On 10th September I went into Manchester after work, dragging my brother along to help me carry all my dresses 😉 , for a photo shoot with a young photographer, Sam Pyatt who I met at the Youth Positive event at the Etihad Stadium. I promised him then, that when I earned some money over the summer, I’d book a photo shoot with him as I have to send biographies and photos to the organisers of different events that I take part in and I get fed up with the same ones.
Sam sent the photographs to my parents so that they could copy them to their hard drive photograph store before sending them on to me. They teased me for a couple of hours that they didn’t have the time to send them to me because they were at work and had only had chance for a quick glance over lunch! I tried different persuasion techniques but they weren’t even reading their text messages. Then I had to go into lessons.
After College I had a brainwave, I told them that I wanted to do a blog post tonight and could they send some over to me 🙂 Guess what, it worked they sent me these pictures and I would love to know what you think? I asked Sam to take some alternatives to the full on smiley ones my parents take.
But in the end as I used to sing in Annie “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” 🙂
Kait suggested in her comment at 06:06 am that she would have liked to have seen a picture similar to Picture Number 3 but where she could see mu eyes. I asked my Mum and she sent me over this shot as an alternative choice. I would love to hear what you think.
The best news is that she said that she would send out a USB drive with all the pictures on by the weekend 🙂
Love 3 and 4, but as you say, the smiling one is the best!
Hi Joan, I’ve always loved smiling for the camera ;0
I thought it was a bit too scrunched up around the eyes but I like the pose so I’ve learnt something new there.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I think the camera likes you, which is always a good thing for us ladies! !
Ok, I’ll be the first to say it.
You really are a very attractive young woman, Charlotte, and better yet, one who doesn’t act as if she thinks that all the time. These photos do you full justice.
Thanks Martin, you’d only need to spend a few hours in the company of my family to see why I’m not precious, I never wore makeup at school so I never practised very often, the first words Mum said about the photos was my eyeliner needs more practise lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Stunning pictures and yes the smile finishes it perfectly.,
Thank you it was great fun to do the shoot, I haven’t seen all the photos yet apparently there are nearly 40 individual shots on the USB stick with alternative black and white shots. I can’t wait to get them all sent through when Dad has more time at the weekend.
Best wishes
Charlotte
No. 3. Love the feel of that picture. You look gorgeous and the photographs are great.
Hi Little Panda Mommy I love the picture of your little princesses too ;). They are a different look for me, I thought a little more grown up, still getting used to them 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
“Very Nice,” Your a very beautiful woman,.. .”Great Smile,” in #6
I wish I’d opened my eyes a little more but it is very natural. My fringe is a bit higher than I would do it too. I had a cut and blow dry at 5pm at Toni & Guy in Knutsford, I think Christian did a nice subtle wave then I had to dash into Manchester for half past seven so it was all a bit of a rush.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You looked fine,.. . 😉
Honestly I thought you looked great in all your pictures.
Thank you.
Your beautiful gravatar has got me thnking, perhaps Dad could make my eyes blue on the black and white shots its very pretty.
1 and 3, my votes.
Ken
Hi Jody and Ken I initially liked these ones the best too 😉
Thanks for popping by 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Being a photographer, I’m very opinionated. 🙂 Number 3 is the picture. It’s warm and inviting. If not that, then Number 1.
I love your photographs Ray ;). I can take it lol. I appreciate your professional opinion.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Number 3 is my favorite! 🙂
It’s very reflective thanks for your decision 😉
All the best
Charlotte
I take a lot of photos myself, and I like the back lite of 2 and 4. Your looks would make any photographer look good. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ron, I’ve never had a photograph done like that before. Ahh thanks but I’ll let Sam think its all down to him 🙂 lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
cool
All are very nice. Number 3 is my favorite.
I enjoyed your rainy day photograph, we’ve had a really mild autumn this year but I’ve heard it’s about to change this weekend 😉
Thanks for popping by.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Interesting work. But , on the n°3, it’s real you.
I’m glad you found them interesting Pascal you know I love your photography so thank you for your choice I like that one too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
My best thoughts with you wonderful young girl singer
Hi Pascal, John, who blogs as EightDecades has suggested some props to make the photographs even more special for promotional posters etc. If you have time to say and you had photo 3 what would you suggest to put in the background for a Christmas promotional poster?
Best wishes
Charlotte
I like one and five.
