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Amanda Herbert

Portrait Photography, Isle of Wight

How to create a stunning natural portrait with your Isle of Wight portrait photographer

It Takes Two to Create a Stunning Natural Portrait of You!

What do you imagine when you finally take that step to choose a photographer? This is a question I’m always keen to hear the answer to from my clients, as I’m usually quite surprised by the answers.

The majority of my clients tell me they imagine:

  • Some good shots of themselves, or their children
  • A few costume changes
  • A studio
  • A rushed affair that may get results
  • Lots of photographs to choose from so they have more chance of finding one for the wall
  • A few embarrassed giggles

An insight into how celebrities feel at photo-shoots.

Seaview teenager photographer

These expectations may be realistic for a studio that has set up to make money only; however it always intrigues me that my clients don’t envisage the following:

  • Forming a friendly relationship with the photographer
  • Enjoying every minute of the experience
  • Discovering new ways to pose so every photo looks great in the future, not just on the day
  • Learning techniques that ensure you look amazing
  • Unearthing the side of you that others see but you rarely do
  • Relaxing as you enjoy an experience that falls under the pamper category
  • Being in expert hands which enables the photographer to capture precious expressions from even the most reluctant child
  • Leaving with images you can’t wait to share with the world
  • Feeling a boost to your self-esteem

Ryde teenager white top white top on a teenager

See, I chose my profession as it called to me; I have an unquenchable passion for revealing that part of you or your children that’s often captured in rare precious moments when a camera isn’t to hand.

I strive to ensure that your best memories are not just etched on your mind and prone to fading over time but caught on camera too so you can grow confident that the best bits of your life are translated into tangible evidence that you can look back on for decades.

So please, get in touch, tell me about you, your family, let me in on your favourite pastimes and hobbies, even songs your toddler adores and I’ll learn more about the real you, ensuring I capture it on the day.

If you’re interested in trying this for yourself, I’m only a phone call away: 07719316609

Book your portrait session with an Isle of Wight Photographer

CONTACT PAGE

5 ways camera-shy people can create flattering portraits

Isle-of-Wight-Portrait-Photographer

Camera-shy people can create beautiful portraits,

5 ways to ensure your portraits are flattering 

It’s a Monday morning. You have to get ready for work or to take your children to school. You arrive in a flurry and decide to skip breakfast again. Someone asks if they can grab a photograph of you for the corporate news sheet or school notice board. You grimace, jaw locked in a smile and hurry along muttering. It’s a common refrain, ‘I don’t photograph well’.

My approach to photographing people is a little bit different, if you’re the type of person that hates having your photograph taken, then I hope this article puts your mind at ease.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

 

Step 1 – read books, magazines and kindles

It might sound silly, but browsing for inspiration is a great way to choose what photographs you want. Tear out pages from a magazine, take a snap shot with your phone or send a screen shot to your photographer. We learn a lot by doing, but collecting ideas ahead of time from a diverse range of source increases the chances of success. Ask any photographer if they have a style book, posing guide or look book of favourite poses that flatter female bodies.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

 

Step 2 – talk to your photographer

The world is a noisy place – radios blaring, phones ringing and people chattering. Hopefully you’ve chosen a photographer that will listen first and offer solutions later. Call your photographer the day before your shoot and just have a natter. Emails are not for conversations.  Most people enjoy talking about themselves – so share your hopes and fears for the session. You’ll have more confidence in your photographer and feel reassured they’ll capture your true personality.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

 

Step 3 – have serious fun

Most photographers pride themselves on their ‘fun, relaxed sessions’. But what does this mean? A successful photo shoot takes patience and understanding. By talking with your photographer, you’ll help them understand the minds and needs of your family. And when they know your hobbies and interests, they’ll easily craft a more focused session to reflect the fun you have in your family.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

 

Step 4 – be sensitive

A great portrait is one that reveals your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Let your true personality shine through. During the shoot talk to your photographer, let them know your passions – you might just surprise yourself with how much these photographs mean to you. People love photographs with heart and emotion. It’s what makes the world go round – not static poses and taut grins.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

Step 5 – ask the photographer to step back

People are drawn to clear, creative and deep portraits. You don’t want a silent photographer snapping away in your face. Shy people will appreciate the space afforded by photographers that can create beautiful images by working in the background.  Call your photographer and have a conversation, do they inspire you with trust and confidence? Choosing a style that doesn’t reflect your dreams and aspirations is an injustice to yourself, you deserve quiet, contemplative and gentle portraits that portray the very best of you.Ryde-Portrait-Photographer_0114

Let me show you how I capture beautiful portrait for camera-shy people. 

