Model Portfolio by a Newport Photographer

THIS is why I love photography.

Over ten years ago I picked up my camera and devoted myself to empowering women, young and old. In each and every session, I aim to make sure my non-models love every single one of their portraits whilst I coach and support them to be the very best version of themselves.

So often people arrive in a rush; life is busy and sometimes all we can do is just keep going. Trying to keep our head above the water, trying to please everyone and juggle all the different stress points that demand our time. Rarely putting ourselves first or thinking about what makes us happy, replacing what we need (love, laughter, good friends, quiet times, evening walks) with what we want (impossibly perfect bodies, Facebook friend lists a mile long, unassailable confidence).

THIS is why I urge everyone to try a professional portrait session just once in their lives. I want to help people *see* themselves better, understand why others think they are beautiful and give them the power to look confidently into the camera. So they can be happy in themselves and content with what they have. 

THIS is why I love Charlotte’s portraits taken during the May half term in Newport. Her photographs nail exactly what I love about professional photography and I’m just so proud that Charlotte arrived never having had her photograph taken professionally and left empowered. I’m proud that I can trigger a change in people that help them realise they are brilliant, funny and an inspiration to others.

I learnt Charlotte is a joyous friend and everyone needs her positivity in their life. A firm friend and natural supporter of loved ones in her life. Her mature outlook and determination to work long hours whilst saving for that special treat hints at a visionary women whose not afraid of hard work whilst she plans for the future.

Charlotte is a first time model with a creative eye and graphic styling is matched only by her ability to curate high-quality images that reflect her expressive outlook (take a look at her Instagram account to see what I mean).

Who else could portray girl-next-door to urban chic within one hour (and no experience what’s so ever)! Launching herself into the session with a cool confidence and unflappable approach to chewing gum stuck to the seats of my jeans, custard powder spraying over the floor and biker’s watching with curious aloofness? Such versatility!

Charlotte got in touch after following my IG account and we quickly agreed to produce high-quality images that suit her stylistic outlook on life. Standing on opposite ends of the street we soon tracked each other down and climbed to our first location.

Ignoring the salubrious environment, Charlotte held the perfect combination of connection, strength and confidence. I love her hard-working ethos and maturity to relish old-fashioned traditions of family, integrity and self-respect. I hope these photographs inspire Charlotte to follow her dreams and keep sharing those wonderful images on IG.

Amanda Herbert is the premier headshot photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits of camera-shy women and small business owners looking for expressive portraits. Contact her Seaview homestudio to book a session.

Booking for August, 2018

Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com

Twinkling eyes, silky washed hair and outfits in spring colours is my honest advice when meeting non-models for their evening lit session in Seaview.

My superpower is creating smiles in Jasmine’s photographs and all it takes is my supportive approach to inspire a willingness to laugh, be just a little silly and discover the confidence to be the *real you*.

I’m slightly ashamed to admit I had my first photography lesson out of boredom, I wanted something new to make my holidays more interesting. After returning to London, I found I missed the connection I’d enjoyed whilst travelling around South East Asia.

In case you’re wondering, I’m still in touch with my first photography teacher and it’s through his inspiration that I found my calling to show non-models how to shine without trying to hide themselves behind their clothes, make up or overly joyful smiles.

Which is where Jasmine enters our story, a new friend I’m proud to introduce as someone who’s fast becoming my greatest supporter. As the summer weather warmed, I found it impossible to ignore the buttery evening light and the warm light rays urged me to pick up my film camera again.

Watching Jasmine walk towards me with her mum, I was struck by her elegance and confidence, there’s a maturity about Jasmine that I admire (and wish I had at her age).  Waving goodbye to mum, I knew immediately Jasmine would shine in my favourite location, the image below is a ‘lighting test’ when I check my camera settings. Capturing simple portraits, creating moments whilst walking along the paths we pause hide from the sun’s rays causing us to blink and watch cheeky boys play on their bikes.

In time Jasmine realised photoshoots are a whole heap of fun and there’s no need to feel self-conscious. With my ability to support, guide and connect with aspiring models I can offer advice on how to step into the modelling world safely. Constantly learning, I sprinkle my magic working on your images as I promise to bowl you over with your photographs.

My biggest hope? That your photographs are a true reflection of your character. It’s a little challenge I set myself, can I make you gasp when you first peek your portrait on the back of the camera. Do your friends go mad when they see your pictures? Will mum (or dad) smile fondly when they see your portrait hanging in the kitchen?

