photos yourself or hiring a professional, here are some tips and inspiration to help your space shine.
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Before any photos are taken, tidy up every surface. Declutter countertops, hide cords, fold linens neatly, and ensure products are organized. Even the smallest distractions can show up on camera.
DIY Tip: Use your phone’s camera to take a few test shots and see what needs to be adjusted before the real shoot begins.
Hiring a Pro? Prep the space before they arrive so they can focus on capturing—not cleaning.
2. Bring In the Right Lighting
You’ll need to create great lighting for the space, which will most likely mean bringing in additional lighting. Good lighting makes your room look clean, welcoming, and professional.
DIY Lighting Tips:
Use a daylight-balanced ring light or affordable softbox light kit (many are under $100).
Replace harsh overhead lights with soft white LED bulbs.
Add floor or table lamps to soften shadows.
With a Pro Photographer: Ask if they bring their own lighting gear. Most professionals do, but confirming upfront ensures you’ll get the clean, even look you’re going for.
3. Create a Shot List
A clear shot list helps keep the session focused and efficient. Decide in advance what you want to capture. Your list might include:
A wide-angle shot of the full room
Close-ups of retail shelves or skincare products
Detail shots of special tools, decor, or equipment
Images of yourself working in the space or posing professionally
If you’ll be in the photos: Wear solid colors in clean, professional styles. Avoid prints —your outfit should complement the space, not compete with it.
Pro Tip: Share your shot list with your photographer in advance so they can plan for angles, lenses, and lighting setups accordingly.
4. How to Photograph a Small Esthetician Room
Working with a small space? You can still capture stunning, spacious-looking images with the right techniques. Small rooms just require a bit of strategy to make them appear open, functional, and inviting.
Tips for photographing a small esthetician studio:
Shoot from the corners: This maximizes how much of the room is visible and creates the illusion of depth.
Use a wide-angle lens: If you're using a camera (or working with a photographer), a wide-angle lens helps make compact spaces feel larger. Many smartphones also offer a wide setting—use it!
Use mirrors thoughtfully: A well-placed mirror can reflect light and make the room feel bigger, but avoid capturing your own reflection unless it’s intentional.
Pro tip: When working with a small room, less is more. Clean, minimal styling ensures the room doesn’t feel overcrowded in photos. You can remove items you usually have in the space just to ensure the photographs are clean and fresh looking.
5. Hone in Your Brand Style
If you are investing in a few new things before your photoshoot, hone in on your space’s style and make sure everything you select supports that. For example:
Modern Esthetician Room Ideas: Sleek treatment beds, acrylic carts, or chrome accents for a clean, minimalist vibe.
Boho/Organic Esthetician Room Ideas: Incorporate natural materials like wood, woven textures, and earthy tones for a grounded, calming vibe.
Luxe/High-End Esthetician Room Ideas: Try velvet accents, gold hardware, statement lighting, and dramatic color contrasts (like black and cream) to create a more upscale experience.
Scandinavian/Minimalist Esthetician Room Ideas: Soft neutrals, white walls, open shelving, and plenty of negative space convey simplicity and cleanliness.
Spa-Inspired Esthetician Room Ideas: Lean into tranquility with light woods, aromatherapy elements, gentle lighting, and water-inspired tones like sage, seafoam, and soft blue.
6. Add Touches of Decor with Intention
Great decor isn’t about filling every space—it’s about choosing details that reflect your brand and create an inviting environment. Shooting some of the small details in your space will not ony showcase your personality, but also be great content for your social media channels.
Esthetician Room Decor Ideas:
Add plants or greenery for warmth.
Use soft textiles like pillows or throws to introduce color and texture.
Display neatly arranged tools, jars, or products.
Hang simple wall art or mirrors to create visual interest.
Make sure your bed is perfectly made - there is nothing more distracting than wrinkled sheets or a loose end hanging off.
DIY Tip: Snap test photos of your setup before the shoot to spot anything that looks off.
7. Edit With a Light Touch
Once you've taken your photos, a little editing can make a big difference. Straighten, brighten, and make sure your tones are consistent.
DIY Tools: Try Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or Canva’s photo editor for clean edits.
With a Pro: Most photographers include editing, but confirm how many photos will be retouched and how long it will take.
8. Should You Hire a Photographer?
Hiring a photographer can elevate your brand, especially if you want polished content for your website or social media. Here’s how to make the most of it:
How to Find the Right Photographer
Look for someone with experience in interiors, wellness, or beauty spaces.
Review their portfolio to make sure their style aligns with your brand.
Ask about pricing, turnaround time, and what’s included (editing, lighting, shot count, etc.).
How to Set Them Up for Success
Share your shot list and mood board (if you have one).
Show them around your space before shooting so they can plan their approach.
Have your space styled and ready before they arrive.
Giving Direction
Be clear about what you need: vertical vs. horizontal photos, clean backgrounds, images with space for text overlays, etc.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you want something adjusted—this is your brand!
If you're in the photos, ask them to guide you with posing or give feedback as you go.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're capturing a small esthetician room, showing off your modern esthetician room decor, or photographing your entire setup for your brand, these tips will help your studio shine. A little planning goes a long way—and whether you're DIYing or working with a pro, the right approach can turn your space into your most powerful marketing tool.