Top Tips to becoming a 2010 Hair Expo Award Winner

How to get started

Read the Rules and Regulations! Understand the Criteria! Are you entering the right category?

  • Participation is not a question of money
  • Go through the hardship and reap the rewards
  • Do it the right way and do it well
  • Document your work throughout the year
  • It's a lifelong process

Find your team

Some people who share your dream!

  • Essentials:
    •  Models, photographer, make up artist and stylist

  • Your budget? Is it realistic? How much do you really have to play with? Don’t be afraid to say "I would love to use you but I can’t afford that price, would you consider this price? Or what can you do for this amount of money?"

  • Not everything needs to be perfect, but do invest in models and lighting

  • Don’t get hooked on location. All is possible with the right lighting

  • If you cant afford to use professional models, try using part time models or models that are just starting out and need to build there portfolio

  • When choosing models, consider models that you can create more than one look with

  • Is it possible to use a photographer’s assistant? It may be cheaper!

  • Fashion and design houses - your photo shoot could be a great environment for an up and coming designer to showcase there fashions

  • The shooting date should be 3 months before the cut off date

Before the day of the shoot

  • Re-read the awards criteria

  • Be prepared

  • Polaroids are a great way to visualise your work

  • Meet with your photographer to communicate your vision

  • Good timing is essential! Use and create a running sheet for the day and remember booked staff will leave when there contract ends!
  • Produce an equipment list - if you don’t have it, you cant use it!

  • Source your clothing early and make sure everything fits
  • Meet and brief your team prior the shoot and allocate responsibilities. Everyone needs to be on the same page.
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And finally ... Practice! Practice! Practice! You should be able to visualize your day with your eyes closed by the time the day of the shoot arrives

    The day of the shoot

    • Be early. Time waits for no one!
    • Document your process. Capture the day on film
    • Lead! This is your shoot!
    • Have complete trust and confidence in yourself. When it’s all prepared let it bloom!

      Editing and selecting

      • It’s about the hair! The Photographer’s favourites may not be the best shot of the hair

      • Do not rely on touch ups or photoshop

      • You’re choosing your shoots to form a collection

      • You should be looking for 6 strong images

      The written submission

      Your questionnaire is like an interview and is a crucial deciding factor when the judges make their selection 

      • Timing is crucial so ensure you get this in on time
      • Stick to the rules
      • Answer questions relevant to the awards period only
      • If there is a question you don’t understand, ask the organisers so you don’t give the wrong information
      • Look at the amount of points allocated per question. This will help you evaluate how detailed you need to be when answering the question
      • Don’t waffle
      • Content is King! It’s not about how good your questionnaire looks, It’s the quality of what’s inside
      • Before you print and bind your questionnaire check for mistakes and read it from front to back
      • Have someone proof read it for you
      • Your questionnaire should be easy to read and understand and make sense to the person proof reading it. If they don’t understand the judges may not either

        There will only be one winner. It’s about participating, putting yourself out there, pushing the boundaries and having a go. Success and recognition is a life long journey, be sure to take the time and enjoy the ride.

        GOOD LUCK!