Sophie Fedoriw of Safy B’s Salon shares her advice.
Published:Creating a first professional photoshoot is an opportunity for hairdressers to experiment, develop their creative vision and showcase their work. Sophie Fedoriw of Safy B’s Salon shares her advice on planning a shoot, building confidence and making the most of the experience.
Organising a first photoshoot can feel daunting, from sourcing models and developing mood boards to finding the right photographer. However, for Sophie Fedoriw of Safy B’s Salon, the experience offered an opportunity to explore new ideas and share her creative vision with the wider hairdressing industry.
Having previously assisted her salon boss, Safy, on photoshoots, Sophie developed an interest in curating her own. She approached the project as a chance to experiment, with the aim of enjoying the creative process while producing work that reflected her individual style.
Sophie began by experimenting with different concepts before developing her final idea. Once she had established a direction, she contacted models she had worked with previously and approached a local photographer.
“From there, I messaged a few models we’d used previously and got in touch with a local photographer, and it all started coming together,” she explains.
For hairdressers planning their first shoot, Sophie recommends preparing as much as possible while remembering that the process should remain enjoyable.
Her advice is not to put “too much pressure on yourself for everything to be perfect!” Instead, she encourages stylists to embrace the opportunity to learn and experiment.
A strong mood board is one of the most important tools when planning a photoshoot. It helps communicate the intended look and ensures everyone involved understands the creative direction.
Sophie also stresses the importance of considering the complete image rather than focusing exclusively on the hair.
The model, make-up, clothing, lighting and photography all contribute to the final result, so thinking about how these elements work together can help create a more cohesive collection.
Having a clear visual reference also helps the photographer, model and other collaborators understand how their contributions fit into the overall concept.
Even with careful planning, photoshoot days can be unpredictable. Sophie recommends packing more equipment and products than you think you will need, from additional hairpieces to extra hairspray.
As she points out, “you’ll always end up wanting something you’ve left at home!”
Preparation can help reduce unnecessary stress on the day, but Sophie believes it is equally important to maintain perspective. A first photoshoot is a milestone in a hairdresser’s career, and the experience should be an opportunity to create something personally meaningful.
Her most important advice is to “have fun with it and create something you actually want to create!”
Having colleagues around her was a significant part of Sophie’s first photoshoot experience. She credits the support she has received at Safy B’s Salon with helping her build confidence, develop her skills and become more willing to explore new creative opportunities.
“I’ve grown massively since being at Safy B’s,” she says. “Being at the salon has really encouraged me to push myself, try new things and say yes to opportunities.”
She adds that working alongside a supportive team has helped her develop creatively, with colleagues bringing different skills and perspectives to projects while encouraging one another.
For emerging stylists, this kind of environment can make a real difference when taking on unfamiliar challenges and developing work outside their usual salon routine.
Ultimately, Sophie’s experience demonstrates that a successful first photoshoot is about more than achieving the perfect image. With a clear vision, thoughtful preparation and the support of a creative team, it can become a valuable opportunity to build confidence, explore individual style and take the next step in a hairdressing career.
For more advice follow on Instagram @sophie.safyb.
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