Knowing how to take proper tattoo reference photos is one of the easiest ways to help your artist plan the perfect piece.
Whether you're preparing for a custom tattoo, booking a virtual tattoo consultation, or just starting your tattoo journey, clear and accurate photos make all the difference.We’ve put together this quick visual guide to show you how to take tattoo photos the right way—so we can better understand the tattoo placement, scale, and flow of your design.
This guide is meant to make your tattoo booking process smoother and more collaborative.
The better your photos, the easier it is for your artist to create something incredible just for you.
DO – Tattoo Photo Tips That Work:Use natural lighting – Stand facing a window or take your photos outside during the day.Ask a friend or use a self-timer – Better angles make for better tattoos.Stand in a relaxed, neutral position – Show how your body naturally holds the area.Step back – We need to see surrounding areas to understand scale and placement.Keep the photo sharp and in focus – Blurry shots can delay design prep.Send multiple angles – Front, side, and ¾ angles are best for planning.
DON’T – Common Mistakes to Avoid:Avoid flash or backlighting – It can wash out detail and distort your skin tone.Skip the mirror selfie – They distort proportions and are often low quality.Don’t twist, flex, or contort your body – We need to see the area as naturally as possible.Don’t zoom in too close – We need context, not just skin.Don’t send just one photo – The more reference we have, the better your tattoo will turn out.