This project has been something that I have wanted to do for a few years now. Basically the idea came about because of my passion photographing all ages of people. I thought what better way to photograph people than in a hair salon where people go to have their hair cut or style and generally feel better about themselves or maybe they are getting ready to go to a party or an event.
So I kept up the courage and recently had the opportunity through a business contact to meet with Alison McBride of Alison Hair salons based in Reading and Henley. We had a brief meeting and I explained to Alison my idea of spending time in her salon on a Saturday (which is probably the busiest day) photographing her clients after they have had their hairstyled. She had never heard of this type of work before but was willing to give it a go and we arranged a date to start this project on 2 April 2011.
Just after our meeting I asked if it was okay to do some test shots of her staff and herself in the salon before we left. Later that evening I downloaded and edited the images and e-mailed them on to her. Both she and her staff were delighted with the results and I received an e-mail from Alison expressing how they were excited about the photography project.
Well, the three weeks went by quickly since our first meeting and 2 April arrives. We drove to Redding and arrived at just after 8 AM to find that Alison was already starting a client’s hair. My goodness they start early! Immediately we got to work setting up one soft box on a magic arm kitted with a flashgun and remote trigger. I had my Canon camera attached to my black rapid RS-7 strap and used it all day.
Here are some of the photographs from the day. We have also put together a you Tube video which can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kg8A9DwS8s
We thoroughly enjoy today and while we were there we took some model shots of the staff when the salon closed which the girls thoroughly enjoyed.
We have been invited by Alison to go to her other salon sites in the near future.
Alison Hair. 85, Gosbrook Rd, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 8BN. Tel: 0118 947 2540
Mark
