Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Well, I don't think anybody has mentioned this, but to me it is obvious--look around and see what is on sale. Since you do not have any particular requirements technologically, you can take advantage of closeouts, such as a nice camera that has recently been replaced by a new and improved model. Forget new and improved and find a nice point and shoot camera with a zoom lens. The point of the zoom for you is that you are doing head shots mostly, and these give the best perspective from 8 feet (regardless of all other factors)--so the telephoto setting will be right. These cameras are also great for travel or everyday snapshots. Most of the more expensive cameras will have stuff you never use and features that don't help you (or make matters harder).
Also, if your cell photos are bad, be sure you look into the art of portraiture a bit to be sure you are doing it right. Any old book on it is fine, perhaps online material. Getting pleasing light is a bit complicated, but once you find what works well for your shots and your camera, it will be repeatable. A flash on the camera can be used to your advantage, but it can also give amateur effects. A light from above and to one side is much better as a rule, but it does not have to be expensive photo lights--a pole lamp with a reflector can hold a powerful CFL light. The bulbs sold as photo lights are bright enough. If the salon has fluorescent tubes (what salon doesn't?) almost all cameras can adjust to the color temperature of those bulbs. (If not, you can attach a screw-in filter over the lens to correct the light.)
If you find that you want to get into more advanced photography, the simple camera can still be used as the back-up, or for convenient snapshot situations. A first camera should be a good second camera later.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Just read that thread and not much was covered.
However, Jamie does still need to post a few photos in order to get help. A camera may or may not be the solution, but until we can better define the problem, not much help can be given no matter how many threads are started.
Jamie, what phone are you using? And please post a photo that illustrates your problem.
I suspect that in your situation effective use of a cell phone may be less intrusive and off putting than hauling out a DSLR.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Yeah, silly mistake, obviously I meant Apple, was probably looking at one of my cameras when I typed that.

repleo Loc: Boston

JmeGoll,
If you want to take better photographs of your clients, don’t start with getting a better camera – start with learning how to take better photographs. All new(er) cameras these days – including smart phones – are more than capable of taking excellent headshots, if you know what you are doing. There is no point in getting a better camera until you are accomplished with what you have. Better cameras can make better photographs in worse conditions – like low light, high speed, huge prints, wet weather etc and can make good photographs a little bit better, but they are not magic machines that can turn a novice into a master just by swiping a credit card. Even the simplest point and shoot has a ‘portrait’ setting which will help to blur out distractions in the background. Lighting is probably the single most important ingredient for your hair shots. Lighting for hair styles is an art in itself. You need good even lighting with enough direction to bring out the flow of the hair and without making it too shiny. You don’t want to rely on camera mounted flash. The color of the light is also important unless you are prepared to learn how to post process your shots on the computer. Adjust the white balance on your camera until you find the best setting or learn how to take a custom setting.

When you have mastered all of that, learn about the exposure triangle and how to use aperture to blur out your background better. I suggest a mirrorless camera like the Sony A6000. Get a lens with a reasonable ‘fast’ aperture. The Sony 50mm f1.8 would be a nice reasonably priced lens and good focal length for head shots on the A6000 in a smaller room. Position your model well away from any walls etc in the background. You won’t get any better shots than that unless you are prepared to spend some serious time learning the basics of photography and spending some serious cash on equipment.

The latest generation of smart phones have the ability to create a blurry background which makes for good portraits. Some folks find it easier to justify spending a $1000 on a phone than on a camera so go for it if you think the quality is good enough.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Where is Jamie?

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

I hope she is not scared off. However I think she is busy working at her job and then she has kids too. I hope we hear from her. We do want to help.
bruce

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

I am taking this reply of yours as a direct insult not only to me but to this site and all the GOOD members world wide here.
Obviously you DID NOT 'READ' her posting nor did you read mine in conjunction with the other replies too or you would not have said what you did.
First off I will clarify openly hoping she reads this and not think badly of us.
First of all; AS SHE STATED: Her focus is directed to her clients in the salon and then her kids too.
My lady friends daughter is a hairstylist going on over 30 years. She knows a few things things about lighting and photos of her clients. She uses her latest and greatest iPhone for these. As other members have noted, lighting. Did you read that ?
Second: Out of RESPECT to the lady (new member). She is a working mother. My reply supported the other members replies about looking first of all at her current phone and photo examples. Period.
My concern is for HER. I and others here, are looking at what she has right now and hopefully a 'RIGHT NOW , TODAY' resolution we can help her with.
Also, others will start recommending all this and that stuff which I hope will not discourage her due to price and time to learn. Does she really need a 1000 dollar set up and lots of time to learn it ?
Again, out of respect to her, reading her post, she is working mother and my words honored that. So my thinking is to keep it simple and easy for her in time and money. Period !
I do personally think she will grow into photography and her children will pick up and learn from this too. We will be here for her.
Right now lets get her through what she needs today.
If you or anyone else things my words were demeaning, I most humbly apologize. I did not in ANY WAY mean that or even those thought we in my mind.
Most very sincerely
Sir Bruce tha loose in Texas.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The Canon SL3 with the lens 18-55mm IS STM lens is light, small (Not intimidating) and takes absolutely stunning professional level photos if you do your part.
It will grow as well with one of the largest availability of accessories.
Comes in black or white/gray.
Or the T7i which is slightly larger but has a built in flash.

Brokenland

First and foremost it's not the camera, it's what lens is used to achieve ones goals. For portrait shots, one should consider a least 85mm lens. if you have a crop sensor camera a 50mm with the crop would net you approx 82mm. Next would be the lighting. Seeing how I use natural light sources. best get your support from others whom have light setup in the homes or studios. Once you figure out the lens then what light source, move on to the actual camera. How heavy will it be, will one use a tripod (which would be suggested)

Silverman Loc: Michigan

You would most likely want a quality Point & Shoot Camera. Check out the "Panasonic Lumix" Brand of digital Cameras, they use "Leica" lens. I owned a "Past Model" of this brand and it produced very nice Photos. But do your diligent research so you find the exact Brand and Model of camera that will fit YOUR need in your Photography.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

Yes, learn how to use the phone first; maybe you should get a better phone to learn the art of taking photos.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Looking at her earlier efforts, she does not seem to want to follow up.

MoT Loc: Barrington, IL

You might start by going to the site DPREVIEW.com and looking at their buying guides to get a idea of what different types of cameras can do. After you do this try and go to a brick and mortar camera store and talk to them and hole the cameras you have short listed. Be careful that the store does not try and push a camera on you the they are over stocked with. Then go to camera stores that are reputable like Adorama, B&H Photo or Amazon to check prices. There are more on line stores too that you can find on Google.Make sure they all have good return policies and then purchase your camera. Use it around home for a while to become famailer with the camera and then you are set to go.Good luck.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

In this day with a lot of local shops closed...I say head to Target, Best Buy...play around with a number of cameras, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony.....You know what your budget is...Come home research the heck out of each body,,,ask questions in this forum on the bodies, research lenses and how they would be used....Kind of like buying a car

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

Why would you ask the same question 3 weeks later? Are you expecting better answers? Google each camera that peaks your interest and decide on customer reviews and pick one. Then again you could ask in another 3 weeks just in case...