If the tattoo tells a story, the photo is its echo. A muddy echo doesn’t do the work justice. Pamela Carvalho understands this better than most. Her tattoos speak in color, shape, and healed skin. When it comes to capturing them, she has rules, because good photography isn’t about filters or flair. It’s about respecting the work.
Here’s what Pamela swears by when shooting tattoos for social or your portfolio:
1. Always Use Healed Photos
Fresh tattoos can look intense, shiny, red, and raw. Healed skin shows the true color, saturation, and softness of your lines. This isn’t just for aesthetics. It’s a reflection of your artwork.
2. Light Like You Mean It
Whether you’re using studio setups or a window, lighting can make or break the shot. Pamela recommends polarized lighting and a polarized lens to reduce glare and highlight true tones.
But don’t overthink it. Natural light works too, just ensure it’s soft and directional. Harsh overheads? A big no.
3. Avoid Deep Shadows
A little contrast is fine. But if a shadow is obscuring half your tattoo, it’s not doing the art any favors. Adjust your angles. Move the light. You want clarity, not mystery.
4. Moisturize Before You Shoot
Dry skin dulls everything. Moisturized skin helps rejuvenate tattoos, especially on healed areas. Just don’t overdo it. You want a glow, not a gloss.
5. Keep the Background Clean
Let the tattoo be the focal point. This means no clutter, no distractions, and certainly no bathroom mirrors. Keep it neutral. Allow the ink to breathe.
6. Don’t Over Edit
Pamela’s golden rule? If it doesn’t look like that in real life, don’t post it. Over-saturation, skin-smoothing, or digital reshaping distorts the art and disrespects the process. Your portfolio should be a mirror, not a mask.
The goal isn’t just to capture a good photo; it’s to create an honest one. When you shoot with intention, you protect your reputation, support your style, and give potential clients a genuine look at what you do best.
Want to see how Pamela does it? Watch her full walkthrough @cocreateartists.