Hey Don, number 5 is growing on me 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
The fifth one is absolutely gorgeous! 🙂
Hi Anete, I liked your photographs in Sheffield too, the last time I was there I was in a karate grading at EIS.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you! I have been to Manchester, as well! It seems much bigger than Sheffield, though. Both are beautiful cities with an industrial touch.
You should try Chester or York if you like Cities for history and culture 😉
York is absolutely gorgeous! Been there couple of times, not been to Chester yet but I think there was a Monkey Forest park which looked like a fun place to visit.
I’ve been to Chester Zoo several times, well worth a visit. Chester is a Roman City and there are still amphitheatres and the old City Walls to explore, the shops are very oldy worldy with timber fronts and upstairs covered walkways. There is usually street entertainment which is fun. The cathedral is lovely too and their is a racecourse that has lots of functions not just horse racing. Hope you get the chance to see it while you’re here.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I go for nos. 3 & 6. And kudos to you for hiring a real professional and being prepared to put up good money. Too many wannabes try to get pictures for nothing. I suspect they get their money’s worth.
Thanks Robert, Sam is working hard to get himself established, he did a photoshoot in London Fashion Week shortly after my session. He was very patient and we had a good laugh, my brother was looking at his watch though so I sent him out for Pringles and a Pepsi Max so he was happy 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautiful photos!
Hi Noony, thank you ;). I loved your latest post.
All the best
Charlotte
You’re welcome, and thanks for reading!
They are all lovely!
I’m glad you liked them. I need to choose one head shot soon for a biog for a Christmas concert booklet.
Best wishes
Charlotte
#3 is my vote.
I really love number 3 and 4 best…..not usual but don’t seem forced either. Your eyes in 4 are beautifully lit up 🙂
Number 4 is growing on me. It would be good if I had a jazz evening or a booking in a bar I think 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Always think outside the box and never be scared to differ from the norm 🙂
The second and third are my favorites, but they are all lovely! Well done!
No jump shots 😉 it was great fun.
All the best
Charlotte
Nice Pictures. Good luck with all that you do.
Go with 3 and 6.
Thanks for visiting, your good luck wish and taking the time to comment I appreciate it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
All of them are lovely but you look just gorgeous in the last one!…
Thank you Jesus, blush 😉 when I read Durham I thought you were studying in the North East of England but your tall trees photo told me it wasn’t 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
all the pics are beaut char! Love the first one though! Hope second year is treating u well xxxx
Awww thanks Dee, its great to see a comment from a friend that’s known me from pre-school playgroup…hope your German’s going well I might need some coaching this year, I’m singing in German :/
Fresher week cold :/ saw you were suffering too on twitter hope you’re better now 😉 Charlotte xox
Charlotte, Can you send me a brief description of the photos, I can’t see them because I am visually impaired, and my screen reader doesn’t read pictures. A description would be helpful, Thanks. Ann check out my blog at http://www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com
Hi Ann, for the first three photographs I wore a pale creamy pink vest top which has fabric roses on it in the same colour. My hair was loose with light curls. The background was a neutral black / dark grey backdrop.
Photo number 1 was taken early in the photo shoot, I was looking away from the camera with my hand raised close to my body and up towards my collar. My hair is just below the shoulder and frames my face, I look a little windswept, which I was, I’m smiling closed lipped and I’m looking down slightly to my left.
Photo number 2, has a studio light shinning brightly behind me over my shoulder in the left top corner, you can see a slight wave in my hair and I’m looking a little pensive, you can see the slight gap between my front two teeth but I’m not quite smiling.
Photo number 3, is a bit softer, the light casts a glow to my face and I am looking straight down with a slight closed lipped smile, I’m touching the ends of my hair and you can see my left shoulder as I am standing sideways on.
In the next three pictures I wore a short A line black dress with pretty black appliqué flowers all around the bottom, no sleeves and black suede court shoes. The dress material was satin like in look and texture. The background was a neutral black / dark grey backdrop.
Photo number 4, Sam asked me to wear a black felt hat. It’s a head a shoulder shot and you can see the studio light in the background in the middle left of the shot, the hat is set at a jaunty angle, the expression on my face is quizzical, not smiling but you can see my teeth with a questioning look in my eye. I was probably thinking you want me to do what? I only usually respond to “say cheese, smile” when having photographs taken.
