Kevin murphy's tips for becoming a session stylist

Published 28th May 2008 by sophieh

Kevin Murphy has been an editorial and session stylist for over two decades since having his first work published in Australian Vogue in 1984.

After training at Vidal Sassoon in the UK, Kevin has made a real impact in his native Australia where he has worked with major fashion houses and graced the covers of all the major global print publications, often with his trademark unstructured, beach-hair look.

We caught up with Kevin, winner of the 2008 Australian Master Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards to find out his secrets for people wanting to follow in his footsteps and make it as a session stylist.

Put youself out there: The best way to get into session styling is to begin with a few shots of models to show your ability in finishing techniques. When you have about five looks google "hair and make-up agents" in your area make an appointment to see the booker to put yourself up for some assisting work. You will have to offer your services for free, but this will get you some work or a foot in the door. Session work is all about relationships as jobs come up at the drop of a hat and go just as fast.

Offer to help: Seek out photographers in your area and offer to help them if they have shoots on. As before, you may not get paid for the work, but it is all about relationship building, gaining experience and getting your name known.

Never stop learning: Go to every long hair seminar and every hair-up seminar you can. Every hairdresser who does bridal or updos (no matter how naf it seems) will have an array of tricks that you can adapt for yourself. Pay to go and see these people you will always pick up at least one technique.

Be inspired: The library is a good place to start (boring I know!) as there have been books written in the past about hairstyling and what materials were used through the ages. All I can say is photocopy, photocopy, photocopy and catalogue your information so you can reference your techniques.

Obsess about hair: Session styling is about gaining new skills, I draw a lot of my inspiration from old movies, to stay at the top of your game your eyes have to be wide open. You will need to focus on the hair and you have to obsess a bit over it. So less chatting on the shoot is better! You have to consider everything: how much of the picture does the hair take up? What is the environment the model is sitting in? Does her hair match her environment?

Don't rest on your laurels: Remember you are only ever as good as your last job so you have to do the best that you can at all times and stay on top of new trends. By the time fashion magazines come out showcasing styles, it's too late to take them on as something brand new - so come up with your own unique look.

Work with a good team: My last bit of advice is 'always work with people that know more than you!'

Kevin Murphy Podcasts

In keeping with his ethos of staying ahead of the latest trends; Kevin is now using modern technology to enable him to stay in touch with his clients and other stylists via their i-pods.

His podcasts enable him to inform viewers how to use products or recreate looks. While other stylists can also upload their podcasts onto the site to share their ideas and creativity.