This series was photographed at Somerleyton Hall, one of Suffolk’s most striking historic estates. The Hall’s grandeur, symmetry, and lush gardens provided a backdrop that combined classical elegance with natural textures. From sweeping architectural lines to weathered stone alcoves and towering trees, every location brought its own character to the shoot.
Three models took part in this session: Polly, Karma, and Heidi. Each worked across two sets of looks, bringing their own individuality and style to the project. Makeup for Karma and Heidi was beautifully handled by Maddi, whose artistry enhanced their features with a balance of softness and definition. All images were created with natural light, complemented by ring light as fill, to ensure skin tones and styling details remained clear and balanced.
Polly – Set One
Image 1
Polly stands in the foreground with Somerleyton Hall as a striking backdrop. Her vibrant green dress with painterly multicoloured patterns contrasts beautifully with her red hair, which falls naturally around her shoulders. She looks slightly off camera, her expression calm and reflective. The soft light enhances the textures of her hair and dress, while the architectural detail behind her adds grandeur and context.
Image 2
Seated barefoot on a stone balustrade, Polly adopts a graceful, relaxed pose. Her dress drapes over the edge, catching light that brings out the varied tones of green, red, and blue. Her posture and gaze off to the side give the image a contemplative quality, while the surrounding greenery and stonework provide both texture and an almost timeless atmosphere.
Image 3
A closer portrait with more emphasis on Polly’s face. Her red hair catches the sunlight, slightly tousled and partially across her face, giving a natural and unguarded look. The shallow depth of field softens the background of the Hall, keeping the attention firmly on her features. The ring light adds a subtle fill, balancing the strong directional light of the sun.
Image 4
Polly sits within a stone alcove, her arms crossed gently over her legs, eyes closed in serene repose. The interplay of light and shadow across her face and dress creates depth, highlighting both the curves of the fabric and the aged texture of the stone architecture. The image has a quiet, introspective mood, suggestive of stillness within a grand historical setting.
Image 5
Here, Polly is seated more informally in the same alcove, now smiling softly. The cowboy boots add an unexpected, characterful detail that contrasts with the flowing elegance of her dress. The relaxed pose, with knees drawn up, conveys warmth and personality, softening the grandeur of the setting. Natural light again works harmoniously with the ring light fill, producing an approachable yet polished portrait.
Image 6
A more dramatic composition, with Polly framed by the grand doorway of the Hall. Her arms extend to either side, engaging with the architecture and creating strong lines that complement the vertical structure of the scene. The flowing dress adds a sense of movement and painterly colour, standing out against the darker tones of the wood and stone. This image combines fashion sensibility with a theatrical, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Polly – Set Two
Image 1
Polly sits indoors at a rustic wooden table, dressed in a vivid emerald green gown that cascades onto the floor. The smooth satin fabric catches light beautifully, creating depth through its folds and sheen. Her cowboy boots peek through underneath, adding a contrasting edge of ruggedness. She leans her head against her hand in a thoughtful, almost cinematic pose, framed by the airy greenhouse setting.
Image 2
Against a weathered white door and stone wall, Polly sits with her legs drawn slightly in, her gown pooled luxuriously around her. The vibrant green stands out against the muted earthy tones of the background. The cowboy boots again bring a tactile detail that grounds the image, while her direct gaze into the lens creates a striking intensity, balancing elegance with attitude.
Image 3
Polly walks through a glasshouse corridor, surrounded by peeling paint, natural overgrowth, and soft directional sunlight. Her gown flows as she moves, the saturated green becoming the focal point amid the more subdued tones of the greenhouse. The long perspective lines of the corridor lead directly to her figure, producing a strong sense of depth and movement.
Image 4
Transitioning to a natural outdoor setting, Polly reclines barefoot against the vast trunk of an ancient tree. Her dress flows downwards with gravity, its fabric glowing against the dark bark. She reaches upward with one arm, creating an expressive and almost mythical quality to the composition, reminiscent of Pre Raphaelite imagery. The light highlights both the sheen of the gown and the textures of the bark, emphasising contrast between softness and strength.
Image 5
Another tree portrait, this time viewed from the side. Polly is poised gracefully, one hand extended to touch the bark while her gaze travels upwards. The green gown enhances the natural narrative of human form blending with the organic curves of the tree. The framing gives the impression of her being enveloped by the ancient trunk, adding intimacy and scale.