Photo number 5, is another head shot with a black background which makes my pale skin and blonde hair stand out, I’m wearing my heart shaped necklace made from a ring my Aunty Marjorie left me in her will so it is very special to me. I was asked to frame my face with my hands one holding my hair under the long fringe near my temple and the other cupping my chin, I’m looking wistfully into the distance not straight at the camera. These were very different shots for me and it took me a while to get used to them when I saw them last night.
Photo number 6, is a full length shot and I’m turned sideways with my left shoulder forward with my arm bent to the waist and have my right knee bent as though I’m about to walk off, shoulders back I’m looking over my shoulder eyes crinkled up smiling at something Sam said, you can’t keep that smile down for long and Sam kept saying “too much eye” 🙂
I hope these descriptions help.
Best wishes
Charlotte
can I vote for 3 as well. Nice use of lighting. Pretty subject always helps!
Thanks David, loved your morning sunrise pictures, I love mornings too 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautiful and striking photos…with #2 perhaps edging out the rest (#5 is very close).
Interesting choice most people have gone for 1 and 3 ;). Fab photos on your blog very impressed 😉
All the best
Charlotte
Funny you mentioned that, as I too had to re-assess my choice as #1 & #3 were popular in your comment section, but #2 & #5 have a special glow about them 🙂
They’re all beautiful, but three is my favorite also….a rising star….
Thanks for your lovely message Dennie,
Twinkle twinkle
Charlotte 😉
So beautiful, you look just like Brooke White from American Idol, :0)
Hi De, I had to look her up, I can see where you’re coming from, I get told I look like Taylor Swift but she’s much more dainty than me and Diana Vickers who was a semi finalist in the X factor a few years ago lol 😉
I try and be myself I don’t copy anyone’s style 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Somehow, I thought, it’s not the style, I think it’s your facial features that remind me of her, just pure beauty shine with kindness, it’s awesome, ;0)
I love the mood and composition of 3 – 1 is good too – well you could use any of them.
They were a different style for me, thanks for popping by and taking the time to comment.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Nice work overall. The side-lit shots look to be the best here, in my opinion, especially the full-body portrait. I’d love to see something similar to the third portrait, only shot from above eye-level, in order to convey an additional sense of intimacy. Thanks for sharing these with us! 🙂
Thanks for your message, your blog The World in Twilight is great, I especially liked How to Use Props in your Portraits. Where about in the world are you? These ghost towns, cemetery pics are fabulous.
Best wishes
Charlotte
The color tone and lighting are good in all of them. The different poses let each one have its own personality.
Thanks Eric, I hope Sam’s taking a look at my blog and that he clicks through to some of your blogs and your website. I love your logo and gallery.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, it’s definitely a work in progress. I’m inspired by your bravery to leave my own comfort zone and see where life goes. It’s turning out to be more fun this way.
No.3 for me.
Fab, thanks for your choice 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautiful pictures 🙂
Thanks Gaurab, you’re doing well with your post a day I liked “Do we have a music memory”.
All the best
Charlotte
You are welcome and thanks for dropping by Stay blessed. 🙂
Number 3:)
Thanks for your consideration, love looking at your photoblog pictures of Vietnam especially the flower bike, the colours drew me 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Number 1! For the bios or photos we want to see your eyes so if in photo 3 you looked up I would have chosen that one first. Or Number 6 cropped to a head shot. Most bios just have head shots, shoulders and above.
Thanks Kait, I added a photo of me looking up in the same series of shots, not sure about twiddling with my hair 😉 lol What do you think ?
Best wishes
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
Playing with your hair makes you appear less serious about your craft. Why don’t you look at other artists photos and create the same pose of the ones that impress you the most. Kait
Lovely pictures!!! I prefer num 3 🙂
Hi Maria, thanks for taking the time to choose your favourite, like your wire work being used in your paintings, I use wire on cards I make and add a few beads onto the wires.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte! Thanks for reading my blog as well! I’ve never tried to ise wire for cards but why not…I think it’s a good idea too!! 🙂
I like 1,3 &6. But they are all lovely. 🙂
Thanks for your selections, I loved your pink granny square top thanks for commenting it reminds me to take a look at some of my favourite blogs 😉 love your little miss chatterbox I used to like Little Miss Sunshine.
Best wishes
Charlotte
very beautiful, nice , excellent . loved.
Thank you I love the romantic story of Shakuntala it would make a good song 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Love number 3! But they are all really nice. 🙂
Thanks Cecilia I’ll be back on your blog later to check out your newly posted videos.
All the best
Charlotte
Reblogged this on Beatz kane Blog2013.
