Improving the quality of your client photos is a great way to boost your business without having to spend any extra cash. Take a look at your set up and processes, and ask yourself, “Am I really putting my best foot (or hand!) forward?”

You don’t have to be a professional photographer with a fancy camera to end up with great-looking nail photos. Spend a little time going over the tips in this DIY phone photo tutorial and see where your process can be improved. You work too hard perfecting your craft to let it fall flat in front of the lens!

Once you get your system perfected, you’ll be able to breeze through your client photos in no time. Here are some things to consider:

Set the scene. While you could use your plain old table towel as a background, this is one area where you can easily (and inexpensively) give your shots some extra oomph. Play around with glittery scrapbook paper, fabric swatches, or even faux marble contact paper for a look that is both fun and functional.

Strike a pose. While posing may seem normal to you, most clients are intimidated by the idea of hand modeling. Demonstrate the pose first with your own hands, and then don’t be afraid to get in there and adjust their fingers as needed. Ask your client to keep her fingers relaxed to avoid tense, “claw” style photos, and try a few different poses to see what looks best. 

Light it up. Lighting can be the difference between a good photo and a great one. Make sure that the area you are taking the photo in has plenty of natural light or other lighting options. Aim for the look of natural light: Set up near a window or use a desk lamp with a bulb that mimics it. If you’re relying on a desk lamp, don’t be afraid to grab the lamp and physically move it around. Getting the angle right with a desk lamp can help minimize shadows and soften wrinkles in the final shot. And don’t forget to pay attention to the reflections of the light lines — sometimes they can obscure your nail art.

Ready your device. Before you start snapping pics, make sure your phone is set up for success. First, check that your lens is clear of oils from your fingers, as they can give your photo a soft, unfocused look (think ’80s glamour portraits). Turn off your flash to avoid harsh, blown-out photos. Position your phone far enough away that the autofocus keeps everything sharp; after all, you can always crop it later. If your phone has the option, you can even try shooting in “Square” mode, which can help keep the composition balanced and Insta-ready.

Edit your work. Though phones have built-in editing software these days, it can be helpful to get an app that is designed to help simplify the process for you. Here are some adjustments to try:

> Crop in close. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to squint to try to see the nails on a small screen.

> Dial up the brightness. Adding some extra brightness to your photo can make it easier to see and give it a clean, airy look.

> Add a bit of contrast. Mobile phones can sometimes make photos look dull. Contrast can help your shot pop! Be careful though — it can be easy to go overboard.

> Check your color. Interior lighting can give your photos a greenish or reddish cast. Play with color adjustments until the skin tones look natural.

Develop your own style. Develop a recognizable photo style that works for you. Many new clients will check out your online portfolio when deciding whether to book with you, and a clean, cohesive Instagram or Facebook feed can give you a leg up.