‘Cutters’ meet ‘Shooters’ for College collaboration!

09/12/2011

Artist and model behind the scenes on the photoshoot

Students from two diverse areas of study, based at the College's Crawley campus collaborated on a joint project recently when the Hair & Beauty Department and the Media Department worked together on a hairdressing photoshoot.

Both departments regularly set assessments which give students a realistic taste of working in a pressurised, professional environment, and this project was ideal for both the Media students, who got to grips with studio photography, and Hairdressing students, who experienced the pressure felt by professional hairdressers when working with a client for a photoshoot.

Before they got started, the Hairdressing students, from the Level 3 course were required to put together a mood board to illustrate their idea and present to their peers. They then needed to find a suitable model, clothes and make up for the occasion, and prepare a risk assessment for the shoot. They then briefed the Media students, who are studying for the Level 3 Certificate in Creative Media Production, about exactly the kind of results they were hoping to achieve through lighting, backgrounds and photographic effects, using their mood boards as examples. For many, this was the first opportunity to meet, let alone work with students from a different course at the College.

On the day, the students worked together superbly, and the photoshoot went extremely well. The buzz around the College was palpable as other students gathered to see what was going on, creating a really positive atmosphere. The Hairdressing students will each receive a disc of images taken on the day, which will form part of their portfolio, and serve as a visual record of their skills to future employers. The Media students will also take away examples of their own creative photography, as well as the overall experience of setting up a studio and working to client briefs, which will benefit them in a professional environment.

Hairdressing Lecturer Lindsey James and Media Lecturer Don Allen worked closely with the groups during the project, and were both impressed with the level of professionalism displayed by the students. Don said: "Working under pressure and to a specific deadline is a significant part of both industries and putting the students into environments that mimic this has incredible benefits. It is this preparation for the real world of work that makes vocational training so valuable."

He added: "To add to the reality of the situation, one of the hairstylists and her model are hard of hearing and needed the support of a signer to get through the session. Having never previously been confronted with this situation, the 'photographer' had to make use of all their skills in giving direction to get the shots."

For the Media students, this project follows their recent job taking photographs at a wedding in Brighton. They have also completed portrait sessions as well as a music CD cover shoot this term. Don said: "Their portfolios of commercial work will look amazing by the end of their course, and I am really proud of them."