Outside the Frame | Episode 5: House of Ernest – Creative Portrait Photography for Wella TrendVision
Step behind the scenes with our BTS video that defines creative portrait photography. In this feature, we capture the energy and artistry of top hairstylists from House of Ernest as they prepare for the annual Wella TrendVision competition.
A New Perspective on Creative Portrait Photography
This isn’t just about hairdressing—it’s about telling a story through dynamic, creative portraits that reveal both personality and passion.
At its core, creative portrait photography goes beyond traditional headshots. It’s about capturing subjects in their element—infusing every image with context, emotion, and a narrative that speaks volumes.
In our BTS footage, you’ll see how hairstylists transform the everyday into the extraordinary. Every stylist’s look is a blend of technical skill and creative vision, making each hair model’s portrait a unique work of art.
In This BTS Video
- Artistry in Action: Watch as skilled hairstylists use innovative techniques and imaginative styling to push the boundaries of beauty and creativity. Henry’s approach to creative portrait photography ensures that every detail, from lighting to composition, enhances the subject’s character.
- The Creative Process Unveiled: The video reveals behind-the-scenes moments where spontaneous ideas come to life. From setting up dramatic lighting to capturing candid interactions, every frame is a testament to the creative process behind each portrait.
- A Story Beyond the Surface: More than just a competition, the event is a celebration of creative expression. Our video shows how the environment, props, and on-the-spot creativity come together to create portraits that are as informative as they are visually striking.
Why Creative Portrait Photography Matters
In the competitive world of hairstyling, a standard headshot simply won’t do. Creative portrait photography allows us to capture the essence of each stylist—not just their appearance, but the story behind their artistry. This approach not only highlights technical prowess but also reflects the vibrant culture and passion driving the beauty industry.
Every portrait should tell a story. Our creative process is all about transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary—giving viewers a glimpse of the energy and innovation that define the Wella TrendVision competition.
Join Us
Whether you’re a fellow creative, a hairstylist seeking inspiration, or someone who appreciates the art of portrait photography, our BTS video is your window into a world where creative portrait photography meets dynamic, real-world expression.
Step “outside the frame” with us and witness firsthand how every shot becomes a masterpiece. Follow Matt, Henry, and Odette.
Watch as the team dives into the gritty, energetic world of Chris Huzzard Studios in Perth, Western Australia. It’s a space buzzing with creative energy—perfect for bringing visionary hair styles to life.
Enjoy Outside The Frame with House of Ernest.
Production Team
Director // Matt Reed
Producer // Shelley Leary
Photographer // Henry Whitehead
BTS Camera // Odette Vonk
Lighting // Matt Reed
Editor, Colourist // Henry Whitehead
Sound Mix // Henry Whitehead
Location // Chris Huzzard Studios
Order of Appearance // Odette Vonk, Henry Whitehead, Matt Reed, House of Ernest team, and talent.
With special thanks to House of Ernest.
Video Transcript
Odette Vonk: Today’s shoot takes us into the city for a much larger production. My job is to capture all the behind-the-scenes action, giving you an inside look at what really goes into a shoot like this.
Henry Whitehead: We’re here at Chris Huzzard Studios, shooting for House of Ernest. They’ve created some incredible hairstyles for the Wella TrendVision competition, and our job is to translate those styles into striking images.
Matt Reed: Photo shoots can go one of two ways—either it’s just you and a camera, or it’s a full-scale production with a team, equipment, and countless moving parts. Today is the latter, and that’s what makes it exciting. Everyone here is incredible at what they do, and together, we’re creating something greater than any one of us could achieve alone.
Henry Whitehead: My role today is photographer, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There’s lighting, hairstyling, makeup, wardrobe, creative direction—so many specialists working together. That’s what makes a shoot like this a real team effort.
Odette Vonk: One of the coolest parts of shooting behind the scenes is seeing all the test shots. These help us perfect the setup before the model even steps in, ensuring the final shot is as polished as possible.
Matt Reed: My focus today is lighting, which is hands-on and one of the best roles on set. It’s all about adjusting stands, tweaking modifiers, and making sure everything is just right. This studio is a totally different vibe from ours—grungy, packed with gear, and full of visual interest. It’s the perfect setting to get creative.
Henry Whitehead: Shoots like this are my favourite. A room full of experts, each with a unique skill set, coming together to make something amazing. The collaboration, the creative freedom—it’s what I love most about this job.
First published on 13 Sept 2016 on YouTube @perthproductphotography and @photographyproject.
