
Appuldurcombe Gardens – Isle of Wight Portraits
I’ve waited over six years to create the below photographs in the grounds of the Appuldurcombe House. They didn’t come together because of a fancy camera, complicated strobes or even my own understanding of luminous lighting.
The portraits below are magical because of a simple enquiry via Instagram.
What if I told you that these portraits came about because I asked Skye, where would you like to photograph if you could choose anywhere on the Isle of Wight.
That I suggested we create, “your own portfolio, where you could produce any art you wanted.”
Pledging to give Skye (and her friend) a personal workshop, where they could ask anything they wanted?
What if I told you I was there to offer guidance and support, where you could talk about photography and all the niggling things that matter to you?
And what if I told you that I’d offer to style the session and bring my fancy outfits to help you get excited about your own fairy tale experience.
Sounds exciting? The good news – it all came about after one message, “can I do some work experience with you?”
It’s exhilarating when I can empower other women. Showing them their own creative path and providing the tools to explore their personal vision with a friend.
The bad news? You have to work at it. Photography is a lifelong hobby and it takes 10,000 hours of practice until you really start mastering your own style, vision and expertise.
No-one offered to teach me the fundamentals of photography. I bought books, attended workshops, collected photographs that inspired me and practised with a plastic head again and again and again.
Social media teaches us that we are all photographers, posting pictures and waiting for our friends to notice us, to shine in a crowd of noisy images. We somehow think that other people are too important to impart their knowledge or will resent helping others make their dreams happen, but nothing is further than the truth.
Without that first message, the magic in these photographs wouldn’t have developed. All because Skye took a risk. Took charge. Reached out.
The truth is, you make your own magic.
The trick to following your dreams?
Making them happen. By action. Practise. Vision. Failure. Fun.
Go and visit Skye’s photography site, I know she’d love new followers!

“With the help of Amanda Herbert, I took some of the most stunning portraits I’ve ever taken yesterday, “
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I produce stylish portraits for the modern women that are neither cliched nor formulaic. The portraits in my portfolio are full of character and detail, captured during relaxed sessions that are ever-practical and fun – so they are easy on the purse strings and appreciated by couples or families too.
For more advice on natural portrait sessions or to book a natural portrait by an Isle of Wight photographer, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.
Booking for expressive headshots, Ryde
Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: [email protected]
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