Photographer Isle of Wight | Living room Portraits

Rejecting all the below photos seems a tad silly now. Two weeks ago, I sifted and sorted which photographs to share with Charlene and only selected one. Now, the below series is one of the most popular from this two hour portrait session in my Living Room, Ryde.

As a photographer, do you sometimes feel under-whelmed with your own art work? Do you sometimes blame yourself for not making progress, and not understanding the how behind why some pictures work and others fail?

Remember, we are all on the same journey. Every photographer was once a beginner. Fumbling with camera buttons, reading the manual and throwing it down in disgust. Step back. Look through your Lightroom catalogue and celebrate your progress. Seek out your successes and be proud of your creations.

Trapping yourself in negative comparisons only damages your ability to reach out and take risks. Be kind to yourself (and dampen the critical inner voice).

This is the second or third time I’ve tried to use this model dress (bought from a charity shop earlier in the year). Not satisfied, I’m already planning my next shoot: this time with different settings, backdrops and expressions. If I’d allowed my disheartening experience back in January limit my progress, Charlene wouldn’t be enjoying these photographs today.

Refusing to allow failure to dictate my creative journey, I may have a long way to go, but I prefer to look back at where I started. All that really matters? That you enjoy the process.

I’m happy to share the kind of tasty tips that other photographers keep as their trade secrets. Be sure to dip right in and share how I can help you today.

Request a call back by using the contact form below.

Booking for August, 2017

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

Meeting Chantel during the Isle of Wight Festival Season

Elegant simplicity, wide-eyed smiles and newly washed hair is my first advice when I send out an invitation to my non-models to meet me in my Living Room Studio for their natural portrait session in Springvale.

My superpower is creating laughter, smiles and confidence whilst my passion is showing non-models how to create elegant portraits drawing on my canny knack of inspiring confidence.

Although it was the festival weekend and Chantel lives over in Portsmouth, I daren’t miss the opportunity to support Chantel as she popped over for a visit to see her friends. Hearing about my experience with new models and loving the work I produced for her friend last year, Chantel is the most recent muse who has entered my photography world.

Every summer I start planning my creative sessions, eager to pick up my camera again and enjoy the freedom of exploring my passion and magazine inspired ideas. For me, it’s all about capturing moments and having the chance to teach my clever ways of posing to novice models that are curious about the process, from mood board to agency submissions.

Smooth and soft light glances across my stair well, a favourite and most beautiful location for bright, airy photographs. Sitting on my artfully textured posing stool as I explain how to lean towards the light, pausing to share a joke, moving towards a crescendo of energy and expression in five simple gestures.

Sometimes I nail my favourite shot within the first few frames, today it took Chantel’s creative vision to take a risk and suggest an outfit that was quite different from one we’d planed. In time we realised a little gem has been discovered: Chantel’s ability to connect, move fluidly and gaze confidently right through the lens.  Even though this was Chantel’s first professional photoshoot, you’d never guess, by gaining her trust I was able to connect, support and guide Chantel into pictures that have real impact. Perfect for her agency submission.

Without exaggeration, I can honestly say, I strive to create a pictures that show a true reflection of who they are. Turning it into an art form, I know how to direct portraits bursting with life and capture their expressions artfully, without fuss. Processed with simplicity to ensure the focus remains on the smiles and laughter; pictures that mothers would love to share of their daughters (or sons).

It’s my energy and enthusiasm that creates these smiles and make them stand out. I draw people in like a warm embrace, surrounding people in a cocoon of support, using guidance and encouragement to ensure they feel out of this world. I ease people away from the static poses that look awkward to shine a bright light on their true beauty. It’s my passion.

I’m happy to share the kind of tasty tips that other photographers keep as their trade secrets. Be sure to dip right in and share how I can help you today.

Request a call back by using the contact form below.

Booking for August, 2017

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

Just over a month ago Gemma got in touch, a friendly message saying,”halloooo.” After a brief hiatus from modelling, Gemma was eager to update her portfolio and was drawn to the images on my website.

Naturally I invited her over to my ‘Livingroom Studio’ on the Isle of Wight to recreate some ideas she’d been nurturing in the back of her mind. We both agreed, high contrast monochrome images that were classic yet with a modern twist appealed. Which might surprise you when you look at the images below: in the end our favourite images were actually bright and airy, just like summer’s day. Photo shoots often happen like that – you start with one goal in mind and finish with something quite different. [Read more…]

Vintage portraits | Living Room Studio

Gemma is becoming a firm friend and everyone needs her positivity in their life.  These photographs are part of a personal project and are worlds apart from my original plan. Our moodboard was populated with stark monochrome studio portraits with high contrast and sharp cheekbones.

A loyal friend and passionate supporter to loved ones in her life. Her strength and spirit hints at a strong women whose not afraid of caring for others, passionately. She’s a hard working model and creative whose vision and styling is matched only by her determination to explore creative briefs (even when she’s stuck in a tiny corner of my living room).

Approaching this session with a zesty fun and giggles, Gemma popped over from Southsea with the perfect combination of camera connection, emotion and serene strength. We’re already planning a summery session, and I loved capturing her positive outlook and old-world wisdom. I hope these images inspire her to continue modelling!

Ask me a question or book your session using the contact form below.

Booking for August, 2017

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

Photography Ryde Isle of Wight

Have you ever been reluctant to have your photograph taken? Felt like you’re not good enough, even when you’ve promised yourself you’ll stop all that negative self-talk?

Me too. I’ve spent a rainy Bank Holiday Monday photographing myself, wearing sunglasses, trying not to notice that my hair is in need of attention.

I nearly gave up after the first failed attempts, frustrated that it didn’t go to plan. [Read more…]