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STYLES SUBMISSIONS

Styles photos are very different from news photos. Styles photos are created in a studio during a professional photo shoot, using an experienced model and usually the services of a professional make up artist. The photographer will use the correct camera equipment, lighting, background and photographic retouching in order to create a top quality hair fashion image.

Styles photos require much planning and co-ordination between the hairstylist, photographer, make up artist and fashion stylist, if you use one. You will need to plan the mood of your shoot, the type of hair you are doing, and make sure that all the elements of the shoot tie in with the theme you are creating, i.e. a funky, modern hairstyle might have bright bold make-up and a bold dramatic background combined with funky outfits and accessories. A shoot of classical, conservative hair will require more natural make up and a softer, more neutral background as well as appropriate clothing.

Hair should be perfectly finished. However, do not overstyle the hair or it will look limp and flat. If you end up with a few stray hairs these can be removed during retouching.

The choice of model is all important. Choose somebody with attitude and confidence in front of the camera. Good skin and features help, although make up and retouching can conceal minor blemishes.

Even top hairdressers sometimes do unsuccessful shoots. If the results are disappointing, don't submit your work. Learn from the mistakes you made and your shoot will be better next time around.

If you like your work, please do NOT send the magazine every photo you have taken! This can run into hundreds of images and we do not have time to choose the best of them. Together with your photographer, select four or five of the best looks from each model or each hairstyle. If you have difficulty judging your own work, ask an experienced colleague to take a look.

The photos should be put on a CD in high resolution, as top quality jpegs or Tiffs. Please include full credits and also your salon's name and contact telephone number. Send your work via courier or registered post and always keep a copy as we cannot return work sent to us.

We look forward to considering your submissions for IMAGE and the styles pages of the SA Hairdressers Journal.