Shooting at the Dutch Coiffure Awards Show of 2022

As a photographer, one of the challenges you may face is to have to work with limited space and under tight time constraints. This was the case for me when I had the opportunity to photograph all 16 models at last year's Dutch Coiffure Awards show 'Unity' by Juliëtte den Ouden.

With only a couple of minutes per model and a small area to work with, I had to be creative in order to capture images that did justice to all the hard work that went into creating the incredible hairdo masterpieces.

SOME OF MY FAVORITES

Unity for Albinism

This extraordinary hair show served as an ode to Africa, embodying the values of equality, acceptance, and diversity. Moreover, it carried a profound purpose as it raised funds and awareness for a noble cause. On stage, Juliette proudly unveiled her new foundation: Unity for Albinism. A non-profit organization dedicated to supporting projects for people with Albinism.

The hair show not only celebrated artistic creativity and beauty but also highlighted the power of unity and the importance of embracing diversity. It showcased a vibrant fusion of African-inspired hairstyles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the continent. Models adorned with stunning and intricate hair designs gracefully strutted down the runway, emanating confidence, resilience, and the spirit of inclusivity.

Beyond the breathtaking hairstyles, this event left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of its attendees. It served as a catalyst for change, raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with albinism in Africa and promoting the need for equal opportunities and acceptance.

The light setup

In the pursuit of capturing all these special hairpieces and models in a way that seemed to fit with the theme, I bought a carpet to serve as the backdrop and create a raw structured background.

As a main light, I used a B10plus with a small deep umbrella and diffuser directed towards a V-flat and then bounced the light towards the model in a soft glow.

A second B10plus, with orange gel and grid attached, casts a gentle kiss of warmth upon the background. This added depth and dimension, infusing the visuals with a tantalizing aura.