Welcome to the wonderful, chaotic, and slightly overwhelming world of hair photography. Producing a photoshoot sounds glamorous—and it is—but for many hairdressers, it’s a wild leap into the unknown. The good news? You don’t need to be a seasoned creative director. This blog (and the next few in this series) is here to help you channel your creativity while avoiding major hiccups.

LETS DIVE INTO STEP 1: UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SHOOT

Why Are You Doing This? Seriously, Why?

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating gorgeous images, but pause for a moment. What’s the real purpose behind your shoot? Are you:

Building your salon’s brand?
Competing for the British Hairdressing Awards?
Boosting team morale?
Decorating your salon walls?
Or, let’s face it, doing it “just for fun” (and Instagram likes)?

Here’s the kicker: rarely will one shoot serve multiple purposes.

Your jaw-dropping, avant-garde collection for the British Hairdressing Awards probably isn’t the vibe you want hanging in your reception area. (Unless your clients are into futuristic, gravity-defying styles in their everyday lives.)

Similarly, a relaxed shoot showcasing natural, candid hair photography might not scream award-winning creativity. And if this is a team-bonding exercise, prepare for a rollercoaster of quality as everyone gets their shot.

Pro Tip: Keep the purpose of your shoot front and center throughout the process. It will guide every creative decision, ensuring your collection feels cohesive and achieves its intended goal.

Example Time!

Let’s say your purpose is to create a portfolio for an upcoming hair competition. The focus will likely be on showcasing your most creative and technically brilliant work. Every model, every hairstyle, and every shot will need to scream: “This hairdresser is a genius!”

On the flip side, if the goal is branding and salon promotion, your shoot might prioritize approachable, relatable styles that reflect your clients and salon vibe.

The purpose isn’t just a starting point—it’s the foundation for your vision. And speaking of vision…

Next Time: Setting Your Creative Vision

Now that you’ve nailed down your purpose, it’s time to think about your vision—what you want the final images to look and feel like. In Blog 2, we’ll explore how to define and communicate your creative vision so your team (and your photographer) can bring it to life.

Stay tuned, and remember: the magic happens when purpose meets creativity.