Makeover photoshoot with Sharon

Sharon is a busy lady. A while back she retired for six months from a very demanding position as Head of Department at a land-based college in Kent.

She quickly became bored so moved to be closer to family, got a new job and signed up to be Governor at two local schools!

Sharon also has two granddaughters, Isabella (known as ‘Bella’), aged 7, and Emilia, 4.

She’s really enjoyed spending precious time with them, including attending their sports days and visiting National Trust properties together.

Sharon is incredibly independent, although a few years ago she did find herself in need of her family’s support.

Sharon had just been made redundant when a drunk driver wrote off three cars and badly damaged the car that Sharon was in.

Just two weeks later, Sharon suffered an episode of Bells Palsy. That one wasn’t too bad but a second episode shortly afterwards was a lot more serious – for a while Sharon couldn’t even say her own name.

Now, similar to what happened to Justin Bieber, Sharon has had to retrain her brain and facial muscles to deliver the expressions she used to be able to do without a moment’s thought.

Being a forward- and solution focused person, Sharon decided to book in with me to boost her self-esteem and support her recovery.

It’s not – however – the first time she’s been in front of a professional camera. 

A few years ago Sharon lost eight stone and won a competition which included a photoshoot as a prize. She went along with her mum and had a fab time.

Then she won ‘Best Slimmer’ in another competition and scooped another photoshoot, this time at famous stylist Nicky Clarke’s salon.

This isn’t to say that Sharon enjoys being photographed – like many of my clients she was as nervous as she was excited about her session with me.

Nevertheless, soon after we got chatting, she was able to relax and enjoy the pampering!

Sharon told me she’s never been particularly interested in experimenting with her hair and makeup, so she’s always fascinated to see what professionals can do.

My amazing hair and makeup artist, Kate from Ruby Rouge, opted for a beautifully soft palette of tones combined with curled hair (switched midway through our session to an elegant up-do).

And while our session was a secret from Sharon’s friends and family, I hope they are as pleased for her as Kate and I are; that Sharon is not only incredibly beautiful, inside and out, but makes the world a better place simply for being in it. 🙂

“Where do I start to thank Sarah and Kate for helping me on my journey to recovery. Two years ago I suffered two episodes of Bells Palsy, which dramatically altered my appearance. I have come along way on my journey and stepping in front of a camera, was the next step in accepted my new face. Sarah took time to listen to my concerns, hopes, dreams and then prepared a shoot that was a fabulous experience. Sarah’s knowledge, skill and experience are evident in her photographs, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Sarah (and Kate) x”

Sharon, makeover photoshoot client from Oxfordshire

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If you’re interested in a makeover photoshoot, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year 2022 and Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).