Shooting your British Hairdressing Awards (BHA), sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional collection? We spoke to award-winning hairstylists past and present for their expert tips on shooting on a budget. With some hard work and out-of-the-box thinking, they prove once and for all that it can be done!
Think outside the box
“A little bit of thinking outside the box means your photo shoot doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Link up with like-minded people from the worlds of fashion and photography. Use social media to build a network of people who are looking to test, looking for images for their portfolio and want to raise their profile. If you are all on the same level it’s a great way to build your skills and play around without the restrictions of money, allowing you to focus on doing what you want to do and try something new. For my winning collection in 2022, rather than pay for a studio, we headed to the rooftop of the TONI&GUY Academy and used the natural daylight– it just happened to be one of the hottest days of the year!”
Cos Sakkas, British Hairdresser of the Year 2022 and 2023
Don't discount your phone camera
"I've been entering since 2004 and it's been ten years since I won. Over the years I've shot with both a big budgets and smaller budgets, and finalised with both. To be honest it's not the amount of money you spend, it’s how well you execute the inspiration behind the shoot, that's what provokes a feeling in an image or collection. As we grow as an industry, I personally think budget has become less of an issue. People are shooting on smaller budgets because phone cameras are so far advanced, and models are so much more willing to be creative and quirky."
Tracey Ann Smith, Midlands Hairdresser of the Year 2023
Test shoot before the big day
"Choose your team carefully through social media images, art school, university, gigs... basically anywhere the cool kids go. Networking with creatives in you area. We work with lots of up and coming musicians, generally they are all well connected with fashion and MUAs, so tap into this! Communication is key – especially with an inexperienced team! So always test shoot before the big day. Image boards are essential to make sure you all all singing from the same hymn sheet. Above all, be creative and have fun."
Suzie McGill, Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year 2023
Try street-casting and using photography students
"Shooting on a budget is definitely doable. For example, model hunting doesn’t need to be expensive and complicated – I scout mine at Columbia Road flower market on the streets or through the new faces department at model agencies. I would also recommend building a network of photographers or photography students online. Start following the up and coming ones and volunteer yourself for test shoots. Follow the IG account @assisting_work for opportunities to meet and test shoot with creatives. You can find models and make-up artist that way and it’s a great way to build your network of creatives."
Jordanna Cobella, London Hairdresser of the Year 2023
Collaboration is key
“The most important thing to do when shooting your hair collections on a budget is to choose your team wisely. Find an up-and-coming photographer whose work you love, they will give you more and work harder for you to achieve your vision. Create mood boards and get your team excited. This is the most important thing you can do before your shoot day. If your team are excited about your vision, they will work hard to create it. When you have your first meeting, if your team are not excited and adding ideas within their specialist field you have the wrong team. Above all, have fun!”
Sally Brooks, Brooks & Brooks, British Hairdresser of the Year 2017, 2018 and 2020