
Chilly Isle of Wight Weather
“I’m free tomorrow, do you want to meet up?” said my message.
In the lethargic days between Christmas day and New Year. A stolen hour away from home. Avoiding the frenetic activity in the kitchen. Hunting for the right outfit. Tidying the cupboard. Taking out the rubbish.
Charlotte opted to meet for her portrait session, 90 minutes of excited giggling.
The weather wasn’t ideal. Chilly with a bitter wind, easterly breezes off the Isle of Wight coast. What was perfect was Charlotte’s styling, using my favourite colours – red with denim. A new friend to play with, someone who could smile through the wintery weather.
Charlotte is fun to get along with and is hands down the easiest person to photograph. Laughing easily and giggling at the weather, she’s an avid reader and loyal friend. Charlotte has a confident grace in front of the camera and I worked hard to make sure she had fun. Her model-like ability to gaze straight into the lens, smiling and self-assured is something to be admired. She is undoubtedly happy, loved and able to stand her ground. Charmingly confident and humble in her outlook on life.

I had no idea Charlotte was interested in working with me after seeing this portrait session in Puckpool Park, we found our small circle of friends was inspired by a fellow photographer (someone I admire for his classic photographs captured honestly).
Most portrait sessions start with the same conversation: I need to lose weight first, after I get my hair done, work is too busy maybe later, I’m not sure I’ll take a good picture.
We lie to ourselves all the time. The truth is that we are scared. Scared of what happens on a photoshoot, worried about what to wear, doubting our ability to smile to the camera and destroying ourselves by comparing ourselves to the women on this website.
Life isn’t perfect; there’ll never be a right time. So, don’t hold back.



Everyone is nervous before a photoshoot, even me. But with a little planning and coordination with the outfits, I can take care of every detail during the session.
Meeting Charlotte created a little magic, more so because she trusted me to play, explore and have fun. Charlotte is experienced with the camera and often lends a hand with her boyfriend who is also a photographer. So she was happy to smile, laugh, twirl and walk along the pathways.
Despite the winter’s cruel fingers chilling our bones. I’m driven to support my clients – guiding, supporting and massaging those first time nerves transforming them into giggles and smiles.
Whilst carrying the small, black camera in my hand, another voice will whisper encouraging comments, sharing a joke, even singing little ditties and asking about your life story. To create the enviously-glamourous-effortlessly-beautiful portraits of Charlotte I simply had to reflect back the modern women I saw through her mum’s eyes. Someone with integrity who has been raised to be true to herself.
I hope these photographs show Charlotte all that I see – a beautiful, confident and engaging person. One with a story that shines with fun, laughter and loyalty. You are strong. You work hard. You focus the things you love: catching up with your boyfriend, supporting your mother and reading books late into the night.
Believe your boyfriend when he tells you how proud he is of you – he’s right.


I hope these photographs explain why I love to photograph women. If you have any questions.
Here are some more photographs taken in Appley Park:
Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com