SHOOT ON A SHOESTRING

We spoke to British Hairdressing Award -winning hairstylists past and present for their expert tips on shooting on a budget

COS SAKKAS

Shooting a collection for HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, or thinking of entering this year? Of course it’s an investment, but these awardwinners prove that it can be done on a budget with some hard work and a bit of outside-of-the-box thinking.

1 Collaboration is key

“Choose your team wisely. Create mood boards and 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 adding ideas within their specialist field you have the wrong team. Find an up-andcoming photographer whose work you love, they will make you work harder to achieve your vision. Above all, have fun!”

Sally Brooks, Brooks & Brooks, British Hairdresser of the Year 2017, 2018 and 2020

2 Think outside the box

“Link up with like-minded people in fashion and photography. Use social media to build a network of people who are looking to test and want to raise their profile. It's a great way to build your skills and play around without the restrictions of money. For my winning collection we headed to the rooftop of the TONI&GUY Academy and used the natural daylight. Our photographer Jack Eames actually suffers from vertigo – Icouldn’t believe he didn't tell me. We ended up calling the collection Vertigo!”

Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY British Hairdresser of the Year 2022

3 Shoot for your business

“You want your images to be used in your marketing and on social, as well as for the awards, so keep it simple, keep it clean and keep it on trend. On the day itself shoot the model from different angles so you have a choice of images. To make sure the day goes as smoothly as possible have all your looks planned. You don’t want to be distracted by small details on the day. If you go over your time at the studio or with the model, it will cost you so planning and preparation is really important.”

Martin Crean, MODE Hair, Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2019

4 Try street-casting and using students

"Model hunting doesn’t need to be expensive and complicated – Iscout mine at East London's Columbia Road flower market, on the streets or through the new faces department at model agencies. I would also recommend building a network on social or online. Start following up and coming photographers and volunteer 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 artists, and it’s a great way to build that network of creatives."

Jordanna Cobella, Cobella London, London Hairdresser of the Year 2022

5 Shoot outside of London!

“Look at the best photographers in your area, especially if they have any fashion or hair experience. Have a look at their portfolio and talk to them about your ideas and vision. You could also look at any local stylists and make-up artists that have had photo shoot experience. Check out your local university and speak to students who are studying photography or fashion. They may want images for their portfolio rather than payment, so it might work out for you both.”

Sharon Malcolm, Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing, Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year 2014, 2019 and 2021

6 Make a budget and stick to it

"Start with a realistic budget and work back from that. It’s so easy to get carried away and before you know it, you’ve spent much more than you ever intended! Creating a great collection isn’t about how much money you can throw at it – but spending your budget wisely. If your looks are planned out prior to the shoot, you can utilise your models effectively. Time is money on shoots."

Hooker and Young Artistic Team, Artistic Team of the Year 2022