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.

 Call me for your session 0789 862 1187

 CONTACT PAGE 

Natural portraits by an Isle of Wight photographer

Enjoy a portrait experience uniquely tailored to you

Make life lovely – your photographs will reflect happy thoughts and moments to enjoy every day.

Are you the type of person that wants photographs that are more than cameras and lighting. Do you want an exceptional photographer that is able to communicate the life and heart of your family?

Then you’re ready for these tidbits about keeping things fun and relaxed during your session on the Isle of Wight.

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Portrait Notes 1 – expect professional guidance

When you get in touch with your photographer, ask them to help you plan for your session. You’ll need their advice on what you’re going to wear, which location will suit your families outlook and how they will include your children in the experience.

Couple portrait session in Brentford

Portrait Notes 2 – be open to new ideas

As a busy mother or working couple, you’re use to being in control. Not knowing what to expect can generate anxiety and a little nervousness. It helps if you are able to rely on your photographer and use their expert knowledge; let them take control of the little details so you can enjoy the day.

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Portraits Notes 3 – it’s not about the perfect shot

Focus on enjoying the moment and forget about creating the perfect shot. Make your next family photo session about the memories of your day out, years down the road you’ll remember the fun times you had together.

Isle-of-Wight-Photographer

Portraits Notes 4 – be a little silly

Serendipity, beautiful locations and having fun together will take the pressure off and help everyone relax. If you are able to let go of your expectations, your perfect family photo will evolve, albeit not necessarily the one you envisioned.  Keep an open mind and go with the flow and your photos are guaranteed to reflect the lovely times you spent together.

Isle-of-Wight-Photographer Isle-of-Wight-Photographer Isle-of-Wight-Photographer Isle-of-Wight-Photographer

My aim is simple – to ensure a truly wonderful experience.  I customise each photo session, from the beginning of the shoot right until your items are delivered. My goal is to personally look after you every step of the way. That way I know you’ll get a service that is second to none.

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.  I’m only a phone call away: 07719316609

Book your portrait session with an Isle of Wight Photographer

CONTACT PAGE

 

 

Relaxed, natural portraits in Seaview

Simple steps to natural portraits

Learn how to capture genuine portraits whilst feeling relaxed 

The act of taking a photograph is one of the most common events during a fun day out. Indeed, the whole of society is geared up to capturing, sharing, and printing snapshots of life through instagram, FB and twitter. See what I get up to here. 

As commonplace as this activity is, there are precious few people who can consistently make beautiful portraits. Why should this be?

While most of us are quite content to be photographed by one of our nearest or dearest, the notion that someone less familiar should take our ‘portrait’ is generally considered threatening.

When looking for a photographer in Seaview, you want to book someone with special social skills and is immediately able to put people at their ease, that incomprehensible aura which is so subtly expressed through the sitters gaze and which is unique to each individual is lost when a person is uncomfortable with the photographer.

How I get to know you

Building a rapport with my clients is key to your experience. I work hard to create a vitally important component to my sessions – the gift to empathise. Like any artist, a good photographer needs to be a shrewd observer, rapidly evaluating changing moods and expressions, but remaining ever vigilant that you don’t feel intimidated. All the testimonials on my independent review site share a common theme – an ability to connect with my clients.

What I say to make you feel comfortable

I don’t deal in ‘stolen’ images. I constantly chat with you throughout the session and seek, almost without exception, to establish genuine contact because it is only in this way that true character can be revealed. We can chat about:

  • where are you going to use these images?
  • what do you want people to say when they see your photos?
  • is there any aspect you feel self-conscious about and want to hide?
  • shall we take a stroll and see how it goes?
  • let’s move on and try again somewhere else

What I do to make it easy-going

Only when you are relaxed can true character be revealed. I recognise and use the power of people’s natural connection with each other to communicate precisely the good times you enjoy together. The myriad of emotions captured during any session range from humour to thoughtfulness, and from candour to introspection; and yet all convey conviction and a genuine sense of humanity.

