Congratulations! Your photoshoot is wrapped, and now it’s time for the next crucial step: post-production. This phase is where your images go from great to jaw-dropping, and it’s every bit as important as the shoot itself. Let’s break down how to approach editing and selecting your final images.

Step 1: Reviewing the Images

The first step in post-production is going through the photos. Depending on the scale of your shoot, you might have hundreds of images to sift through, so brace yourself.

Tips for a Productive Review Session:

Take Your Time: Don’t rush this process. Set aside uninterrupted time to go through the photos thoroughly.
Start with a Broad Selection: On your first pass, pick any image that catches your eye. Don’t overthink it at this stage—you’ll narrow it down later.
Look for Cohesion: Keep your original vision and mood board in mind. Do the images fit the vibe you were going for?
Focus on Hair First: Since this is a hair photoshoot, prioritize images where the hair is the star. Lighting, angles, and textures should all work together to showcase your skills.

Step 2: Collaborate with Your Photographer

Your photographer will likely have their own ideas about which shots work best. Set up a time to review the images together. They’re the expert on lighting, composition, and technical details, so lean on their expertise.

Questions to Ask Your Photographer:

Are there any standout images that fit the vision?
Which shots have the best lighting and angles for the hair?
Are there any technical adjustments (e.g., cropping, color correction) that could enhance certain images?

Step 3: Retouching the Images

Retouching is where the magic happens, but it’s also where things can go wrong if you’re not careful. In most cases, this step is handled by your photographer or their professional retoucher, ensuring the results are polished and cohesive. My personal point of view here is the goal should be to enhance the images while keeping them authentic.

Retouching Essentials:

Enhance Without Overdoing It: Retouching should highlight the beauty of your work without making your models look artificial. Smooth skin and clean up stray hairs, but avoid crossing the line into unrealistic perfection. No one wants their models to look like Ai creations.
Stay Authentic: Remember, the pride and accomplishment come from showcasing real work. Overly retouched images can feel hollow, like watching an actor who is entirely CGI. Real beauty, enhanced thoughtfully, is always more powerful.
Focus on Hair: Ensure the hair is the centerpiece of the retouching process. Enhance textures, add shine, and ensure the lighting brings out the best in your styling.

If you’re unsure about retouching yourself, rely on professionals. A skilled retoucher will know how to elevate the images without losing their authenticity.

Step 4: Selecting the Final Images

Once the retouching is complete, it’s time to choose the final images for your portfolio, campaign, or competition. Be ruthless here—quality over quantity is the name of the game.

Tips for Final Selection:

Tell a Story: If your shoot was for a collection, ensure the images flow together and tell a cohesive story.
Diversity: Showcase a range of styles, angles, and looks to demonstrate your versatility.
Keep It Tight: A strong collection is better than an overwhelming number of images. Aim for around 6-8 standout shots.

Step 5: Sharing Your Work

Now comes the fun part—sharing your masterpiece with the world! Here’s how to make the most of your images:

Competitions: Submit your best work to industry competitions like the British Hairdressing Awards. Make sure you follow all submission guidelines.
Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes moments and final images on Instagram and Facebook. Use relevant hashtags to increase reach.
Salon Displays: Print your best images and display them in your salon to inspire clients and showcase your expertise.
PR with Trade Press: Reach out to key publications in the hair industry, such as Hairdressers Journal, Pro Hair and Creative Head, to pitch your collection for features or editorials. A well-timed press release can amplify your reach and establish your reputation among industry peers.

Celebrate Your Success

Producing a hair photoshoot is no small feat. Take a moment to celebrate your hard work and creativity. Whether it’s your first shoot or your fiftieth, every project is a chance to grow and push your boundaries.

Looking Ahead: Building Momentum

Your photoshoot journey doesn’t stop here. Use what you’ve learned to plan your next project, refine your style, and keep building your brand. The more you shoot, the better you’ll get—and who knows? Maybe your next collection will be award-winning!