MODERN is proud to help guide hairdressers in their very first photoshoot, teaching them the tricks and tips to getting the best results. It is always exciting for our “A” Team (Photographer Roberto Ligresti, Makeup artist David Maderich, Fashion Stylist Rod Novoa and Beauty and Fashion Director/Art Director Maggie Mulhern) to work with talented hairdressers that have never had the opportunity to capture their finishes in a professional setting. It is always interesting to see the photoshoot through the eyes of artists who are newcomers to the session world.

There were many lessons learned at our recent session with Malibu C Pro Educator Georgia Reed and Ambassador Amanda Harsche. The artists started off doing everything right by sending in a detailed mood board, giving specific model requests and then arriving early for the day. We checked in with them afterward to find out what each would do differently (or the same) at their next shoot. Here they share their top seven observations: 

1. TEAM WORK: “Everything has to flow together,” say Reed. “Hair, makeup, wardrobe, and photographer. Working as a team is vital. Being vocal to help everyone create a cohesive look is important. A photo shoot is a collaboration and taking constructive criticism is necessary.” Adds Harsche, ”You all have the same goal, and listening to everyone’s ideas and appreciating input will help bring it all together.”

2. MOOD BOARD: Making a mood board for all aspects of the shoot helps immensely and helps with the flow. “Use the mood board throughout the day for guidance, but not as a blueprint,” says Harsche. “Be flexible throughout the shoot, knowing the mood board presents the first thought or ideal result.”

3. PLANNING MULTIPLE LOOKS: “Having multiple looks planned out is VERY helpful,” says Reed. “You never know when something is going to change, and you need multiple looks to help get that ‘money shot.’” Harsche points out that “You should start with the simple look and build upon that. It just makes it easier.”

4. PACK PACK PACK: “Overpack!” both Reed and Harsche say. Bring everything you may need to do hair, and then pack some more. Being over-prepared is essential. “Make sure you have tools for every situation,” Reed advises. “Having hair pieces and extensions is also vital,” adds Harsche. “Packing mannequin heads and even things to stuff in the hair to make it bigger is a great idea too.”

5. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Using unusual objects or tools to help in your style may be necessary. “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! And yes, that includes balls of foil,” says Reed. “Plan to improvise!”

6. WATCH MONITOR: Learn how the photographer plans to shoot the model. If the whole shoot is going to be from the front, don’t waste time finishing the back. “You can also take advantage of that angle by clipping the hair forward to make it look bigger,” Reed says.

7. GO BIG: It turns out big hair is never TOO big. “If you think it’s big enough, make it bigger,” Reed says. “I learned that sometimes what looks good to the naked eye, doesn’t translate that way on camera. Watch the photos taken, and be prepared to adjust quickly.”