Isle of Wight Makeover Experience

There are lots of photographers I admire, and Holly is one of them. You can see her wedding portfolio here LINK. Some people might wonder about my sanity, why would I invite a fellow photographer to my house to take part in my Livingroom Portrait Series?

Simply put, I like Holly. A lot. I’ve stalked followed her on social media for quite some time: I’ve sent her well wishes for her marriage; supported her through fitness goals and applauded her successful photography business.  

There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don’t necessarily want to be like them. I’m too happy being myself. James D’arcy

Not all of our goals succeeded during the session. And it doesn’t matter when things go wrong. It doesn’t matter if things fail. Nattering with Holly, I reflected, “What have I learnt during this session?”

See the images below? I learnt that Holly is too beautiful to do mean and aloof. Our mood board included some stark monochrome photography with stern looks and piercing stares. With Holly, it just didn’t work and I had to stop.

The secret to my composure? Failures mean my next session goes better. I always learn more from my hiccups and frustrations (it’s one of the reasons I moved from location photography – I’d ceased to develop as a photographer).

It’s the same for you too. It’s during the most fearful times that you really grow. Hating the thought of being photographed? Determined you don’t take a decent photograph? Feeling nervous about having your faults recorded on the back of the camera?

Shift your mind set. Try these:

• My photographer knows how to use light to create luminous complexions
• I’m not alone, I’ll be told how to stand to flatter my best bits
• Everyone else has gorgeous pictures when they use a professional photographer, I deserve to look like that too.

I want to thank Holly for taking that risk and joining me for some fun. I adore the photographs and, despite not being the girly type, I hope having a makeover with the ‘Style Sisters’ LINK and getting all glammed up for the occasion, was the perfect birthday treat.

With love, Mandy