When putting together a winning collection, a top team is crucial. Here’s how to make the best of the huddle.
1. Give Creative License
Communication with the photographer, art director, makeup artists or any others involved with the photo shoot is key. “But you can’t be too insistent on just your ideas. The photographer might have a different vision,” says Tony Masciangelo, Toronto-based editorial stylist and 2011 Session Contessa winner. “So don’t show up on set with any preconceived notions. Have an idea of what you plan to do, but have 20 more in your kit. And be open to whatever happens.”
2. Be Hands On
Ara Sassoonian, an award winning hairstylist and photographer from Montreal, says, “A strong synergy between the hairstylist and the photographer is essential. The stylist must make the concept clear and express his/her expectations.”
When it’s time to shoot, the hairstylist should be next to the photographer to ensure the angle is correct and looking to see if any touch-ups are needed. “Doing hair for photos is totally different than working behind the chair. There are details that you don’t see in real life,” says Sassoonian.
Post-production is also very important. This is when frame selection, cropping and touch-ups (that is, Photoshop) can be done. Don’t just leave it up to the photographer.
3. Be Crystal Clear On Your Vision
With 15 years of experience shooting commercial and editorial fashion, as well as being a seasoned hair competition photographer, Richard Dubois says the best advice he can give a stylist planning to show a hair collection is “to have a very clear vision of what the collection will look like. Having visual references and a sit-down meeting with the photographer beforehand is essential,” says Dubois. “The photographer and hairstylist need to be able to find a creative rhythm to work well together.”
This article has been modified from the original, which appeared in the March 2011 issue of Salon Magazine.
Comments are closed.