How do I create smiles that really stand out? I sooth a warm cocoon of support, a giggly bubble of encouragement and guidance throughout the two hour session. Making my clients feel like they are the centre of the universe, nurturing flattering smiles that are nothing like static gazes you see in catalogues. I mirror the beauty I see in your personality. It’s my mission.

‘Likes’ on Facebook and ‘hearts’ on Instagram is a bonus, and Jasmine has really supported my business by sharing my page with others, but what makes my heart sing is the confidence boost that a portrait session with me creates. Which is why this natural portrait session in one of my favourite park is a great example of what I do, just for fun.

Jasmine was a little surprised when I found the time to fit her in, my calendar is very full and I’m lucky enough to be selective about the people I’m able to work with. Laughing at my foolish antics with the reflector, we chat about the end of school in three weeks, our summer holidays and my clumsiness.

It’s not easy meeting a stranger, in a park, by yourself. Photographing everyday people who want beautiful photographs of themselves that aren’t too processed is a fine art. I know it takes time to ease them into the session, encouraging natural smiles, showing them how to stand in flattering ways that look natural, teasing out natural smiles that seem genuine. And it’s worth all the hard work.

What are the most important things to create when capturing natural portraits? Personally, I start with the light – the warm, buttery glows of an evening, cool fresh mornings and calm winter light that paints a luminosity over everything it caresses. So, avoiding the harsh mid-day sun, I patiently wait for the golden hour (one hour before sunset). Take a look at the photographs here to see why.

Next, I shoot in locations that are interesting with different colours, texture and backdrops. I often go location scouting, taking photographs at different times of the day and can wait years for the right person to come along. I’m half way through planning a session in a special car park right now, fingers crossed it comes off.

Once I found the right location to suit my client’s personality, it’s super important to match the wardrobe to the location. In fact, my preference is to choose the right colour palette rather than the style of clothes. Look again at Jasmine’s photographs – cool grey concrete is a similar tone to the pale top whilst the joyful red playsuit picks out the warm glow of the sun.

Photoshoots run from 90 minutes to two hours, I’m not greedy with my time and will work without rushing to create friendly, relaxed looking images with the best expressions. Sitting on benches are my go to pose at the start, resting whilst looking into the distance, waving to the ducks, leaning on a lamppost generate happy expressions because the non-models feels secure and comfortable.

The first three clicks on my camera are brimming with doubt, even the most confident person needs a helping hand to get into the groove. I always share the first few images and ask for feedback, asking:

• How do you want to look?
• Do you prefer happy to smiling?
• Would you like to do full length or close up now?

Like a precious gem, everyone is different and I work tirelessly to tailor my approach to your feelings and personality. Some people for happy shots to share on Facebook, others are aspiring models and are looking to create a portfolio, whilst some want photographs to share with loved ones on the mainland.

Most people are insecure about having their photograph taken and everyone admits to feeling nervous ahead of the shoot. It’s the fear of the unknown. How much does Mandy charge? I want a photoshoot, but I can’t afford it. What shall I wear? I won’t take good photographs. What if I don’t like the photos? Can I just order one picture?

Do you know what? It’s actually easy. Drop me a line and tell me what you want. Make an appointment and then let me do the hard work. It’s my job to create carefree moments that make you look good.

I won’t take a photograph if you look uncomfortable or have a rigid smile on your face. I’ll explain where to stand. Show you how to hold your hands. Direct where you look. Take a quick photograph. Share with you and then move on. There really is no magic potion, except my kindness and your growing confidence. We make our own magic.

At the end of the shoot, with a warm handshake, I’ll explain the next steps. Nearly all your images get deleted, I aim for one gorgeous image from each location. In each setting, I craft 5 photographs. The first 4 are our practise attempts leaving the final image where everything comes together beautifully.

Choosing the most flattering image is easy, all the blinks, awkward gurns and hand flaps are vanquished forever. Each picture is crafted to perfection for over an hour – colours, contrast and composition are perfected to suit your vision.

On the evening of the shoot, I’ll post a sneak peek on social media and the proofing gallery follows the next day. My professional pride stands by the quality of my photography and the deep connection I’m able to generate in your photographs.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, drop me a line below.

Amanda Herbert is the premier headshot photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits of camera-shy women and small business owners looking for expressive portraits. Contact her Seaview homestudio to book a session.

