A recent Sustainable Styling Shoot, supported by Easydry, beautifully fused creativity, sustainability, and female empowerment in a bold, groundbreaking way. This visionary project was led by the renowned stylist Karine Jackson, with creative direction from Errol Douglas MBE, and took place in the vibrant setting of a skate park. This backdrop offered a striking reinterpretation of the skateboarding world, transforming a traditionally male-dominated space into a celebration of strong, empowered women.
Celebrating Women Who Can and Do
The theme of the shoot focused on women who can and do—highlighting their strength, rebellious spirit, and unity.
Sydney Photo Shoot with Karine Jackson, supported by Easydry. Photo Credit: Archie Sartracom
A Visionary Collaboration
The Sustainable Styling Shoot was an impressive collaborative effort, featuring hair by Karine Jackson, creative direction from Errol Douglas, and makeup by Margaret Aston. Easydry, a female-founded and run company led by Anne Butterly, played a crucial role in supporting the project. They supplied biodegradable towels and recyclable technical capes, ensuring the shoot adhered to sustainable practices while meeting high styling standards—a perfect match for Karine Jackson’s eco-conscious ethos.
Anne Butterly, CEO of Easydry, shared her excitement:
“As a company dedicated to reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the hair and beauty industry, we were thrilled to support Karine on this unique shoot. Empowering women while prioritising our environmental impact is core to Easydry’s values.”
The Creative Process
With Errol Douglas at the helm of creative direction, the team fully utilised the skate park’s raw textures and urban architecture to achieve dynamic, edgy visuals. Elements like wind, graffiti, and paper rolls enhanced the shoot’s visual appeal, perfectly mirroring the models' energy and the overarching empowerment theme.
The models, who included two sisters and their school friend, brought authenticity and a sense of unity to the shoot. Their strong connection underscored the project’s emphasis on camaraderie and female strength.
Several of the stunning images from this shoot have been prominently featured in Hairdressers Journal, reaching industry professionals at Salon International 2024.
Sydney Photo Shoot with Karine Jackson, supported by Easydry. Photo Credit: Archie Sartracom
Reflections from Karine Jackson
Karine Jackson shared her thoughts on the shoot’s impact:
“There’s something undeniably powerful about women who CAN and DO. Choosing a skate park as our location gave us an edgy, textured backdrop, rich in architectural features and graffiti. We played with elements like rails, steps, arches, and even a mini half-pipe. By integrating mixed-colour paper rolls against these hard surfaces, we achieved the unique, gritty aesthetic we envisioned.”
Meet Photographer Archie Sartracom
The shoot’s success was also thanks to the exceptional talent of photographer Archie Sartracom. A graduate of the National Art School in East Sydney, Archie’s work spans traditional visual art, studio projects, and commercial photography. He has collaborated with iconic photographers, including Annie Leibovitz and the late Richard Bailey, and has shot for numerous Australian fashion brands and magazines.
Despite being born in Manila and raised in Thailand, Archie’s work is deeply infused with Australian influences, seamlessly blending natural elements with urban grit. His distinctive approach was crucial in capturing the empowering and rebellious spirit of the women featured in the shoot.
Sydney Photo Shoot with Karine Jackson, supported by Easydry. Photo Credit: Archie Sartracom
Insights from Karine Jackson: Behind the Scenes
To delve deeper into the shoot’s inspiration and execution, we spoke to Karine Jackson. Here’s what she had to say:
Q1: What inspired the skateboarding theme?
We wanted to work with natural light and explore a visually unique location. Originally, I considered a beach, but Archie, our photographer, suggested the skate park. It had the right mix of texture, colour, and urban energy to convey our message. Plus, with women excelling in skateboarding worldwide, it was a fitting way to celebrate empowerment. Shooting outdoors also supported our sustainability goals, reducing the need for electricity and minimising environmental impact.
Q2: How did the skate park influence your hair and styling choices?
The environment heavily influenced the collection. We sourced all clothing second-hand, thanks to our stylist Jessica Jade, and leaned into the models’ natural hair texture. The contrast between the skate park’s rough elements and the clothing’s softer colours made for striking visuals. Using the blue wall of the changing room as a backdrop, for example, yielded some incredible results!
Q3: How did Easydry contribute to the shoot’s sustainability?
Easydry’s support was invaluable. Their biodegradable towels and compact, lightweight design were perfect for a location shoot. We used their capes to protect the models’ clothing, and our makeup artist even took some towels home to compost and use with her pets! The benefits of using sustainable products extended beyond the shoot itself.
Q4: Any tips for stylists planning a similar shoot?
The location is crucial! We had amazing support from the local council, who provided access to solar-powered stations and parking. Always prepare multiple plans; the unexpected is part of the process, especially with unpredictable weather. We shot from 6 am to 7 pm to make the most of the natural light. Surround yourself with a supportive, creative team—Errol Douglas, our creative director, was phenomenal. Take care of your models, enjoy the creative process, and always leave your location as you found it.
Q5: How do you manage the challenges of on-location shoots?
Flexibility is key. The wind, for instance, was unplanned, but it added movement and energy to our shots. Public curiosity was another challenge, but having a clear brief kept us focused. These unexpected elements often add creativity and excitement to the shoot.
A New Era of Sustainable Fashion and Empowerment
This Sustainable Styling Shoot exemplifies a future where fashion, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand. Through the collaboration between Karine Jackson, Errol Douglas, and Easydry, the project stands as a testament to empowered women redefining spaces and making bold statements about the world of styling.
Credits:
- Photographer: Archie Sartracom
- Creative Direction: Errol Douglas MBE
- Hair: Karine Jackson
- Hair Assistant: Tatum Yeo
- Makeup: Margaret Aston
- Styling: Jessica Jade
- Models: Rosanna (@rosanna.pls), Gigi (@gigihubber), Ruby (@rubyljennings)
- Support:@Loveeasydry
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