It takes more than creating hairstyles. Capturing the beauty of it is another. Richard Monsieurs is a master at his work. He is an Editorial Beauty and Hair Photographer and has worked with top hair artists that includes Nick Stenson, Ammon Carver, Matt Swinney as well as hair & beauty brands like Behind the Chair, L’Oreal, Modern Salon and others. From how he got into the business and artistic difficulties to tips on how to get the most out of your camera and his relationship with hair, Richard Monsieurs’s lays it out for us in our interview.
As an editorial beauty photographer I met a hairdresser during a job for a magazine. This hairdresser asked me to shoot her hairdressers awards collection. This got nominated and from then on more and more hairdressers starting booking me. When I shot with Natasja Keijzer for L’Anza in the Netherlands I also met creative directors from America (e.g. Matt Swinney & Ammon Carver). We connected and from there we expanded my U.S. network.
📷 Your hair photography is outstanding; what is it that draws you to this type of photography?
Thank you. I think because I was originally an editorial photographer, my view is different than most “hair” photographers. I am also doing all my retouching myself so during the photoshoot I get to understand the mood of the collection and what the hairdressers exactly want to express!
📷 Your work involves being creative and original with your photography. Are there any artistic difficulties when working with clients who have contrasting creative ideas?
I always express my thoughts about a collection, but most creatives are very open to new and other ideas. We always work it out and if you bundle ideas from both parties, you are able to create new styles.
“I think creativity comes out the best when there is a lot of positive energy around you.”
📷 You have worked alongside some of the most amazing hair artists and partnered with many world-renowned names, companies and models. What was your most memorable experience while working with them on photoshoots?
It is crazy, but most of them really became good friends.
📷 What do you feel is a common mistake hair and makeup artists make during a photoshoot?
Sometimes make-up artists want to ‘be seen’ and really make expressive looks. This can be too much. The focus needs to be on the hair and sometimes it can be distracting. So always follow the mood of the shoot. And yes, I will tell them 😉
📷 What advice would you give to hairstylist who are looking for the right photographer to create a successful and powerful image?
First look at the portfolios and if you like them: connect. Make calls/Skype/Facetime. If your personality connects and the atmosphere during a photoshoot is great, the results will be best. I think creativity comes out the best when there is a lot of positive energy around you.
📷 Your career has evolved, leading you to travel internationally and represent globally. Can you talk us through this journey? With everything evolving and the latest trends and styles emerging every year, has representing brands and hairdressers changed throughout the years?
Yes, I think everybody wants more and more ‘real’ less polished. Same as in fashion, you don’t just see beautiful models.
📷 What is the hardest part of what you do? What is your favorite part of the job?
It’s crazy but the hardest AND favorite part of what I do is developing new and original ideas for shoots.
“I try to capture a ‘feeling’ during the shoots. Let the model come to life than ‘just’ take a pose. I need the model to tell me something in the photo.”
📷 If a hairdressers model doesn’t look good how do you deal with it? Do you ever disagree with your clients image?
The client always had the last call, but I will always express my opinion.
📷 What’s your relationship with hair now that you mostly take photos of aesthetic hairstyles?
When I shoot for hairstyling awards, the trends are more avant gardish and complicated. So not really the look people want to wear in their day-to-day lives. But if I shoot for advertising, the hair is more commercial. However, the avant gardish will be the next commercial hair. Nobody had pink hair 15 years ago. Now it is normal and common.
📷 Is there something you always ask yourself before pressing the shutter button?
I try to capture a ‘feeling’ during the shoots. Let the model come to life than ‘just’ take a pose. I need the model to tell me something in the photo.
📷 You have high production value and creativity to your work. How much time do you spend on the final image?
Average 1 to 2 hours per image in post.
📷 Hairdressers post their images on Instagram to create a portfolio of their work. What is your advice on images taken by phone vs a professional camera?
I think a phone portfolio can be an extra. But for salon/hairdresser promotions I think professional collections will bring more value.
📷 What has been your proudest moment and biggest accomplishment so far and explain to us the feeling of winning an award? Is it significant winning an award to make a name for yourself?
First winning collection in the Netherlands, but of course I was very, very proud when we won during NAHA. We won Hairstylist of the year, Master hairstylist of the year and Salon team all in 1 year!
📷 How do you capture the beauty of hair and reflect it in your work?
You have to know what is the main goal. Do you need to show new color, new shapes and styles, cuts etc.? And then adapt your light setup to it.
📷 How would you describe your photographic style to someone who has never seen your images before?
Contrasty, 3D.