Booking for August, 2018

Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com

Vintage Styled Portrait | Isle of Wight | Seaview

It’s not often that I end up finding a cheesy 70’s dress with lots of ruffles and flounces in a Sandown charity shop. And even rarer that I manage to arrange a photo shoot within 48 hours with a sublime dancer, aspiring model and uber-cool Anna – good fortune was shining down on me!

I immediately admired Anna’s poise and sophistication, ever since I peaked at her Instagram account #annerbamber. I found the mixture of her direct gaze and spontaneity equally mesmeric and modern. But it was only after spending the afternoon with her in my Ryde home studio that I, along with her adoring fan base, fell for Anna’s confidence, elegance and classical grace.

Anna has a number of personal projects that she’s in the throes of planning and I have every confidence that she’ll bring them to fruition.

A huge thank you to Anna for helping me explore a new direction with my photography and also to Anna’s dad who is one of the nicest photographers you can meet – without knowing me from Adam, he took time to get to know me, shared geeky advice on cameras and encouraged me to consider working towards a distinction with RPS.

I’ve already bought, styled and planned my next creative project for May. If you’d like to apply for my model call. Drop me a line below.

Amanda Herbert is the premier portrait photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits for first time models looking for pure, expressive portraits. Contact her Seaview homestudio to book a session.

Booking for Summer, 2018

 Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com

Baby photography – Isle of Wight – Seaview

Mothers and sons – an unbreakable bond.

Lauren has a beautiful baby son in her life who helps bring balance in life; makes her proud of how far she’s come and is beautiful in every way.

The birth of a new baby is a moment of hope.

A wish that your son has a heart of gold, will work hard and would do anything for you, who makes you laugh but drives you crazy, who is your best friend and sometimes your only friend, who fills your rainy days with sunshine.

When your new baby is born a silent promise is made and, after meeting baby Edward for his first birthday photo shoot, I know his family will work tirelessly to help him fulfil his dreams: he is truly adored and I can honestly say we are all blown away with these beautiful photographs.

Captured with lots of silliness and breathless gasps as we chased Edward round and round my living room, in and out of the curtains and rolling around the floor all in the hope of capturing those beautiful blue eyes and winning smile.

Amanda Herbert is the premier newborn photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits for mothers looking for pure and unposed baby portraits. Contact her Seaview homestudio to book a session.

Booking for Summer, 2018

 Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com

Isle of Wight photographer Amanda Herbert

Lovely Job Amanda. Gorgeous lady, Gorgeous tones and for want of better words you could have stole part of her soul and displayed it beautifully.

As soon as I greeted Charly on my drive, a warm and friendly smile burst forth as she called out, “halloooo.” She’s like sunshine in the winter. Without a doubt, Charly’s fond friendships and dedicated professionalism are cemented with her adoring relationship with her partner. Charly’s the sort of gal that supports her friends, trusts people to make the right decisions and stands by others without judgment. My type of pal.

What does it take to have a natural portrait bursting with life?

Sometimes it’s easier said than done and truly, honestly do you want people questioning your judgment?

It’s easy to say …. go and do it … don’t wait to feel good about yourself … don’t wait for the holidays or when you’ve had your hair done.  And certainly, don’t wait for someone to give you permission.

The truth is the below photographs sum up two self-confessed professionals that consider themselves high performers that might, just might, be a tad critical of themselves.

Speaking for myself, I’ve spent years trying to perfect certain lighting patterns, posing styles or processing edits in Photoshop. And yet, what I return to again and again, is the first photograph in this blog post.

A portrait that expresses happiness and joy, one where my sitters look confident and at ease with themselves and, by gum, Charly has that in spades.

You see, most people have this unspoken resentment that successful people or high performers don’t get nervous, or scared or overwhelmed.

Honestly. We all go through the same self-doubts and nagging uncertainty that leave us fearful to try something new … like a portrait session with an Isle of Wight professional.

Luckily for me, Charly’s curiosity won over her fears.  So when I invited her over to my Livingroom Studio in Ryde a little slice of magic happened.

Charly is elegant, accomplished and unintentionally charming. I’m thrilled with how Charly’s vitally radiates from these photos and I hope she loves them too.

For Isle of Wight portrait photographer Amanda Herbert, it’s all about expression and laughter in her portraits. As the premier headshot photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight she works hard to make the sessions easy going and fun. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her natural portraits and helping camera-shy women create portraits in a relaxed manner.

Contact her Seaview homestudio to book a session.

Booking for February, 2018

Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: info@amandaherbert.com