Bridging the Gap: A Unique Photoshoot for Serena Giscombe’s Sheffield Hair Salon

I spent quite a bit of time discussing this photoshoot concept with Serena, and as someone who's familiar with salons only from the client side of the chair, I found the experience surprisingly insightful. When I thought of salon photos—the kind you see in window displays or on websites—I assumed they were generic stock images with little connection to the stylist or salon itself. But through Serena, I discovered that many of these images are actually created on "portfolio days," where studios set up sessions with professional hair models specifically for stylists and salons to showcase their work.

This was eye-opening because there seems to be a huge divide between these polished, highly stylised images and the quick snaps stylists take on their phones at the end of a client’s visit. On one side, you have images that are perfected almost to the point of feeling unattainable, and on the other, there are everyday snapshots that, while real, don’t necessarily capture the artistry of the stylist.

With this project, we aimed to create something unique, bridging the gap between these two extremes. We wanted images that felt authentic, relatable, and professional—pictures of real people that conveyed the warmth of a familiar face, while still elevating Serena’s brand with a refined touch.

The shoot took place over the course of a day in a space just next door to Serena’s salon. Every person featured is a real client of Serena’s, not a model, which adds an element of honesty and connection to each shot. The goal was to reflect the genuine experience of visiting Serena’s salon while providing a polished, cohesive look that aligns with her brand.

These images are more than just photos—they’re visual extensions of Serena’s commitment to her clients and craft. By capturing real people in an artful yet natural way, we’ve created a portfolio that feels as genuine and welcoming as Serena’s salon itself. Thank you Serena for having me be apart of this incredible shoot and I can’t wait to work with you again in the future.