I don’t have a list of poses to tick off, but a mental cache of emotions to convey. In your session with me I want you to:

  • be excited
  • be together
  • be adored
  • be snuggly
  • be quirky
  • be loved
  • be playful
  • be individual
  • be free

model on ryde beach in gold swimsuit

How I help you plan

I want to help my clients get ready in style. I aim to answer all the little niggles and doubts before we even meet. Once each and every question is answered and all the details of the shoot are battened down, the easier it is to relax and enjoy spending time with your family. Ask to see your session guide.

By staying true to these principles, I ensure a truly wonderful experience.  I customise each photo session, from the beginning of the shoot right until your items are delivered. My goal is to personally look after you every step of the way. That way I know you’ll get a service that is second to none.

Let me capture a meaningful day in your life. Mandy 

CONTACT PAGE

 

Full-filled, natural portraits on the Isle of Wight

Natural Portraits - Professional Photography, Isle of Wight

Have fun with it – how to create natural smiles in your portraits

learn how to create happy smiles whilst feeling in control of your portrait sessionIsle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10

In a busy life, you don’t need to be reaching for a 2-shot espresso.  That’s why in an increasingly complicated world it’s nice to know that planning your portrait session is nothing more than a day out in the park to meet your professional photographer.

There are no cheesey smiles, no static poses and certainly no cliches with matching tops.

In this article, I’ll explain why my philosophy for success is all down to remembering it’s the simple things in the end that work the best – having fun on the day.Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10

What’s the secret to a beautiful natural portrait?

My philosophy is to trust your senses. If you fall in love with a location close to home or a hobby the family enjoy doing together, use it for your session. Mix things you love and you will be rewarded with a welcoming home full of beautiful images that become part of  your family’s’ story.Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10

 

Planning, communication and fun

Good portraits are created with clever planning, exchanging ideas and a willingness to have fun. Choose 1 location that offers a great variety, tell your photographer where you like to spend time and let them narrow down the options.Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10

 

Keep it simple

These are my secrets for ensuring beautiful portraits time after time. I always choose locations that make it easy all round, I’ll guarantee we can enjoy:

  • easy transport links
  • a coffee shop
  • comfortable loo stops
  • fabulous backgrounds
  • wet weather contingencies

Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10Ask for a session guide

Experienced photographers understand the benefit of working with the client ahead of time – the more you understand what to expect and how photo shoots work, the easier it is to relax and enjoy spending time with your family. Ask to see yours.

Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10Pick up the phone

Trust is a big part of what you buying when looking for a portrait photographer on the Isle of Wight. Call your chosen professional today and ask them:

  1. what happens on a photo shoot,
  2. how many years have they worked professionally,
  3. how do they help clients get ready for a session and …
  4. can they share their favourite session?

Isle-of-White-Portrait-Photographer-10

By staying true to these principles, I ensure a truly wonderful experience.  I custom each photo session, from the beginning of the shoot right until your items are delivered. My goal is to personally look after you every step of the way. That way I know you’ll get a service that is second to none.

Let me capture a meaningful day in your life. 

Mandy Tel: 0789 862 1187

 

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About Me

As an Isle of Wight portrait photographer, I produce expressive business portraits and headshot photography (corporate headshots) for entrepreneurs, authors, and actors in my home-based studio, Ryde.

I offer bespoke packages to ensure you feel relaxed and confident about your experience. Being an experienced portrait photographer on the Isle of Wight means that you’ll look happy, confident and approachable in your portraits.

And that’s a promise.

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Copyright © Amanda Herbert Photography for headshots, children's and family portraits in the following locations: Ryde, Seaview, Newport, Cowes, Shanklin, Sandown, Freshwater, Yarmouth, Ventnor and Portsmouth and other areas of Isle of Wight and Hampshire. Business portrait photography and personal branding is also available with Amanda Herbert.