FOCUS ON: MICHAEL YOUNG – A JOURNEY INTO IMAGE-MAKING

The photographer shares his journey into image-making, frame by frame.

Michael Young

“My journey into hair photography began around a decade ago, initially as an extension of my creativity in hair. What began as experimental test shoots quickly turned into a passion. Immersing myself in the world of hair and fashion photography, I studied techniques, developed concepts and collaborated with some of the best stylists and models around.

With each shoot, I pushed my creative boundaries, exploring new genres and possibilities. Photography has become my canvas for capturing the artistry of hair, fashion and beauty in a single frame. From concept to creation, every step is an opportunity to unleash my imagination and creative vision.

My photography allows me to showcase diversity, celebrate self-expression and tell captivating stories. It’s not just about taking pictures – it’s about capturing moments and leaving a lasting impression.

Michael Young

“My journey into hair photography began around a decade ago, initially as an extension of my creativity in hair. What began as experimental test shoots quickly turned into a passion. Immersing myself in the world of hair and fashion photography, I studied techniques, developed concepts and collaborated with some of the best stylists and models around.

With each shoot, I pushed my creative boundaries, exploring new genres and possibilities. Photography has become my canvas for capturing the artistry of hair, fashion and beauty in a single frame. From concept to creation, every step is an opportunity to unleash my imagination and creative vision.

My photography allows me to showcase diversity, celebrate self-expression and tell captivating stories. It’s not just about taking pictures – it’s about capturing moments and leaving a lasting impression.





Instagram

The @wellaprofessionalsuki TrendVision Award entries are NOW OPEN!
 
It’s never been easier to enter – complete the form at www.wella.co.uk/trendvision and upload your before and after images to Instagram, tagging @wellaprofessionalsuki, #ntva_your category_uk or irl, #NTVA2024.
 
Photographic entries close on Friday 14 June at 5pm. Photographic results will be announced 22 July, ahead of the TVA UK & Ireland Final on 7 October.
 
Good luck!
 #NTVA2024 #AD #WellaProfessionals #Hair #Hairdressing #Hairdresser #HairColourist
The @wellaprofessionalsuki TrendVision Award entries are NOW OPEN! It’s never been easier to enter – complete the form at www.wella.co.uk/trendvision and upload your before and after images to Instagram, tagging @wellaprofessionalsuki, #ntva_your category_uk or irl, #NTVA2024. Photographic entries close on Friday 14 June at 5pm. Photographic results will be announced 22 July, ahead of the TVA UK & Ireland Final on 7 October. Good luck! #NTVA2024 #AD #WellaProfessionals #Hair #Hairdressing #Hairdresser #HairColourist
16 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
When a young footballing @hayden_cassidy broke her leg while on a US college scholarship – signalling the end of her playing career – she probably wouldn’t have predicted where she would be today. 

In a move that underpins an important statement on the place of women in the traditionally male-dominated world of barbering, Hayden has been unveiled as Dior UK’s grooming expert.

Reflecting on her career to date, head to the link in our bio for an exclusive interview where Dior’s new UK grooming expert talks connections, Guinness and being ready for when Johnny Depp calls. 

#hair #hairdressing #menshair #barbering #malegrooming #malegroomingexpert #dior #barber #hairstylist
When a young footballing @hayden_cassidy broke her leg while on a US college scholarship – signalling the end of her playing career – she probably wouldn’t have predicted where she would be today. In a move that underpins an important statement on the place of women in the traditionally male-dominated world of barbering, Hayden has been unveiled as Dior UK’s grooming expert. Reflecting on her career to date, head to the link in our bio for an exclusive interview where Dior’s new UK grooming expert talks connections, Guinness and being ready for when Johnny Depp calls. #hair #hairdressing #menshair #barbering #malegrooming #malegroomingexpert #dior #barber #hairstylist
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Practice makes perfect 😍

@zohebjethahair shares some stunning results of a long mullet with face-framing bangs, created during a training day with @adrianodastolto at @radiohairsalon. 

Model: @uiiba.club 

#hair #hairdressing #hairstylist #naturaltexture #longmullet #fringe #bangs #faceframehaircut #haircut #hairtransformation
Practice makes perfect 😍 @zohebjethahair shares some stunning results of a long mullet with face-framing bangs, created during a training day with @adrianodastolto at @radiohairsalon. Model: @uiiba.club  #hair #hairdressing #hairstylist #naturaltexture #longmullet #fringe #bangs #faceframehaircut #haircut #hairtransformation
19 hours ago
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3/9
@hairbyntash is serving up a sweet treat this Friday 🍫

Deliciously rich chocolate hues are coupled with golden blonde for the ultimate two-tone bob. Stunning!

