© Richard Cannon

Shutter Hub member Richard Cannon is a portrait photographer, creating conceptual images for editorial clients, he feels his style is somewhat traditional, but also influenced by a quirky surrealist twist.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic Richard wanted to shoot portraits that represent the uncertain times. Previously he created  a series of portraits of his neighbours shot in the street with items that represent their lockdown, but for this personal project, he decided to photograph portraits of people on the day of the opening up of hairdressers after lockdown. 

© Richard Cannon

© Richard Cannon

I set up my background stands with a cloth backdrop as it was quite blistery, and a paper backdrop could be very problematic in such conditions by creasing and tearing. I set up one light with a beauty softbox and used the power from the barbers. I also used a wireless radio slave to set off the flash. I managed to secure the stands and backdrop against some wooden posts and weighed down my light with some sandbags. 

When a customer arrived, I asked them if it would be ok to photograph them before and after their haircuts to which most of them agreed. 

I didn’t want too much distraction in the image and therefore I photographed the customers against the backdrop and shot only a head and shoulders portrait. This kept a uniformity to the series. I also took some pictures of the barbers in action wearing their facemasks and adhering to social distancing. 

© Richard Cannon

© Richard Cannon

© Richard Cannon

I started taking the portraits at 8:30am and continued until they closed at 18:30 and managed to get a cross section of ages albeit they were only males.

Some of the customers this was their first haircuts since March. Others their family tried to cut their hair to limited success. All in all I achieved what I set out to do and was happy with the results. I like the way that some of their hair before is blowing around and that after they are groomed.

Now, I am onto another personal project as this is the only way to stay busy as my clients are using stock photos for their features and work has been the bare minimum.