As a hair blogger, mastering the art of photographing hair is essential. Whether you're a blogger or just aiming to improve your selfies, these 10 expert tips will help you capture your hairstyle in the best light.
I want to share some insider secrets and techniques for capturing stunning hair photos.
Is there such a thing as a hair photographer?
Absolutely! Hair photography is a specialized field with substantial demand, from salon collections for awards to advertising campaigns.
Initially, I thought hair photography was similar to beauty photography. However, there are distinct nuances in capturing hair that set it apart from photographing people or clothing.
10 Pro Tips for Photographing Hair
Opt for a Clean Background
To highlight an intricate hairstyle, use a simple background to avoid clashing with the hair’s details. A plain white or solid-colored wall works best.
2. Light-Colored Hair is Easier to Photograph
You might notice many hair bloggers have blonde or highlighted hair—it's easier to photograph. Dark hair can hide details like braids. To enhance dark hair, use hair powder or chalk to add contrast and improve the photo's color balance.
3. Technical Tip for Dark Hair
For dark hair against a light background, shoot in HDR mode. HDR (High Dynamic Range) captures details in shadows without overexposing highlights. My Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II offers convenient HDR settings for this purpose.
4. Portrait Mode on
When photographing details, use teh portrait mode. It will keep the main part of the hairstyle in focus while blurring the rest.
5. Highlight with Light
Use reflectors or additional lighting to enhance hairstyle details. I prefer using a reflector over a flash, especially when shooting on location, to add light to the hair.
6. Experiment with Backlighting
The light's position affects the mood of the photo. Front lighting is common, but sidelight can add dimension, especially for dark hair. Be cautious with backlighting, as it can highlight frizz or flyaways.
7. Add Shine
Although excessive shine spray might seem oily in real life, it photographs beautifully. Use a light hairspray to add sheen without weighing the hair down, as it reflects light well.
8. Plan Your Shoot Order
When photographing multiple hairstyles in one day, start with hair-down styles and progress to more complex styles like braids. This approach prevents the hair from showing signs of wear and streamlines the process.
9. Texture is Everything
Use dry shampoo to add volume and texture, making it easier to style and photograph.
10. Mind Your Arm Placement
While photographing tutorials, position your arms strategically. Anything closer to the camera appears larger, so keep your arms at an angle to avoid blocking the view of the hairstyle.
I hope these tips help you capture gorgeous hair photos, follow me on instagram to take some inspiration. @crishairr
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