When you pick up a magazine and flip through the pages are you captivated by the imagery? Do you think to yourself; I would love to be the makeup artist or the hairstylist involved in that project? As a Beauty Professional, this role is fondly referred to as a Session Stylist. A Session Stylist is responsible for working with models and celebrities in advertorial campaigns, editorial photoshoots, and fashion shows. In most cases, a Session Stylist has the skill to work in a dual capacity performing both hairstyling and makeup artistry, yet having a specialty is always a plus.
How do you become a Session Stylist?
Unless you know somebody that knows somebody, most of the time you are not going to be hired for this type of role without previous experience. Therefore, the best way to acquire experience is by testing, also referred to as “test shooting.” Begin by reaching out to photographers in your local area. Let them know that you are interested in working with them on a beauty test shoot. You want to specify “beauty” because this gives your work an opportunity to shine. The photographer may ask if you already have a model selected or they may suggest a model to you, either way it is important to be flexible. Solidify a concept, lock in a model, schedule the shoot and show up and make it an enjoyable experience. You will want to schedule a number of these so that you can create different looks that will showcase your ability to work with various types of hair textures or skin tones.
Two key points to remember in Session Styling: preparedness and etiquette.
Preparation – Being over-prepared is the name of the game! You should know what your talent looks like before you are on set, whether they have allergies or sensitivities and the goal of the Creative Director or the Key Hair/Makeup person. How do you obtain this information? You must take the initiative and ask! In addition, once on set, when someone asks you for something you should be able to go into your kit and grab it. Yes, you may be creating one type of look however being flexible is of vital importance. When working as a Session Stylist you will not necessarily have the final say on how the look is coming together. So, you have to be able to work on the fly and be accommodating.
Etiquette - The way we cooperate and communicate plays a huge role in booking an opportunity. Professionalism is extremely important. You do not ever want to come across as a haughty, a know-it-all, or unwilling to be a team player. Have you ever had a telephone call with someone who sounded like they were having an awful day or did not have time to speak with you? It produces a negative effect, and your perception is now tainted when you get off the phone. In contrast, have you received an email where the sender’s tone came across pleasant and warm? A smile should be worn on your face and heard in your tone of voice; it should be inviting. When working as a Session Stylist people will always remember the way you treated them, and they will undoubtedly tell someone about that experience whether good or bad. In this industry, we all know somebody who knows somebody so information travels extremely fast. You want what is being said about you to help you not hinder.
There is no crystal ball as to when an opportunity will arise to get booked as a Session Stylist. However, building and maintaining relationships will be vital. Connect with modelling agencies and photographers. Network with others in the industry who are currently doing what you aspire to do. Give it time, build a solid portfolio and as people begin to see your work and hear about your interactions, they will want to work with you.
