Hoping to save some cash on your Contessa entry this year? We’ve got you covered. 

1. Enter early

There’s a reason they say “The early bird gets the worm”: In this case, the early bird gets the good pricing. If you enter the Contessas online before the early bird deadline, you can save 15 per cent on your entry fee, but it goes up to full price for last-minute entries.  

2. Tap your network

Building your portfolio and organizing a photo shoot on a budget can be difficult, so tap into your network and find others who are looking to expand their work, too. Whether you’re a hairstylist searching for a photographer or a makeup artist looking to team up with a nail artist, finding people at your level can be very cost-effective.

3. Go team

Two heads are better than one, and three are better than two—especially when it comes to the Canadian Salon Team category. Having extra hands on set for a shoot can really make it seem like less work. Plus, it’s the same amount to enter as a team as it is solo, so you can split the entry cost and still have some change left for those après-Contessa drinks! 

4. Trade services

Keep your photo shoot costs in check by exchanging services with makeup and nail artists rather than setting a fee. That way, they can also enter these images into the Nail Artist and Makeup Artist of the Year categories. Fashion stylists may also be interested in being part of your photo shoot in exchange for images they can use in their portfolios. 

5. Utilize your investment

You’ve splurged on renovating your salon and getting those gorgeous shots taken for your website, so why not enter them for the Salon Interior Design category? Make the most of your investment and inspire others to do the same with their spaces, too!