Working in the studio gives me the space to build ideas with care, to experiment with light, and to create images that feel personal to each client. My recent portrait session with Roksana and makeup artist Andzelika Kurek was a good example of how a well planned shoot can give a model a wide range of portfolio ready images. We covered seven unique looks in one session, each with its own style, mood, and visual direction. Roksana brought a clear sense of character to every setup, and Andzelika shaped the makeup with precision that matched the wardrobe choices perfectly.
This post breaks down the session look by look, and also outlines my model photography workflow, from booking to final delivery. If you are thinking about booking a model portfolio photoshoot or want to understand how a portrait photography session works in my Bentwaters studio, this should give you a clear idea of the full process.
Look 1: Vintage Glamour with a Modern Edge
We began with a look rooted in classic Hollywood styling. Roksana wore a white faux fur stole over a dark fitted dress. The tiara added a touch of regal drama, and the cigarette holder introduced a clear nod to old film noir. This combination created a strong character for the opening images. The styling had a sense of showmanship but still felt clean and controlled.
Roksana’s pose for this look was confident and calm. She kept her shoulders open and held the cigarette holder with care, which brought a subtle line of elegance to the frame. Her expression was steady and direct, giving the image a cinematic quality. Working with heavy fur can be difficult, but she balanced it well and kept the shape clear.
The dark teal backdrop added depth and contrast, lifting the fur and letting the makeup stay sharp. Andzelika used a warm palette with sculpted contouring and smoky eyes, which worked with the lighting and helped the final images feel polished without looking artificial.
Look 2: Velvet, Pearls, and Classic Evening Elegance
The second look moved into a more refined evening style. Roksana wore a black velvet gown with pearl details that draped over her shoulders and back. These strands of pearls gave the outfit an almost sculptural quality. The cigarette holder returned as a light prop rather than a dominant feature.
Her pose was expressive, with one arm lifted across her forehead. This created height and a sense of drama. Her other hand rested at the hip, which added balance and shape. The pose also made sure the pearls sat cleanly across the body. Her expression was softer than in the first look, which suited the elegance of the styling.
The lighting for this setup shaped the velvet fabric well and gave definition to Roksana’s bone structure. Andzelika’s makeup stayed similar to the first look but with slightly more emphasis on the eyes. The overall result was a blend of editorial portrait photography and classic fashion styling.
Look 3: Winter Luxury with Clean, Monochrome Style
For the third look we shifted to a bright winter inspired setup. The white faux fur hat and oversized wrap created a soft and luxurious shape. This look was almost entirely monochrome, which brought attention to texture rather than colour. The small glimpse of a black lace sleeve added contrast without distracting from the main styling.
Roksana’s pose was gentle and closer to the body. She held the fur wrap so the volume framed her face and shoulders. Her head tilt brought symmetry and showcased the hat clearly. Her expression was calm and reflective, which suited the winter theme.
The switch to a light backdrop changed the feel of the shoot. It removed the moodiness of the earlier looks and replaced it with a clean editorial style. The lighting was soft and even, which helped protect the detail in both the fur and Roksana’s face. Andzelika used warm tones that stood out well against the cool whites without breaking the aesthetic.
Look 4: Gold Eveningwear and Masquerade Drama
The fourth look introduced a strong shift in tone. Roksana wore a metallic gold gown with sheer sleeves and detailed pleating. The gown caught the light with a liquid shimmer that brought energy to the frame. The ornate masquerade mask took the styling into more theatrical territory and added layers of character.
Roksana used a tall, elongated pose with one arm lifted above her head. This created tension and movement while still allowing the gown to fall cleanly. Her other arm rested across her waist, giving structure to the image. The mask allowed for a more mysterious expression, but she kept enough of her face visible for the lighting to shape it well.
The warm brown backdrop was chosen to work with the gold tones. It enriched the colours without overwhelming them. The lighting added shine to the fabric and definition to the mask. Andzelika used a strong red lip to anchor the look and to contrast with the gold tones. The result had a sense of luxury and a clear eveningwear aesthetic.
