Late last year I was approached by Jane Famous, a familiar face in the modelling industry. Jane has worked on commercial and photography shoots for several years, then took a break to focus on other things. After some time out she decided to relaunch her career, and she knew her portfolio needed updating to reflect her current style and experience.
Rediscovering the Art of Modelling
Working with Jane has been a pleasure. She’s thoroughly professional, and it showed throughout our sessions. Despite time away from the camera, it didn’t take long for her to find her rhythm. There was a brief moment of adjustment as she stepped back in front of the lens, then the model in her resurfaced. Her poses, once well practised, started to flow again, and before long she was delivering the shots we needed with ease.
The Challenge of Relaxing in Front of the Camera
For many people, standing in front of a camera is daunting. It’s common to feel tense or self-conscious when you know you’re being photographed. Jane’s experience and confidence were clear as she worked through the shoot. It may have taken a few moments to reacquaint herself with the lens, but once she did, she made it look easy. That ability to settle back into the role says a lot about her skill and dedication.
Preparing for Our Next Shoot: Embracing the Outdoors
Looking ahead, I’m keen on our next shoot, which will take us out of the studio and into the Suffolk countryside. With better weather on the way, we’ve decided on a lifestyle-themed session. It’ll be a change of scene and a fresh challenge, working with natural light and the outdoor setting.
The countryside around Suffolk is genuinely lovely, an ideal backdrop for lifestyle images that feel authentic. I’m confident Jane will do well there, bringing her natural poise to a different context. Moving from the controlled studio to the unpredictability of the outdoors will add a new dynamic, and I’m eager to see how we can use the landscape to build on her portfolio.
Building Your Portfolio
If, like Jane, you’re thinking about updating your portfolio or starting one from scratch, it’s worth choosing a photographer who understands what you’re after and can help you get there. A portfolio is more than a set of photographs. It reflects your style, your personality and your range as a model, actor or performer.
When building or updating your portfolio, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- Diversity of shots: Include a range of looks and styles, close-ups, full-body shots and varied expressions, to show your versatility.
- Consistency: Alongside that range, keep the quality consistent across the set. It reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
- Natural poses: Aim for poses that feel natural and relaxed. Forced or overly stylised poses can work against you.
- Setting and lighting: Indoors or out, setting and lighting shape the final image. Work with your photographer to choose locations and light that suit your look.
Looking Forward
I’m looking forward to the next shoot and to developing Jane’s portfolio with a fresh perspective. Moving from studio to outdoor work brings new opportunities and challenges, and I’m confident we’ll create something worthwhile together.
If you’re thinking about updating or starting your own portfolio, now is a good time to take the step. Whether you’re an experienced professional like Jane or just starting out, a well-rounded portfolio counts in a competitive market. It isn’t just about having photos; it’s about telling your story through images that capture who you are and what you can do.
If you’d like to build your portfolio, you can find portrait photography rates and packages here. Let’s work together on a portfolio that represents who you are and where you want to take your career.
In Closing
Working with Jane Famous has been a highlight, and I’m keen to see where the next project takes us. The way she returned to modelling after a break is genuinely impressive, and I’m sure our lifestyle shoot in Suffolk will add to the body of work we’ve started to build. Whether you want to update your portfolio or start a new one, the right photographer makes a real difference. It’s about more than taking pictures; it’s about capturing who you really are as a model, actor or performer.









