Where did it take place?
I hired out a local town hall with a beautiful balcony that looked like it hadn't changed since 1930! It fitted in perfectly with my idea for the collection.

How was collection used?
The collection has been used within West Row for our magazines and will now be used for PR; however, it was originally created for the British Hairdressing Awards. I entered the North Western heats and was lucky enough to reach the final.

Is this is your first collection?
No, this is my second collection. My first was four models using make-up artists over two days. It was very unorganised but I got some good images from it that got printed in trade and consumer magazines as well as in the local press, including a front cover.

What did the experience teach you?
You need to be very organised, and keep an eye on everything that's going on. I was blow-drying and dressing the models' hair as well as directing the shoot and checking the make-up. It means long days and continual work, but it's well worth it when you see the image printed.

What would you do differently, if anything?
Probably lots of things; it's a constant learning curve. I love the pictures – this shoot was much better than my last, but then the next one will be better again. It's a continual progression, like the rest of the industry: change moves us forward.

What advice would you give to salons doing their first shoot?
Prepare as best you can – the photographer, make-up artist and stylist need to know everything that's going on. Shoots can be done on a limited budget; I've not spent more than £800 on either of mine. Go to colleges and universities and ask if they have make-up artists, photographers and even fashion designers that would be interested in doing a shoot. They'll be inexperienced like you, but the best way to learn is by getting stuck in.
You could also do it as a group with one model each between staff and you won't get too flustered then!