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #bob #creativehaircolour #brunettehair #creativehair #creativehaircolor #haircolorist #haircolourist #colorblocking #haircolour
@hairbyntash is serving up a sweet treat this Friday 🍫 Deliciously rich chocolate hues are coupled with golden blonde for the ultimate two-tone bob. Stunning! #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #bob #creativehaircolour #brunettehair #creativehair #creativehaircolor #haircolorist #haircolourist #colorblocking #haircolour
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Want to avoid making the same mistakes during a creative colour consultation? 🎨

Paul Mitchell educator, @victoriajpanting, lifts the lid on the common pitfalls many hairdressers get wrong during one of the most important parts of an appointment. Head to the link in our bio to find out more. 

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #haircolourist #consultation #hairdressingadvice #hairdressingeducation #haircolorist #colourist #consultationtips
Want to avoid making the same mistakes during a creative colour consultation? 🎨 Paul Mitchell educator, @victoriajpanting, lifts the lid on the common pitfalls many hairdressers get wrong during one of the most important parts of an appointment. Head to the link in our bio to find out more. #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #haircolourist #consultation #hairdressingadvice #hairdressingeducation #haircolorist #colourist #consultationtips
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
#TBT to the most beautiful mix of purple hues, paired against cool blonde. Created by @kamakura_koki, the flawless finish is seriously impressive.

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #purplehair  #haircolourist #lilachair #haircolourist #haircolorist #creativehaircolour #colourtransformation
#TBT to the most beautiful mix of purple hues, paired against cool blonde. Created by @kamakura_koki, the flawless finish is seriously impressive. #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #purplehair #haircolourist #lilachair #haircolourist #haircolorist #creativehaircolour #colourtransformation
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A baby hair hack from @lllilyhair 👏

Brush too big? Simply use a spoolie! 

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #hairstylist #hairhacks #babyhairs #hairhack #updo #blowdrying
A baby hair hack from @lllilyhair 👏 Brush too big? Simply use a spoolie! #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #hairstylist #hairhacks #babyhairs #hairhack #updo #blowdrying
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@hairbylaurachadwick is getting us in the mood to binge-watch the latest series of Bridgerton, thanks to her stunning styling for @harriet.cains X @overduemagazine 👏 What does season three of @bridgertonnetflix have in store for Philippa Featherington?

Talent Harriet Cains
Photography: @andrewkimber_
Styling: @evefitzpatrick_
Make-up: @maevemcelholm
#hairbylaurachadwick using @supernovahairtools @olaplex @babylissprouk & @oribe
OVERDUE AssistantL Leelou Reboh
Studio & RetouchingL Kimber Studio
PR: @acepublicrelations

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #sessionstylist #wetlookhair #bridgerton #editorialhair #hairstylist #editorialshoot #longhair
@hairbylaurachadwick is getting us in the mood to binge-watch the latest series of Bridgerton, thanks to her stunning styling for @harriet.cains X @overduemagazine 👏 What does season three of @bridgertonnetflix have in store for Philippa Featherington?

Talent Harriet Cains
Photography: @andrewkimber_
Styling: @evefitzpatrick_
Make-up: @maevemcelholm
#hairbylaurachadwick using @supernovahairtools @olaplex @babylissprouk & @oribe
OVERDUE AssistantL Leelou Reboh
Studio & RetouchingL Kimber Studio
PR: @acepublicrelations

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #sessionstylist #wetlookhair #bridgerton #editorialhair #hairstylist #editorialshoot #longhair
@hairbylaurachadwick is getting us in the mood to binge-watch the latest series of Bridgerton, thanks to her stunning styling for @harriet.cains X @overduemagazine 👏 What does season three of @bridgertonnetflix have in store for Philippa Featherington?

Talent Harriet Cains
Photography: @andrewkimber_
Styling: @evefitzpatrick_
Make-up: @maevemcelholm
#hairbylaurachadwick using @supernovahairtools @olaplex @babylissprouk & @oribe
OVERDUE AssistantL Leelou Reboh
Studio & RetouchingL Kimber Studio
PR: @acepublicrelations

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #sessionstylist #wetlookhair #bridgerton #editorialhair #hairstylist #editorialshoot #longhair
@hairbylaurachadwick is getting us in the mood to binge-watch the latest series of Bridgerton, thanks to her stunning styling for @harriet.cains X @overduemagazine 👏 What does season three of @bridgertonnetflix have in store for Philippa Featherington? Talent Harriet Cains Photography: @andrewkimber_ Styling: @evefitzpatrick_ Make-up: @maevemcelholm #hairbylaurachadwick using @supernovahairtools @olaplex @babylissprouk & @oribe OVERDUE AssistantL Leelou Reboh Studio & RetouchingL Kimber Studio PR: @acepublicrelations #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #sessionstylist #wetlookhair #bridgerton #editorialhair #hairstylist #editorialshoot #longhair
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Lovely lilac 💜

Colour maestro @jhair_stylist has done it again with soft metallic lilac hues for @kondratieva_dsh 💜

James says the key when achieving this pale pastel is to lift the hair to palest of yellow, pre tone out ANY warmth and apply the formula on a clean canvas to achieve the purest of metallic lilacs. Swipe across to the end for the formula 😉

