Competition Success with Georgie J

For Georgie Johnson, 2024 marks a milestone in her career, as she has emerged as a finalist in competitions such as The Mane Event and the Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA). 

Her latest collection, Achromatic, earned her a place among the AHFA’s top finalists, showcasing her ability to transform a creative vision into striking, high-fashion hair artistry. This monochrome collection, a stunning exploration of light and texture, displayed her out-of-the-box approach and cemented her reputation as a talented stylist in the Australian hair industry. For stylists eager to make their mark, here’s how Georgie structured her collection photoshoot—from concept to completion.

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1. Building Achromatic: Assembling a Creative Team

Georgie’s vision for Achromatic called for a team that could bring her bold concept to life. She connected with Sydney-based photographer Lyn Taylor and engaged other stylists and creatives eager to gain hands-on experience on set. This creative team produced a series of six images over a one-day studio shoot, a testament to the power of collective vision and teamwork.

To keep shoots budget-friendly, consider using social media groups or sites like StarNow to find creatives and models willing to participate on a TFP (Time for Print) basis, creating opportunities for collaboration and portfolio building without high costs.

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2. Defining the Vision and Building a Moodboard

Every collection begins with a concept. For Achromatic, Georgie chose to explore the contrast of light and texture through a monochromatic lens, a theme that brought depth and timelessness to her images. She developed a moodboard that conveyed the monochrome aesthetic, from hairstyles to the wardrobe. This visual reference anchored her team, ensuring a cohesive approach across every shot and a shared vision. 

Where to start? Start creating a moodboard on Pinterest, or look through the archives of previous hair award collections on social media to see what sparks your interest and creativity. 

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3. On the Day: Cultivating the Right Atmosphere

Georgie fostered a fun, creative environment throughout the Acromatic shoot, where each team member was encouraged to bring their best, lifting each other up in the process. She set a relaxed, upbeat tone in her salon with lively music, refreshments, and lunch creating a space where everyone—from models to stylists—felt comfortable expressing themselves. 

This positive atmosphere allowed for experimentation with angles, poses, and close-ups, all enhancing the fine details of each look. Georgie motivated her models to let their personalities shine, knowing that the more at ease everyone felt, the more authentic and impactful the final images would be.

4. Showcasing your work and Celebrating the Journey

Your photoshoot is not only a chance to capture award-worthy images, but is an invaluable content creation opportunity for your salon’s online presence to promote your work. 

Beyond submitting her entry for competitions like the AHFA, Georgie maximised the benefits of shoot day by capturing and posting additional content promoting her styling services through social media, mentoring emerging stylists through additional free downloadable resources, and built her credibility leading into her 2025 education offerings. 

A photoshoot’s impact extends well beyond the competition itself; it’s an ideal opportunity to build your brand, engage your audience, and refresh your salon’s online platforms with compelling content. Are you ready to take the leap and showcase your creative work on a national stage?

The Mane Event Total Look Hair Awards are now open! Visit The Mane Event to learn more about entering and share your creativity with the world.