"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas."

— Linus Pauling

Portrait Of A Darling concept shoot at Aradale Asylum

April Chaplin photographed for Saas Gallery

Claire Radbourne photographed for Landell Designs

I have sketch books full of ideas that have been sitting around for months. Ideas which, because they are a bit unflattering, or a bit nude, or a bit abstract, are yet to see the light of day. So if you want to try something different, enjoy the creative process, and like to ‘make a day of it’ with lunch in the middle, drop me a line.

http://www.modelmayhem.com/casting.php?ccid=559710

DailyJo is a visual journal of my life as seen through the lens of James Price

Lights, Camera, Action! Retro concept shoot with Helen McLean

Krystal Onions wearing vintage metallic dress

Esh photographed for the 2009 International Hair Show

To make the most out of a shoot, good preparation is important for all involved. This guide is to help models prepare for a successful shoot.

Personal Care

In the days before a shoot, wax or shave, get your nails trimmed and buffed, have your roots retouched and drink plenty of water to give your skin some extra love. Keep your energy levels up during shooting by eating breakfast before you arrive.

Skin

If we are using a professional make up artist, please arrive with clean moisturized skin. (Please don’t use  moisturizers with sunscreen in them). If you are applying make up to yourself avoid shimmer and wet look products, keep it simple, but don’t forget your eyebrows and cheeks!

Hair

If we are using a professional hair stylist, please arrive with clean and dry hair. By this we mean, hair that contains no product, and has not been straightened or curled. If your hair is anything like mine, I can suggest a nice head scarf until the stylist can work their magic on you. If you are styling your own hair, be aware of how it looks from different angles and finish with a light coat of hair spray to hold the style.

Wardrobe

If wardrobe is being provided, please bring a well fitting and neutral coloured bra, flesh coloured ‘not too tight’ fitting g-string and a couple of pairs of shoes. If it’s going to be cold I also suggest bringing sheer pantyhose matched to your skin tone. If you are supplying wardrobe items, ensure they are clean, ironed, polished and looking their best. Fashion is an art form so be creative!

Housekeeping

Save contact numbers into your phone, and confirm transport, start times, meeting points and chaperons. Pack your bag the night before so you don’t stress out on the day. I understand that sometimes things come up and you might be running late or unable to make it. If this happens, please call or sms me. You are welcome to bring a friend with you, but be warned – I have a habit of turning tag-alongs into lighting assistants.

piano keys and violets

Emma Dalton, photographed for the 2009 International Hair Show

Singer Melanie Jade, photographed for the 2009 International Hair Show

Yesterday I tagged along to the International Hairstylists Society hair show which is one of the largest hair shows in the country. Having never been to one before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but “complete and utter chaos” comes fairly close.

Many of the stylists and models had been awake and preparing since 4am that morning for a 12pm show. Caffeine and sugary sweets were sustaining the tightly packed gymnasium sized hall. The fine line between sheer exhilaration and breaking into tears under the pressure was evident in the hallways and crouched in corners as entrants coached their models on posing and lay out hair pins before their event. For those of us who were spectators, our entry fee did not guarantee a seat, a view of the catwalk or even use of the toilets (good luck to you with 1000+ people wanting to do their make up! Lol.) But wow, that room had an energy to it you could set alight.

Event after event, models were herded into their seats for judging then lead over to the catwalk for 10 seconds of glory followed by the arduous and sometimes painful task of unraveling their hairdos. Then they could go home, finally eat something and have a nanna nap.

Towards the middle of the event, the crowd was urged into silence by the organisers. They killed the music and spent a full minute getting everyone to pay attention. Most of us thought something serious had happened, but it was just so the organisers could tell everyone off for leaving rubbish in the hallways and bathrooms and to let us know they didn’t want to pay for cleaners afterwards!

Despite the rushed, stressed, and relentless pace of the day, there were some real highlights – the talent. I discovered stylists and colourists that deserve to have their work in the national gallery. This was true art. Moving, inventive and ingenious.

Team spirit was evident in the many helpers and friends who had come along to support the entrants. The hair models had not only volunteered their time, but also their beautiful hair with dramatic chops and colour changes commonplace. The runway was littered with loaned designer clothing from local labels. It was this amazing sense of working together that made the day, despite it’s hardships, so memorable and positive.

Would I do it again? Hell yes. But with a packed lunch and empty bladder!

April Chaplin photographed for Saas Gallery