Why Hair Can Make or Break Your Photoshoot - Jessy J Dallas Beauty Photographer
For photographers and models, it's essential that makeup, hair, wardrobe, location, and lighting are perfectly planned and flawlessly executed at a photoshoot. One element lacking can negatively impact the day if the team is not prepared. With a strong crew, miraculously things can work out but one thing is certain...hair needs to look amazing at your photoshoot!
Second to lighting, I believe hair is a critical component to having a great shoot day. If not done properly, it can be a difficult and timely area to fix in post production. For that reason, I do everything in my power at my photoshoots to ensure that hair looks great straight out the camera. Here are a few photographer and model hair tips for your next shoot:
Pre Shoot
Make sure hair is clean upon arriving on set
If hair color is used, make sure roots are touched up a few days prior
If you have a particular haircut, it is always best hair is trimmed or cut to desired length and style before your shoot
Hiring a Professional Hair Stylist
Take a look at their portfolio to determine if they can achieve the various styles you need. Some have specialties so make sure your hire based on their expertise
Your stylist should be familiar with working efficiently and quickly on set...Remember time is money!
Make sure they are able to stay the entirety of the shoot to help fix hair as you move around
I'm a personal fan of stylists that stay close enough to the model to ensure every strand stays in place while I'm shooting
I always have a list of professional hair stylists that I work with and provide to the client if they need assistance
Hair Control
In certain situations, I prefer an effortless style that is slightly messy and not perfect. Some flyaways are ok and give a natural look to the photo
In beauty photos, hair typically needs more control as these images are shot close up. For that reason, hair issues are more evident
Flyaways are sometimes unnoticeable to the eye but can be easily spotted in the final image. Thoroughly examine your test shots to correct any unruly hair
Use a great pomade or hairspray to control any unnecessary flyaways onsite
My personal favorite is the TIGI Bed Head Hair Stick
Wigs and Extensions
I'm a huge fan of using because wigs and extensions are an easy way to transform a model's look without damaging their real hair
Make sure the hair selected matches your hair color and texture if your natural hair will be exposed
If you are wearing a lace frontal, it's best to get one with a realistic looking hairline or using a lacefront specialist to install for ideal results
For those that need something quick and easy to install without a professional, I always recommend clip in hair extensions for extra volume and length
My personal favorite luxury human hair clip ins are Sasa Tresses Clip In Hair Extensions which are by far the thickest and longest lasting I've seen on the market
Fan Usage
A lot of my photoshoots involve a fan and here's why..they can bring life to a photo!
The models hair ideally should be down and long enough to blow
Fan speed and angle are important to achieve the best results
I personally like lower speeds and fans angled to where the hair is open on the face. This prevents hair from flying across the face and keeps the hair style recognizable
