Lisa shepherd's top tips for photographic collections
When it comes to putting together a collection it can be difficult to know where to start. But it's all in the planning, according to 2005 British Hairdresser of the Year Lisa Shepherd.
This is her step by step guide for anyone planning a shoot this awards season.
Planning a Collection
PLAN! PLAN! PLAN! You need the most comprehensive brief possible, you must know every detail and everyone needs to be completely aware of your brief and what they are doing on the day.
You can never be too organised for a photo shoot!
Put the Right Team Together
- The photographer
Technically when you're looking for a great photographer you are looking at how they shoot hair!
There are many great photographers that don't appreciate the hair having to have a main focus. They shoot a great shot but end up losing the very most important thing to you! To find a photographer that understands hair is the key! - The rest of the team
I'd always ask your photographer for recommendations on stylists and make-up artists. They do so many shoots with so many teams, so they have a good idea of who is around and works well together.
Look at the credits for collections in magazines that catch your eye - this will help you to work out what style of clothes and make-up you like and make sure you book the right people.
Plan a Briefing
I always tell my team that a thorough and comprehensive brief is essential - it's not optional! Not only do you have to do it, but you have to do it well.
Make sure you have loads of pictures, images and reference points that you've swatted up on your concept so much that it is in your DNA right from scratch.
But also be ready to adapt on the day when out of the ordinary things happen; and you can be sure that they will happen.
The Shoot Day
At the start of shooting, take your time and get the looks right! When the pressure is on, it's very easy to think 'oh, that will do'.
As times goes by and you get more and more experienced you should get about 10 looks out of the girl, get in there change the shape, change the parting, chuck it over the other side, work that hair until you manipulate it to do exactly what you want!
Keep focused on the actual images that are coming through. Have you worked it enough? Does she look just good or incredible?
It's equally important to know when to walk away or go and wash and start again! If something's just not working, stop, breathe and ask yourself what's gone wrong.
Take a time out and think about how you can make it even better.
Putting Together a Hair Photo Collection
