In the realm of hairstyling, the art of crafting award-winning photoshoot collections is a testament to creativity, precision, and collaborative excellence. It’s not merely about styling hair; it’s about weaving narratives, evoking emotions, and capturing moments that resonate long after the shutter clicks. For those like me who thrive on pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box, each photoshoot is an opportunity to transform ideas into visual masterpieces.
One such milestone in my journey was the honor of styling for Parker Burr‘s lens, capturing the essence of the 2023 Canadian Men’s Hairstylist of the Year collection at the Contessas. Collaborating closely with Parker, I aimed to provide not just hair styling, but image ready hair that harmonized seamlessly with the vision of the shoot. It’s about understanding the photographer’s perspective, anticipating the lighting nuances, and ensuring every detail — from hair to makeup to styling — aligns flawlessly to tell a compelling story.
The thrill of creativity continues with several finalist collections at the Contessas, where each entry challenged me to innovate and elevate my craft. Whether it was exploring bold textures, intricate braids, or avant-garde cuts, every collection pushed me to refine techniques and embrace the unexpected. Each photoshoot became a canvas where I could experiment freely, much like shooting with a roll of film — each frame a chance to capture that perfect shot that encapsulates the essence of the collection. I strive to have my models ready and encourage my photographers that less is more. I always aim to capture the image in less than 24 frames like a roll of film.
More recently, the journey led me to the 2024 NAHA Awards as a finalist for Cutting, with the talented John Rawson behind the camera. Working alongside John was a collaborative thrill, where precision and creativity converged to create striking images that stood out in the competitive arena of hairstyling awards. The photoshoot wasn’t just about showcasing technical skill; it was about translating passion into palpable artistry, ensuring each shot told a compelling narrative of craftsmanship and innovation.
For me, the essence of a successful photoshoot lies in meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s about nurturing ideas into concepts, working closely with photographers and makeup artists to orchestrate a symphony of visuals that resonate with viewers. Every photoshoot is a labor of love — a blend of technique, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded of the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of hairstyling as an art form. It’s not just about creating hairstyles; it’s about sculpting moments that transcend trends and leave an indelible mark on the industry. To fellow hairstylists and aspiring artists, I encourage you to embrace each photoshoot as an opportunity to innovate, explore, and redefine what is possible in our craft. I would like to thank the teams that I have worked with over my career, because of you all of this has been possible.
To those who have not yet ventured into the world of photoshoots, I challenge you to step into your discomfort zone and start with a vision board. Begin by gathering inspiration from fashion trends, tear pages out of magazines, take screenshots of compelling visuals, and forecast future trends. Create a team of trusted collaborators—photographers, makeup artists, and models—who share your passion and vision. Together, give it your best shot, allowing your creativity to flourish and your skills to evolve.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue pushing boundaries, collaborating with visionary artists, and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of hairstyling excellence. Each photoshoot offers a blank canvas— a chance to weave dreams into reality, one frame at a time. I will leave you with this, I have entered more times than I have placed, I have lost more times than I have won, but it is not about winning, it’s about the experience.
Here’s to the power of creativity, precision, and the limitless possibilities of hairstyling.
