The pics come after the tattoo's done, right? But by the time it's wiped down for those final ones, the best power shots

The pics come after the tattoo's done, right? But by the time it's wiped down for those final ones, the best power shots are already gone.

#tattoostencil

You're so stoked on this new tattoo you've finished but totally maxed out after the session. It's time to grab pics but you're honestly spent and even holding the camera after a full day is shaky at best.

#tattoopics

The client needs to get out of here and you can tell they're totally antsy. So are you. Ready to get home and be with the fam. Hug the kids before bed time. If you leave soon there's still enough time for bedtime stories.

#tattoomom #tattoodad

Gotta get pics. Just a little bit longer. But the first pic is no good. Neither is the next. Could have sworn it looks good irl but these pics make me question my life choices.

#lifechoices

As tattooers we've all experienced this and incorporating shots and video into our workflow feels so overwhelming but there are benefits to taking pics during and before the end of a session that not only help with our final shots but can reveal a power move that's worth the effort.

#phonephotography

#tattooprogress

By the end of a long day you're maxed out and could care less about documentation. But snapping while you're in progress and before you finish means you actually learn the best angles to showcase the piece while you still care about getting them.

#tattooersofinstagram

Take an almost finished shot without the circular polarizing lens. The cpl cuts glare for a clean beauty shot, but you want the unfiltered version for this. Now gray scale it and you can read your value scale for what it really is instead of letting color trick your eye.

#grayscale

Next, flip the pic. Reversing the image makes whatever's off jump right out and recalibrates how you see the piece. You can have your client stand in front of a mirror too and watch for anything that reads wrong.

#tattoolife

Take a break to analyze the photos. Like an actual 10 min break. The tattoo has a chance to chill before you take your showcase shots and if you notice things to tweak then get back in and work it. How many times have you looked at your pics and thought how did I not see that?

#tat