My very first awards shoot was in 2004. I booked a studio in London, sourced a photographer and took my models with me. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and the studio was awful! I created five pictures, and they were ok, but I didn’t finalise for any awards.
I tried again the following year, and I finalised for the Scottish region at the British Hairdressing Awards. Even though I’ve finalised for this category every single year since, nothing will beat the feeling of that first time. I clearly remember opening the envelope and screaming; I fell on the floor and I couldn’t believe it! I attended the awards with my dad, and I still remember every minute of it.
I didn’t win, but I didn’t care. I was so happy to be amongst the greatest hairdressers in the world. Since then, I have won more than 20 hairdressing awards, all of which I am immensely proud of. I wouldn’t say I have cracked the formula, but I have definitely learnt many lessons along the way…
Choose your team carefully
I learn something new every time I create a collection, but I always feel there’s room for improvement. Creating a winning collection is a delicate balance because you need to be with a team where the trust and vision is aligned, and sometimes that costs more. You can cut corners and make financial savings, but you have to be at the top of your game to do this. If you are learning, you can’t cut corners, and if there’s a weak link in the team, it will let the whole shoot down.
Choosing the right model is everything
My number one piece of advice is to choose the right model. With any image, you will always see the face first, so they have to fit the brief. It is important to push boundaries, but if you are coming through the ranks and finding your aesthetic, then remember that less is more.
Prepare every element
The best award shoots are all down to prep. The biggest thing that will let you down is not turning up fully prepared. I run my shoots with military precision and time everything to the minute to stay on track. I have sheets for each model with times, pictures of everything, hair pieces, wigs and visuals for every single look – all of that prep takes months, but it’s worth every bit of effort on the day.
Practice
The images don’t just magically happen; you have to know exactly how you are going to create each look and practise it over and over again. Of course, it is important to allow your images to evolve on the day, but being fully prepared through practise allows that to naturally happen.
Trust the process
It’s a team effort. If you have chosen wisely, you must trust the process. All looks evolve; they start with an idea and then develop into your unique work. Don’t say ‘that will do’ unless you are completely happy with it. I don’t stop shooting until I am completely satisfied.
Quit while you’re ahead!
Lastly, there’s also something to be said for cutting your losses and moving on when a look just isn’t working. If you’ve prepared fully, you’ll have plan B ready to put into action! So, on that rare occasion, trust your instincts and move on.
