I as watching the America’s the other night narrated by Tom Hanks. WOW is the only word which comes to mind. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to watch just one(1) episode. You will be mesmerized, amazed and truly at awe!
It got me thinking…In the Beauty Industry, we often focus on the transformation of our service for the “person” sitting in our chair.. How the right nail color, using and promoting the right products for healthy feet and the right touch can bring confidence to life. Literally changing someones life.
Imagine trying to capture beauty in its wildest, rawest form—in the gaze of a lion, the wings of a hummingbird, or the stillness of a deer at dawn. Wildlife photographers live for these moments. And while their world might seem far removed from the salon chair, the truth is, there’s a deep and powerful connection between their craft and ours.
1. Patience is a Virtue—In Nature and in Beauty
Whether you’re waiting for a tiger to emerge from the jungle or for the perfect gel coat to cure under the lamp, success requires patience. Great beauty professionals know how to take their time—to observe, to listen, to know exactly what to do to please your client and bring her vision to life. Like photographers in the wild, we’re not just applying products—we’re reading subtle signs, adapting on the fly, and aiming for that flawless result.
2. An Eye for Detail
Wildlife photographers train their eyes to see what others miss—a shadow that moves, a twitch in the grass, the moment before a bird takes flight. In the beauty world, our canvas is just as nuanced. A great nail tech, sees not just the surface, but the undertones—the skin/nail color, nail shape,conditions of the skin—and enhances what’s already naturally beautiful.
3. The Right Tools and the Skills to Use Them
Just as photographers rely on the right lens, light, and frame, beauty pros depend on quality tools—from clippers and cuticle pushers to proper foot files. But owning the tools isn’t enough. It’s how we take care of them and understand fully how they can used for different purposes.
4. Physical and Emotional Stamina
Photographers will trek through forests, wait in cold hides, and face the elements—all for that perfect shot. In the beauty industry, our stamina may look different, but it’s just as real. Long hours on our feet or hunched over, the emotional energy we give our clients, the care we put into every service—it all requires strength, endurance, and passion.
5. Respect and Responsibility
A true wildlife photographer never exploits nature for the sake of a photo. They protect the moment, the animal, and the ecosystem. Likewise, beauty professionals who stand out in this industry are those who treat every client with care and dignity. ..as well as their piers. We enhance without harm, elevate without ego, and always put integrity first.
6. The Power of Storytelling Through Beauty
Photographers tell stories through images—stories of survival, elegance, strength, and connection. We tell stories too, in a different but equally meaningful way. Each service we provide is part of a larger journey—a woman regaining her confidence after cancer, preparing for a job interview, a wedding or a teenager celebrating their first prom. We help people feel seen, understood, and beautiful in their own skin. We change lives!
The America’s show really touched me and made me think…Whether it’s hidden in the fur of a snow leopard or reflected in a client’s smile after a transformative pedicure, beauty is all around us. Wildlife photographers capture it. We create it.
Both of us—through passion, patience, and precision—remind the world just how powerful beauty can be. Wouldn’t you agree?
CJ Murray, President
Beautifully written CJ💜 Thank you for helping us really see ourselves and the gifts we give our clients 💜🙏❣️
Thank you. I had fun writing this article. Sometimes things just hit ya. 🙂