Makeover photoshoot with Eloise

Eloise had felt a little nervous when her Nanna handed over an envelope containing her 18th birthday gift.

Her elder cousins had received skydives and hot air balloon rides, and Eloise was worried it might be something similar – or even scarier – such as swimming with sharks.

So when she saw it was a makeover photoshoot, she felt very excited, but also quite relieved!

Eloise has two younger sisters, Isabel (16) and Naomi (11).

Mum Alison tells me that two of them are usually getting along well at any one time – but which two is constantly changing!

Eloise and Isabella share a bedroom, and Isabella is quite the night owl, often wanting to chat as late as 1am, whereas Eloise prefers to be sleeping!

Eloise also got an incredible pair of Christian Laboutin shoes for her birthday, so we made sure to include those in a few of the images from the session.

Eloise tells me they feel ok to stand up in, but walking is another matter! 

The family also went to Bluestone for the weekend of Eloise’s birthday, where everyone went on the zip lines and did lots of swimming. 

For Eloise, the highlight was driving the golf buggy around the site, especially as she had just reached the age where she was allowed to be the driver!

Eloise’s dad Paul has coped well with being quite outnumbered at home – even the dog is female!

Luckily Isabella loves playing football and attending matches, so Paul has been able to indulge his love of the beautiful game.

Eloise’s boyfriend, Henry, enjoys a similar sense of humour to Paul, so he has also found an ally there!

Eloise met Henry at Scouts two and a half years ago, and he’s fitted in with the family well, getting involved and becoming a fixture around the family table.

Talking of Scouts, Eloise was at the infamous Scout Jamboree in Korea last year… the 45 degree heat and lack of facilities meant that the camping side of the trip was quickly abandoned, and Eloise stayed in a hotel instead.

She wasn’t disappointed though, considering the air conditioning and Wifi to count as a definite upgrade!

She’s currently studying health and social care, biology and psychology and hopes to get a place at Swansea University to study paramedic science.

Eloise’s entire career ambitions changed completely after she had spinal fusion surgery in 2019, with two titanium rods and 18 screws inserted into her back – you can see the impressive scar below.

Previously, Eloise had been incredibly squeamish.

Post-surgery, she’s fascinated by the medical industry and no longer concerned about the sight of blood (or worse!).

Her mum and Nanna, however, remain squeamish, so may not want to hear too many of the gory details of Eloise’s future career!

Nanna has 11 grandchildren – 8 girls and 3 boys – and tells me she sometimes has to run through quite a few names before she gets the right one!

She says each one of them is so unique, with their special traits and characteristics that set them apart.

For Eloise, Nanna told me, this includes her cynical lift of one eyebrow, when Eloise hears something she doesn’t quite believe.

So I set out to capture this eyebrow, playing a game of three facts (two true and one false) until we were able to achieve this unique expression authentically:

Mum and Nanna were also great wardrobe assistants throughout the session, helping to spot any hairs, seams or other elements which were out of place.

All of which means everything you see here was a true team effort, from the gift itself to the banter and little details on the day, to – of course – our very stunning model.

Happy 18th, Eloise!

Hair and makeup by Sam.

“We had a wonderful morning having a photo session with Sarah. My daughter had been a little nervous but soon relaxed thanks to Sarah fantastic approach and had a fabulous time. The photos are beautiful and we will absolutely treasure them.”

Alison, teenager makeover photoshoot client from Herefordshire

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If you’re interested in a teenager and/or 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).