Model Portfolio Shoot with Ava

It’s cold, wet and miserable outside, but inside the studio is a different world. A model, makeup artist and myself met up on a chilly January day to create some warm and joyful model portfolio images.

Ava is a stunning model based in Bath, Somerset. She and I collaborated with an experienced make-up artist, Lorna, to create a series of totally different looks, from natural everyday to dark and dramatic to forest-nymph fantastical.

Ava arrived carrying hangers draped with dresses and bags full of shoes. There was a black leather jacket, textured jumpers and a range of beautiful dresses, from black bodycon to ‘lady in red’ elegance. We looked through the outfits together, and put together a wardrobe sequence for the shoot that would make use of the increasingly dramatic makeup we had planned.

After a series of high key images (bright tones on a bright background), we switched to a black background for some low key (dark tones on a dark background) images – my favourite type.

As Ava was wearing a dark top, I placed lights behind her and facing towards the camera. These create a rim lighting effect, which separates Ava’s dark top and hair from the dark background.

I wanted to create a range of expressions so Ava would have maximum variety in her set of portfolio portraits. The best smiles are natural ones, so we chatted, laughed and bantered our way through the shoot.

Some of my favourites from our shoot, however, are the soft, gentle expressions and off-camera looks, like the one above. These are also great for Lorna’s portfolio, as they really show off her superb makeup skills.

After capturing everything we wanted in the evening makeup style, it was time to up the drama with a theatrical makeup look:

We saved the red dress until last, knowing that it would contrast perfectly with the vibrant greens of our forest nymph makeup look. One thing is clear, however; Ava looks amazing in anything!

After our shoot, Ava said:

“I had a fantastic shoot with Sarah, she’s so warm and welcoming and made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. She’s a very lovely person who is so easy to get on with. With regards to the shoot itself Sarah was fantastic at giving directions and help with my posing, she was also open to any ideas I had in mind too. She was incredibly patient during makeup and costume change and there was a few. I would highly recommend Sarah such a lovely lady and great photographer.”

Ava, professional model portfolio client from Bath, Somerset

If you’re interested in a model portfolio photography session, please get in contact:

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified professional model portfolio photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.