Image 6
Polly stands between two sections of the massive tree, her arms lightly extended for balance. The light green fabric glows against the earthy tones, while her upward gaze introduces a sense of curiosity and searching. The natural textures of bark contrast with the smoothness of her gown, creating an interplay of raw and refined elements. The image feels both grounded and ethereal, suggesting strength within nature.
Karma – Set One
Image 1
Karma leans softly against a stone wall, her expression calm and introspective. The golden yellow floral dress with ruffled shoulders glows warmly against the muted stone and brickwork. Her hairstyle, sleek with soft braids, frames her face neatly. The subtle use of fill light balances the shadows, keeping her skin tones even and luminous.
Image 2
Shot outdoors, Karma stands against the backdrop of Somerleyton’s gardens and arched architecture. The symmetry of the building contrasts with the organic movement of her ruffled dress. Her expression is serene and slightly distant, adding a refined elegance. The ring light subtly lifts her features against the natural daylight, giving a polished finish.
Image 3
Seated on aged stone steps, Karma appears pensive with her arms loosely wrapped around herself. The yellow floral dress spreads naturally across the steps, echoing the natural greenery growing around them. The muted tones of the stone and foliage enhance the vibrancy of her dress, creating a striking visual contrast.
Image 4
Against a circular brick wall, Karma stands in a poised pose, arms crossed gently across her chest. The warm texture of the red brick backdrop complements the golden tones of her gown. Her delicate jewellery and floral earrings echo the romantic theme, while her upward gaze gives the composition a classical, almost painterly quality.
Image 5
Karma sits barefoot on a curved wooden bench, framed by the same red brick enclosure. Her posture is strong yet graceful, one leg folded elegantly. The bright yellow floral fabric flows across her lap, contrasted by the earthy tones of the bricks and wood. The natural light and fill balance highlight her confident, composed presence.
Image 6
Captured mid movement in a doorway, Karma turns with her dress swaying. Her bare feet emphasise natural elegance, while the rich golden fabric catches highlights as it flows. The strong verticals of the doorway frame her figure, while her turned gaze and body angle add fluidity. The shot has a cinematic quality, blending architecture with motion and fashion.
Karma – Set Two
Image 1
Karma is captured near the fountain, framed dramatically by the upward spray of water. She is seated at the water’s edge, her nude toned, textured dress glowing against the backdrop of Somerleyton Hall. The composition places her within the grandeur of the architecture while contrasting her still presence with the kinetic energy of the fountain.
Image 2
Seated on the fountain’s stone rim, Karma folds her arms slightly across her lap in a poised yet relaxed pose. The dress, with its three dimensional floral detailing, adds texture and visual depth. Her expression is contemplative, and the background architecture provides symmetry, anchoring her presence within the scene.
Image 3
Standing upright before the fountain, Karma faces the camera directly. The strong vertical lines of Somerleyton Hall align behind her, reinforcing her stance and creating a sense of authority. The delicate dress and earrings balance the formality of the composition, while the soft lighting ensures a natural, elegant glow.
Image 4
Leaning against a tree trunk with perfectly manicured foliage, Karma’s posture is dynamic and slightly angular. Barefoot, she creates a sense of grounded naturalism, her neutral dress contrasting softly with the rich green canopy above. The light filters beautifully through the leaves, creating dappled highlights across her skin and fabric.
Image 5
Karma stands beside a weathered stone statue, her body angled gracefully against its base. Her pale dress complements the stone’s texture, giving continuity between subject and setting. The background sky and distant trees provide depth, while her side profile and delicate stance add an air of quiet strength.
Image 6
A close portrait taken at the statue’s base, Karma leans her arms across the stone with her gaze meeting the lens. The details of her flower shaped earrings and soft makeup are highlighted, and the textured fabric of her dress adds cohesion to the image. The intimacy of this composition contrasts with the grandeur of earlier wide shots, showing her elegance in detail.
Heidi – Set One
Image 1
Heidi stands at the base of a stone sundial sculpture topped with a golden armillary sphere. Her yellow satin dress glows under the daylight, contrasting with the grey stone and grand architecture of Somerleyton Hall behind her. Her stance is poised, with one hand resting on the sculpture, adding a classical elegance to the composition.
