Photography student picks up trade tips from the best during fashion shoot

A student grabbed the amazing opportunity to work with a global brand’s professional photography team during a special fashion photoshoot held at the University of Northampton.

Second year Photography student, Sorina-Nicoleta Poclitaru, spent the day shadowing the photographic team from Schwarzkopf Professional, at Waterside campus, on Thursday 13 February.

The shoot was held to mark the 40th anniversary of Northampton family run hair salon Hensmans and featured professional models, who were styled by the Hensmans team using Schwarzkopf products.

The images from the shoot will be used to promote and celebrate Hensmans’ landmark year.

Student Sorina-Nicoleta, pictured, found the technical tips she picked up on the day to be invaluable for her professional progression.

She said: “It was a wonderful experience, it was my first time seeing how a professional photoshoot is executed and I did learn a lot about what it means to work with a team.

“The Schwarzkopf team was excellent – they all communicated what and how they would like in the shots and the photographer was telling them his opinion which I think is really important when working with a group of people.

“The assistant was also really nice, showing and telling me about the importance of lightning in group shots. After seeing this setup, I will not be scared of using more lights than I usually do it.”

In addition to celebrating 40 years in the business, Hensmans has also been working with the University for two decades.

The company regularly sets Fashion students live industry challenges, and is the hairdresser of choice for Fashion department’s various events, often sponsoring fashion shows and providing stylists for back stage styling.

Co-founder, Julie Hensman, said: “One of the most important moments of our 40th anniversary was the emergence of what is now a 20-year collaboration with the University of Northampton.

“It began with a partnership with the Fashion and Textiles, and more recently the Marketing department.

“We’ve worked on University fashion shoots and students’ degree projects. Over the years we’ve forged a perfect partnership, linking like-minded people together. People with forward thinking creativity, who are always pushing the boundaries. The partnership has involved us mentoring and developing both our hairdressing staff and University students to help them achieve their goals.”