John Rawson: From Hairdresser to Renowned Photographer
John Rawson: From Hairdresser to Renowned Photographer
John Rawson, an ambassador for The Hair Magazine, has journeyed from the buzzing hair salons of London to the high-profile photography studios of the world, leaving an indelible mark on both industries. Once a celebrated hairdresser, Rawson has successfully transitioned into a renowned photographer, making significant contributions to each field.The Hairdressing Years
John Rawson’s career began in the late 70s and early 80s, a period he fondly recalls as the most exciting and creative era for hairdressing. His talent and passion for hair cutting quickly set him apart, leading to his role as Art Director for Alan International in London. Under his leadership, the brand’s influence expanded globally with three academies and fifteen salons. Rawson’s responsibilities included managing imagery for the group, which sparked his interest in photography. “I traveled all over the world, from Europe to the Far East, Australia, and North America. I loved it!” he recalls.
Transition to Photography
After nearly two decades in hairdressing, Rawson decided to pursue his growing passion for photography. In 1994, he took the plunge, assisting a fashion photographer in London and building his portfolio. “Most of my peers thought I was crazy!” he laughs. However, his gamble paid off. A friend in hairdressing requested some images, which were featured in a popular industry magazine and even graced the cover. This success opened the floodgates for more opportunities. Finding His Photographic Voice Establishing himself as a photographer was not immediate. It took years to hone his style and build the necessary industry connections. Rawson credits his success to his team, particularly his assistant Paul and retoucher Kat Hume. His clean aesthetic, influenced by the 80s, and his preference for well-lit, pure images that showcase hair and color, have won him numerous awards. “I love black and white graphic images, but I’m most well-known for very clean, well-lit ‘pure’ images,” he explains.Specialization and Approach
While Rawson now focuses almost exclusively on hair and beauty photography, his background in fashion has been invaluable. “I think it really helps you to see and build a collection,” he notes. His deep understanding of hairdressing allows him to bring unique insights to his photography, ensuring the client’s vision is realized while maintaining high standards. “The biggest positive is that I understand what the client is trying to get across and can therefore bring that together.”Global Reach and Recognition
Rawson’s work has taken him across the globe, from the USA and Canada to Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, and Germany. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted travel and work, Rawson remains optimistic about the future. His impressive portfolio includes over 350 magazine covers worldwide, a testament to his exceptional talent. Additionally, Rawson has won over 35 British Hairdressing Awards (BHA), three Hairdresser of the Year awards at the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), and numerous accolades in Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Advice for Aspiring Hairdressers and Photographers
For those preparing for their collection shoot, Rawson emphasizes meticulous planning and thorough briefing. “Get the concept right at the beginning… if one bit fails, everything fails,” he advises. His commitment to excellence is unwavering, ensuring every shoot is a success.Personal Life and Future Plans
Outside of work, Rawson enjoys playing golf, despite finding it frustrating at times. He rarely carries a camera on vacations, preferring to enjoy the moment. Looking ahead, he is excited about resuming work, particularly overseas projects, and embarking on a personal project to build his own house. John Rawson’s journey from a talented hairdresser to a celebrated photographer is a remarkable tale of passion, dedication, and adaptability. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with vision and hard work, one can successfully navigate and excel in multiple creative fields.