Thanks for the reblog 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
No 4 & No 6
Ok, so you are slightly more photogenic than little old me… yeah right, lol. Cracking photos, nice and natural. Go girl.
Have a cool day, UNCLE SPIKE
Hi Uncle Spike, thank you 🙂 I enjoyed reading over your blog, I saved my brothers from being a bit geeky, just wait till Cousin Spike Jnr wants to start collecting things, its starts with cards (Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Football cards etc) all of which have to be stored in order and facts learnt, then they progress to learning all the flags of the world, then Nintendo magazines or Horrible Histories (all stored in order in pristine conditions) if you read one and crease the cover (RUN). You’ve been warned 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
Luckily most of that stuff isn’t available here… yet
Great to see your blog popularaity is booming – a great start to your career.
Have a fab weekend.
UNCLE SPIKE
One, three and five for me. Nice!
Thank you Andy, as you have an interest in corporate social responsibility you might be interested how Sam and I met. There were riots (looting and violence) in Manchester in 2011 by a minority copycatting a riot in London, 350 people were arrested and one third of them were under 17, more than 80% of all those charged already had records. The youth were generally getting a bad name. YP+ a youth led project set about disproving the myths that youngsters were all going wild and started to show the overwhelming positive impact of young people on society. http://ypplus.org.uk/ Manchester City Football club’s ‘City in the Community’ hosted an event to get a few of us together to demonstrate opportunities for young people across the City. I was singing and Sam was demonstrating his photography.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🙂
Someone spoiled you with so many prezzies for your 0th birthday: voice, beauty, modesty and warmth. The last may be the greatest gift of all.
Thank you Peter 🙂 My brother is hoping to be accepted on a place to study geography at University I must tell him about your survey for an oil seed company post I’d guess that’s the sort of thing geographers do? I also loved your story about you and Greetje lovely.
Best wishes
Charlotte
For me, 2 & 5. Of course, all your photographs are great, but these are the ones that I like best from this particular shoot.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know John 🙂
All the best
Charlotte
Charlotte, all of the photo’s are beautiful, its really hard to choose!!
after much debate,we think no 1 is our favourite.
you have lovely comments on your blog,how nice it is that people take the time
to comment.xx
It is lovely to get comments Nana & Grandad you will love this blogging now you’re up and running, I love it that you’ve managed to get your blog set up, especially as it’s a fan site to me 😉 lol. xxx
They are all fab, both the photographer and the model did great jobs, but no 3 is a favourite! Congrats on successfully obtaining the pics also!!
Thanks Marie 🙂 it was a lot of fun. My parents are big teasers I can’t wait to see all the other photos soon.
All the best
Charlotte
They are all beautiful Charlotte. For a bio, I think No.1 will grab attention because of the way your eyes have been captured. GG
Thank you Gwen, I absolutely loved your Colour in My Life post, your home looks wonderful.
All the best
Charlotte
Many thanks Charlotte!
🙂 Charlotte
charlotte u look great on all but i say 1&3 u will go a long way voice and looks what more can a young girl of your age want x
Thanks for your choice 🙂 I think 3 is the most popular so far I am very content and love what I do.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Charlotte!!!! I loooove them all. I really can’t choose but the one with the hat is a good one, and I love number 3 too. So I’m going to choose…….. one for each day of the week so I need another one please – for Sunday. 😉
Thanks Gilly, Dad send me another one to add, did you see it? I wasn’t sure about the hat one but it’s growing on me 😉
Warmest wishes
Charlotte
All great. Let me put in a vote for number 5, where you have a tender expression on your face.
Thanks for your vote Dan 🙂 I’ll use it when I sing a tender song and need a cover photo for it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I like 6 the best but all are lovely. Best ones are when you are smiling, you light up and it shows.
I’ve found it hard before to do the sophisticated head shots but I guess that has a lot to do with it being Mum and Dad that took the photographs of me and you can’t exactly look sophisticated with your own parents who changed your nappies at one time.
Now smiley, cheesy snaps – I’ve loads of them and laughing with my mouth wide open lol 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
I love #s 1 and 3! They’re all beautiful though, well done! The photographer did a great job with these!
Thanks Melissa, your recent posts are fab, I’m going to come back later for another look, my brother did typography in graphics GCSE and your website analysis post was great too, My Dads redoing my website if you’ve time take a look and when I put the new one up you could give me your critique 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks! I’m glad you like my posts and I’d love to take a look at your new site. I’ll keep a look out for it! 😀