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22 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MAY 2016 I n years of studio work with newbies and A-listers alike, Damien Carney, North American Creative Director for Schwarzkopf Professional, quietly picked up tips, tricks, concepts and techniques from mentors and peers who are all about the image—photography-wise, that is. And with a Schwarzkopf gig that runs the gamut (everything from PR and marketing to products, shows, seminars and photo shoots), no wonder he brings a behemoth breadth of knowledge to his work on both sides of the lens. "Because I see, feel and think like a hairdresser, and I'm the one clicking the button to capture an image, I have a huge advantage," Carney admits. "I have in my head how the hair should look, plus lighting, makeup, wardrobe and the shoot's overall direction, so I own the concept from start to fi nish." As a stylist, Carney fi nds inspiration everywhere, and his fashion-inspired looks combine top-notch technique, artistry and unique concepts that align with Schwarzkopf's methodology—"current, fresh, forward-thinking and relevant to any hairdresser at any level," Carney describes. But his photography fascination sprang from necessity: Rather than search for pros willing to shoot hair, he bought the best camera and lighting equipment he could afford and started experimenting. "It's a very serious hobby that I love, and I've never looked back," he grins. "I don't like to force inspiration; I go with the fl ow and follow my instincts. If I force creativity, it often shows." When behind the camera, Carney blends Schwarzkopf's vision and message with his own unique styling fl air. Yet he rejects being a 24/7 jack-of-all-trades, at times simply observing other photogs' unique approaches, absorbing inspiration and creative rejuvenation. "Each artist or hairdresser sees a different perspective or point of view when it comes to hair, and that's what makes it all the more exciting," Carney muses. "The more one broadens the concept of hair, the more ideas fl ood in." You Oughta Be in Pictures Schwarzkopf Professional's Damien Carney melds his artistic passions— hairstyling and photography—to create and capture iconic images. —TRACY MORIN C O N V ERSATI O N S b th id f th t Profi les Picture Perfect Damien Carney's advice for budding stylist-photographers: "If you're serious about it, do some research. Go online, read books, study. Buy the best camera you can afford. That doesn't mean you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a camera. Start simple and build on the tools that will help you capture great images. Don't overcomplicate the photography process and techniques—the simplest of lighting can provide amazing results. Join a club; take a photo course; bring your camera everywhere and see how things look through the lens. You will see hair in a way you've never seen it before." LATEST PRODUCT PICKS : OSiS+ Undercoat primer foundation; Tame Wild smoothing anti-frizz cream; Big Blast volumizing gel; Curl Honey curl cream (all launching this month) TRAVEL SPOTS : Borneo; anywhere in Africa; Ibiza; hidden, non-touristy islands; big cities SOUNDTRACK : Lindstrøm & Solale; William Orbit; The Human League; David Bowie An image from Carney's collection Total Eclipse, which he styled and shot Damien's Dearest Hairstylist Damien Carney, behind the lens!