I’ve known the owner, Karen, of award-winning hair salon Indigo Rye for many years and have shot hair for her a few times but for the re-branding of the salon’s imagery for 2019 she was very open and receptive in allowing me to bring new ideas forward. The shoot itself took about six weeks to set-up. In the first place, I had to find appropriate models and a casting of this calibre solicited over one hundred responses. After settling on our final five, I had long held the idea of creating a ‘Vanity Fair’ type image, in addition to shooting the models separately, which of course is standard procedure for hair salon imagery. I felt that it’s not the kind of image that you would ordinarily see representing a salon and would be something that would stand out. As all the models were going to be in one place at the same time, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to create this idea. I wanted to use mid-century modern furniture as props and keep the image very structured, like a painting. After finding the perfect studio space, and working with all of the stylists from Indigo Rye (who were brilliant), I had to shoot two set-ups of each model, ten in total and then by the end of those sessions of course we were running out of time for the group shot… everyone was tired and ready to go home. As the last image to capture and having shot all day without a break, I frantically moved the furniture and lights around, and posed the models until I felt I had it right. The light was so important (of course) but in the end I actually had about 10 minutes to get the shot before everyone left. I managed to shoot possibly a dozen clicks, but I knew that I had it. I’m very proud of the image and hopefully it will create some well-deserved PR for the salon (and myself!). Everyone involved in the day were great, and I can’t thank the owner of Indigo Rye, Karen, enough for the opportunity to actually realise such a cohesive vision. Jo Budden (make-up) and Angela Barnard (stylist) were also amazing. I shot mostly with the Fujinon Xf 56mm F/1.2 lens and the Fuji X-H1 camera. The wide was shot with the Fujinon XF23mm F/1.4.
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