Look 5: Modern Blazer Styling with a Designer Edge
The fifth look moved away from gowns and eveningwear into a modern, street influenced fashion direction. Roksana wore a black blazer dress shaped with a Gucci belt and paired with patterned tights. Oversized sunglasses added a sense of attitude and gave the look a clear high fashion tone. The hoop earrings and red lipstick tied the styling together.
Her pose was direct and confident. One hand on the hip created structure, while the other hand lifted the sunglasses slightly. Even with her eyes hidden, the slight tilt of her chin and the tension in her posture created a strong character for the frame.
The warm taupe backdrop supported the black outfit without creating high contrast. The lighting shaped the blazer cleanly and gave subtle highlights across the tailored fabric. Andzelika’s makeup remained bold but simple, with the red lip acting as the main focal point. The result felt like a modern fashion campaign image.
Look 6: Pale Pink Suit with a Soft Editorial Tone
The sixth look featured a pale pink suit with fine dot detailing. This outfit mixed classic tailoring with a modern, open neckline that gave it a contemporary edge. The trousers kept a relaxed shape, and the jacket provided clean structure.
Roksana posed with one hand at her hip and the other lifting her hair. The asymmetry added movement to what could have been a very static outfit. Her downward chin brought a reflective quality to the image, while the tall posture kept the suit’s shape clean.
The warm taupe backdrop used earlier continued to work well here. The lighting was soft and directional, which highlighted the texture of the suit and the subtle sparkle of the fabric. Andzelika used crisp white shimmer on the eyelids and a strong red lip. This mix kept the look balanced between soft tailoring and fashionable impact.
Look 7: Red Satin and Cinematic Evening Style
The final look of the session was bold and dramatic. Roksana wore a deep red satin dress with a sculptural neckline and crossed straps. The sheen of the satin gave the images depth and helped the colour shift with the light. The dress offered a blend of elegance and confidence.
Roksana’s pose was expressive, with her hands used to shape the frame around her neck and shoulders. Her posture leaned slightly back, which added height and gave the dress space to flow. Her expression was confident and direct, completing the cinematic feel of the look.
The lighting added soft highlights to the satin while keeping shadows gentle enough to preserve detail. Andzelika brought the strongest makeup of the session to this look, with bold shimmer on the eyes, defined contouring, and a glossy red lip that matched the dress. This created a cohesive and dramatic finish to the seven look series.
How I Structure a Model Portfolio Photoshoot
To help models understand what to expect, I use a consistent workflow for all model portfolio shoots. This keeps the session organised and allows everyone involved to stay informed at each stage.
1. Booking the Session
Clients secure a session through the website booking link. This provides the time slot, session fee, and all necessary details.
2. Pre Shoot Planning
Before the shoot we use a Pinterest board and a WhatsApp group chat to share ideas and references. This helps the model, makeup artist, and myself stay aligned on the visual direction.
3. Shoot Day Setup
I prepare the studio before the client arrives. This includes lighting, backdrops, props, and any specific equipment needed for the first look of the day. A clear start helps the rest of the session run smoothly.
4. Proofing the Images
The day after the shoot the model receives an online proof gallery. These images are unedited, so I remind clients that the final results will be polished but not heavily altered. I keep the editing natural so the images remain accurate to the person in front of the camera.
5. Selecting the Images
The model selects the specific images they want edited. This ensures they receive the photographs that best match their goals. It also keeps the edit focused and efficient.
6. Editing the Final Images
Editing usually takes between seven and fourteen days after image selection. There can sometimes be a slight delay, but I always keep the client informed. The editing process includes colour correction, skin refinement, and general finishing while keeping everything natural.
7. Final Delivery
Once the edits are complete the final images are delivered by email. Clients receive a private download link, which gives them full resolution images suitable for portfolio use, social media, or agency submission.
Final Thoughts
This shoot with Roksana and Andzelika showed how a single session can create a wide range of strong portfolio images. Each look had its own character and tone, and the teamwork in the studio helped bring every idea to life. Whether I am working on a model portfolio shoot, a portrait photography package, or a personal branding session, the goal remains the same. I want the images to feel true to the person in front of the camera and to give them a set of photographs they can use with confidence.
If you would like a similar style of model portfolio shoot or are curious about any part of the process, I am always happy to talk through the options.