@wellaprofessionalsuki

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #shorthahir #pastelhair #pastelbob #pastelaesthetic #lilachair #blondehair #hairinspo #hairideas #bobhaircut
Lovely lilac 💜

Colour maestro @jhair_stylist has done it again with soft metallic lilac hues for @kondratieva_dsh 💜

James says the key when achieving this pale pastel is to lift the hair to palest of yellow, pre tone out ANY warmth and apply the formula on a clean canvas to achieve the purest of metallic lilacs. Swipe across to the end for the formula 😉

@wellaprofessionalsuki

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #shorthahir #pastelhair #pastelbob #pastelaesthetic #lilachair #blondehair #hairinspo #hairideas #bobhaircut
Lovely lilac 💜

Colour maestro @jhair_stylist has done it again with soft metallic lilac hues for @kondratieva_dsh 💜

James says the key when achieving this pale pastel is to lift the hair to palest of yellow, pre tone out ANY warmth and apply the formula on a clean canvas to achieve the purest of metallic lilacs. Swipe across to the end for the formula 😉

@wellaprofessionalsuki

#hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #shorthahir #pastelhair #pastelbob #pastelaesthetic #lilachair #blondehair #hairinspo #hairideas #bobhaircut
Lovely lilac 💜 Colour maestro @jhair_stylist has done it again with soft metallic lilac hues for @kondratieva_dsh 💜 James says the key when achieving this pale pastel is to lift the hair to palest of yellow, pre tone out ANY warmth and apply the formula on a clean canvas to achieve the purest of metallic lilacs. Swipe across to the end for the formula 😉 @wellaprofessionalsuki #hair #hairdressing #hairdresser #shorthahir #pastelhair #pastelbob #pastelaesthetic #lilachair #blondehair #hairinspo #hairideas #bobhaircut
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

The Meadow

Photography by Michael Young

Shooting outdoors during the mid-summer months is amazing. The sunlight’s touch on the meadow landscape, especially at sunset, creates a mesmerising backdrop for those fleeting moments. Shooting in direct sunlight adds a texture that’s  impossible to mimic indoors – each element of the landscape comes alive in the golden hues, drawing viewers deeper into the frame. Using natural light allowed me to authentically capture those ephemeral moments, telling a story through each frame and creating a dreamlike atmosphere that accentuates the hair’s beauty. These images are testament to the power of the sun, capturing beauty in a way studio lighting can’t match.

Ungendered

Photography by Michael Young

This shoot encapsulates the transformative power of genderless fashion. By challenging traditional norms, we created a narrative of acceptance and self-expression, where individuality reigns supreme. The stripped-back aesthetic, with its focus on the models through controlled lighting, allows the authenticity of the subject’s identity to shine through. This is more than just a hair shoot; it’s a declaration of a more inclusive and fluid future, where everyone is free to explore and celebrate their unique style without being confined by societal labels. It’s a message of empowerment and liberation, inviting viewers to embrace their true selves without limitations or constraints.

Annabel’s

Photography by Michael Young

This shoot oozes with the opulence and decadence of a private members club. It’s actually our lounge at home, with some extra props and ornate backdrops creating an air of mystery and allure! Shot with direct lighting, each frame is saturated with intricate details and sumptuous textures, transporting viewers into a world of exotic taste and extravagance. Here, fashion becomes a symbol of privilege and sophistication, inviting viewers to indulge in the allure of Annabel’s.

“My camera kit varies depending on what and where I’m shooting. I started with Canon and have pretty much stuck to that, collecting different camera bodies and lenses along the way. I mostly shoot portrait work with a 50mm prime lens, but that can vary if I’m shooting full length with a more fashion focus. 

I shoot remotely, as well as at my home studio and London studios, so a large amount of my kit needs to be transportable. Lighting, soft boxes and other accessories are mostly by the Swedish brand Profoto –  they’re incredibly versatile and deliver excellent results, but also give me the freedom to move around. “

NUDE 

I love the simplicity of this picture. There’s no complication or distraction, just a testament to the power of minimalism, where every element serves to enhance and highlight the sheer beauty of the moment.

ODDITY

This portrait captures emotion, personality and narrative. Through experimentation with lighting, make-up and pose, the picture becomes a visually striking creation that challenges perceptions and evokes emotion.

TAPESTRY

The warm sepia tones of this portrait evoke a feeling of nostalgia. The model’s serene expression and delicate features are charming and graceful, reminiscent of tradition and culture.

REVERIE

Enveloped in a serene calmness and lost in their own thoughts whilst drifting into the quiet expanse… This image is a snapshot of a fleeting moment where innocence and serenity converge.

ANARCHY

There’s an air of rebellion and chaos in this image, which challenges perceptions, provokes thought and celebrates the unapologetic expression of self.

SERVING FACE

I love the interplay of shadow and light in this picture. The dramatic poses and expressions create a sense of high drama – it’s a visual feast of power, passion and glamour. 

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