I was beyond excited to receive a contract for my first program, "Photo Finish" at the Redken Exchange in New York City. New relocated to the second floor of 404 5th Avenue, the Exchange has been education salon professionals for over 20 years. In addition to be excited I was a bit nervous as facilitating at the Exchange was a new challenge for me.
Model, Anya in front of the camera
on stage with Noah
Fortunately I was co facilitating with editorial hairstylist, Noah Hatton. The class is a three day program that goes through theory including history of some famed editorial photographers who set the initial standards in the industry. Hands on experience with both mannequins and live models from a top NYC agency. Learning fundamental hair setting techniques including marcel iron work, French and Italian twists and ponytails and correct hairstyling products to use.
Lucie finish touches on her model's hairstyle
assisting Juli with a ponytail
selfie with Joseph
Whitney and model, Leah
In addition the program allowed hairstylists to hone their finishing techniques, create a broader understanding of personal branding, team building with an editorial team and learning to cope with challenges that arise on set.
Tara and Lana
selfie with Danette
Joseph
Hairstylists were given real time coaching and exercises as looks were first demoed by both Noah and I then they would be responsible to create from the demos. Hairstylists were given homework to find images to create vision boards to tell a story. Inspiration could come from magazine or google/pinterest images including hairstyles, makeup and fashion.
Stephanie and Garbriella
its takes a village model, Tara being done up by Xinxin and hairstylist, Lana
Lucie and Valentina
Avrora and Juli
Each hairstylist was assign a professional model on Day 2 to practice the technique and to build rapport with the model. This would give the hairstylist ample time to get to know their personalities as well as analyze their facial shapes to start visualizing what they wanted to create on Day 3.
MUA Xinxin does make up on model, Valentina
break time
selfie with Whitney
Diane styling her model
Day 3 brought a lot of excitement as each hairstylist was free to create two solid looks on their models reflecting their style. I worked with each hairstylist and model one on one selecting wardrobe close to their vision boards. Photographer Joseph Rivera photographed each model with make up by Xinxin Wang.
Danette perfects an italian twist
Gabriella is all smiles while setting her model
Juli creating volume on model, Evrora
Noah assisting Danette on hair
Noah and I accompanied each hairstylist on set to assist them with their models in front of the camera. It was an exciting day and a victory to see everyone fully invested and working so hard to create their works of art.
Lucie perfecting curls on mannequin
just for fun
BTS video from Photo Finish
To sign up for the October session of Photo Finish sign up at redkenpro.com
Noah Hatton @noahbhatton
Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt
Xinxin Wang @xinxinwang_xinxinwang
Joseph Rivera @byjosephrivera