Beauty, considered
in motion.
Simon Songhurst is a beauty filmmaker and director of photography working in London and internationally. He creates advertising films, beauty videography and branded motion content for skincare, cosmetics and haircare clients, working as DOP, director or photographer according to the project.
His practice connects considered lighting, close product detail and performance, with stills photography captured alongside film where the brief requires it. Based between London and Italy, he works with brands, advertising agencies, creative directors and production teams.
Discuss a film or stills-and-motion brief ↗Beauty filmmaking
Campaign films, commercials, brand films and beauty product videos. The creative direction brings together the subject, the product and the way the image moves over time.
DOP & cinematography
Beauty cinematography with attention to skin, product texture and the behaviour of light. Simon can work as director of photography within an established production, collaborating with the appointed director and creative team.
Photography & film
Stills and moving image planned within the same project. A shared approach to light, casting and visual treatment helps the campaign remain coherent across photographs and film.
A precise visual language for the product.
Beauty advertising films depend on the relationship between light, skin, expression and the product. A close application gesture, a change of expression or a controlled camera movement can each lead the sequence. The treatment should establish which details matter and how they connect to the campaign’s wider identity.
Skincare launch films, cosmetics commercials, complexion imagery and product-led brand content can require different approaches within the same production. Serum, cream and makeup application, texture details and portrait sequences should be considered in relation to the brand’s approved message, rather than treated as interchangeable beauty shots.
Clarity in the application.
Beauty tutorial video production combines a clear demonstration with a considered image. The position of a hand, the visibility of an applicator and the order of the steps affect how easily the viewer understands the sequence. Close details need to remain consistent with the wider portrait and the appearance of the product.
For makeup tutorials, skincare routine videos and how-to product content, include the intended audience, demonstrated steps and whether the film uses a presenter, voiceover, captions or close-up action. The brief can then distinguish the instructional sequence from the shorter campaign or promotional material needed alongside it.
Movement, shape and finish.
Hair films introduce movement to the qualities of a hairstyle. The light needs to describe shine, texture and shape while the hair or the subject moves. The direction of that movement, the framing and the pace of the sequence should serve the product and the collection.
Haircare campaign films, styling demonstrations, salon collection videos and hair-in-motion content can all be discussed as specific briefs. Outline the desired finish, the role of the hairstylist and the range of looks required. Where stills are also needed, plan the principal photographs alongside the moving-image sequences.
A clear role within the production.
As DOP, Simon develops the photographic treatment of the film in collaboration with the director: the lighting approach, camera perspective and visual continuity between shots. This can be part of an agency-led commercial, a production-company shoot or a brand’s existing creative framework.
Where the project calls for him to direct, the conversation also considers performance, the progression of the sequence and how the idea is communicated on screen. Agreeing the role and the team early keeps the creative and practical responsibilities clear, whether the commission is for beauty, fashion, lifestyle or branded film.
A connected campaign, planned across formats.
For clients commissioning a photographer and filmmaker on the same project, the relationship between the deliverables should be established before the shoot. The principal still, a moving portrait and an application sequence can share a visual direction while requiring different timing, framing and performance.
Include the still-image count alongside the film treatment, intended running times and required versions. Hero campaign films, shorter edits, vertical video and landscape formats should be planned against their actual placements. Dedicated stills capture, moving-image requirements and the time allocated to each can then be discussed within the production schedule.
An image shaped by rhythm and performance.
Music video production creates a different relationship between the performer, the camera and the pace of the film. A performance-led sequence, an atmospheric location or a more graphic studio treatment can provide the visual direction, with lighting and movement developed around the artist’s intention.
Simon’s work includes filming for artist and musician Issy Wood, alongside a Peroni project bringing together lifestyle, fashion and music-video imagery. For a new music video, artist film or branded music-led production, share the track, treatment and performance requirements, together with the intended release formats and production context.
Brand and artist commissions.
Selected film work includes commissions for Peroni, 111SKIN and Boots, together with filming for Issy Wood. The work connects beauty, product, lifestyle, fashion and music-led image-making.
Simon’s 25 years of photographic experience inform his approach to lighting and composition across both stills and moving image. Each project defines the role, from a specialist DOP brief to direction or combined photography and filmmaking.
The brief, the team and the finished work.
A developed treatment, a product-launch outline or an early creative reference can begin the conversation. Share what the film needs to communicate, the intended audience and the role you need Simon to take within the production.
Creative direction
Brand positioning, product priorities, casting, makeup and hair direction. For tutorials, include the demonstration; for music videos, the track, performance and visual treatment.
Production context
Studio or location, proposed dates, budget range and the team already attached. Confirm whether the brief needs a director, DOP, filmmaker or a combined stills-and-motion approach.
Delivery & usage
Film length, versions, aspect ratios, still-image requirements and launch timings. Include the intended channels, territories, usage period and requirements for the edit, grade, sound and captions.
Commissioning questions
Can I commission a beauty filmmaker in London?
Yes. Simon works in London and internationally and is based between London and Italy. Share your location, dates, creative brief and required role so the production arrangements can be discussed.
Can one project include photography and videography?
Yes. Stills photography and moving image can be planned together, with the visual direction, deliverables and shoot schedule established around the requirements of both.
Do you work as DOP or director?
Both roles can be discussed. Simon can work as director of photography with an appointed director, or take a directing role where the project calls for it. The scope should be agreed with the commissioning team.
Can the brief include tutorials, hair films or a music video?
Yes. Beauty tutorials, skincare demonstrations, hair campaign videography, styling films, artist films and music videos can be discussed alongside the beauty advertising work. Include the proposed content and intended output in the initial enquiry.
Your next film.
Your next campaign.
For brands, agencies, producers and artists looking for a beauty videographer, filmmaker or director of photography, contact Simon Songhurst with your brief. Include any stills photography required alongside the film.
info@simonsonghurst.com ↗London · Italy · International commissions