Image 2
A closer three quarter portrait shows Heidi leaning against the stone base of the sundial. The soft folds of her gown are highlighted by natural light, while her accessories, a pearl bracelet and long pearl drop earrings, add sophistication. Her expression is calm, looking slightly away from the camera, which creates a gentle narrative of thoughtfulness.
Image 3
This portrait tightens the frame to focus more closely on Heidi’s face and upper body. Her red hair frames her features against the pale yellow of her gown. The pearl earrings stand out dramatically, while her subtle smile and warm gaze create a balance of glamour and natural beauty. The architecture behind her softly blurs, giving depth without distraction.
Image 4
Shot in profile, Heidi is captured against the backdrop of stone columns. Her gown’s side cut accentuates the clean lines of the design, while her confident pose highlights both strength and femininity. The pearl jewellery complements the elegant styling, creating a timeless look that sits comfortably within the classical setting.
Image 5
Here, Heidi is framed by foliage, the greenery contrasting with her glowing yellow gown and copper red hair. Her upward glance gives the portrait a hopeful, dreamy quality. The textures of her gown, pearls, and soft curls stand out vividly against the organic backdrop, producing an image that feels both romantic and fresh.
Image 6
Partially obscured by leaves, Heidi looks directly into the lens, framed by soft greenery in the foreground. The focus on her face, combined with the shallow depth of field, creates intimacy and immediacy. The pearls and satin fabric subtly catch the light, tying together luxury and natural softness.
Heidi – Set Two
Image 1
Heidi stands tall in the gardens with Somerleyton Hall as a dramatic backdrop. Her dress is a vivid explosion of tropical florals in pink, orange, and yellow tones, instantly commanding attention. Her pose, with one hand on her hip and gaze turned aside, conveys confidence and presence. The bright colours of her dress contrast beautifully against the neutral tones of the historic building.
Image 2
Relaxed and playful, Heidi sits back on a wooden bench, bathed in warm sunlight. She tilts her head back with a gentle smile, enjoying the light. The floral dress, cinched at the waist, flows naturally across her body, while her white sandals add a delicate finishing detail. The surrounding greenery creates a summery, casual atmosphere that contrasts with the formal stone bench.
Image 3
Leaning casually against a stone wall and red brick detail, Heidi radiates a carefree charm. The high slit of her floral dress reveals her leg as she stands in a confident, almost cinematic stance. The soft smile on her face enhances the impression of ease and enjoyment, with the textures of stone and fabric working together harmoniously.
Image 4
Heidi is framed within a tall arched brick and stone niche. The composition is symmetrical, with her figure centred perfectly in the architectural framing. She stands confidently with both hands resting outward, the bold floral fabric filling the space with colour and vitality. Her relaxed smile makes this a commanding yet approachable portrait.
Image 5
A closer portrait within the same arched niche shows Heidi’s poised stance against the warm brick backdrop. Her red hair, pearl jewellery, and floral dress create a cohesive palette of vibrant colour and classic detail. Her direct eye contact conveys confidence, while her pose highlights the elegance of her figure and styling.
Image 6
Seated on stone steps beneath a large arched window, Heidi looks serene and composed. The flowing floral dress spreads across the steps, complemented by wild greenery growing nearby. The muted tones of the stone architecture provide a subtle stage for the saturated hues of her outfit. Her relaxed yet confident pose brings the series to a natural and graceful conclusion.
Closing Thoughts
The Somerleyton Hall shoot brought together history, fashion, and individual expression in equal measure. Polly’s bold energy, Karma’s refined elegance, and Heidi’s confident presence gave each set its own distinct mood. Maddi’s makeup artistry for Karma and Heidi added subtle but essential detail, ensuring both natural softness and professional polish under varied lighting conditions.
The hall itself, with its architecture, gardens, and natural landscapes, offered the perfect backdrop for a project of this scope. By combining natural light with ring light fill, every image carried balance, from grand cinematic frames to quiet intimate portraits. Altogether, this series of 36 images captures the collaborative spirit of the day and the richness of Somerleyton as a creative stage.
Shoot organised by Cin https://www.instagram.com/cinsayssnap/