Header photo: Wild Child! by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community and sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed the incredible Shannon Louise Harris, an experienced freelance PurplePort model based in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

Cup Cake shoot by model Shannon Louise Harris

Image by photographer AndyJB and model Shannon Louise Harris

About PurplePort model Shannon Louise Harris

Shannon is a passionate freelance model who regularly works with photographers and artists. She always strives to produce truly creative and artistic work and loves doing photoshoots that are a bit different, crazy or out of the ordinary.

With over 10 years of experience working as a model, Shannon has modelled for online clothing brands and small independent designers, been published in Twisted Edge and Clary Magazines, worked on product shots and hair jobs, and modelled for photography workshops and training sessions. 

Shannon has Type 1 Diabetes (an autoimmune condition) and Fibromyalgia, which causes widespread chronic pain and chronic fatigue. Although it can be very debilitating, Shannon tries to make the most of the things she enjoys and lives her best life. 

Rock Princess by Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Image by model Shannon Louise Harris

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model Shannon Louise Harris

How did you get into modelling?

When I was a teenager, a lot of people would say I should give modelling a go, as they said I had the right kind of look and physique. I've always enjoyed acting and arty stuff, so modelling was something that I felt would appeal to me after the suggestion was made.

Due to my health problems, I knew that it would be incredibly hard for me to hold down a full-time 9-5 Monday to Friday job and that something I could do on a self-employed basis where I could be my own boss would be a great option for me. So modelling just made sense.

Steam Punk model Shannon Louise Harris, designer Kissing In Traffic (not on PurplePort) and hairstylist Toni and Guy (not on PurplePort)

After leaving school, I set up a profile on Model Mayhem and started networking with small online clothing brands. Fairly quickly, I got my first shoot for a company called Mint Vintage.

To begin with, I did TFP work to build up my portfolio, and then I started getting a mixture of TFP and paid work. Now, I only do paid shoots. 

I enjoyed my first shoot so much that I knew I wanted to continue with modelling for a long time to come. 

50s Gal by Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

What did you do before becoming a model?

I started modelling as soon as I left school, so before I became a model, I was a student.

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

Due to my Fibromyalgia, one thing I have to do to keep myself well is pacing. I try to plan shoots with a few days in between each one so that I can recover from the last shoot and prepare myself for the next one.

I also go walking a few times a week so that I don't seize up. I have to find the right balance activity-wise. If I do too much, that makes the pain worse, and I'm completely wiped out for days fatigue-wise, but if I don't do enough, my joints stiffen up, which makes movement very painful.

Neon Disco by photographer Carlo-C, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Neon Dreams Studio

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

I always try to get extra sleep for a couple of nights before a shoot and the night after, as this can help with my fatigue.  

I like to prepare and organize everything in plenty of time. The day before the shoot, I will contact the person I am going to be working with to check everything is okay and still going ahead as planned.

I double-check phone numbers and addresses. I also pack the things I will need for the shoot the day before so that everything is packed and ready. I can grab my stuff and go out the door on the day of the shoot without worrying if I've forgotten something.

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

That's quite hard as I love doing a mixed variety of shoot styles as it keeps things varied and interesting.

But I think if I really had to choose, I'd say my favourites are the really creative high fashion shoots. So a strong editorial look, with bold or crazy makeup and hair styling.  

Image by model Shannon Louise Harris

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

Again this is such a difficult question as I've done so many really wonderful and interesting shoots over the years that it's incredibly hard to choose just one.

The shoot I did some years ago for a clothing brand called Kissing in Traffic which was a sort of steam punk-styled editorial, was great fun. Toni and Guy did the hair styling, making my hair bigger and curlier than it already is and adding bright blue spray paint, and then we shot around Camden Market.  

However, recently I would have to say it was very interesting and unusual doing the shoot I did last month with Carlo-C, where he made a bikini out of seashells for me to wear. It was great fun, and we created some really unusual and unique images. 

Image by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Shannon Louise Harris

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

I love creating artistic and creative work, and it gives me something to look forward to when life gets a little tough for me. It has really helped my self-esteem and my confidence over the years, which is something I often struggled with at school.

I love the fact I can be flexible and manage my own schedule and workload, which suits my health situation perfectly. I also get to meet some really lovely interesting characters that have great personalities and wonderful artistic talents. 

Night time Fashion by photographer Nils Bratby and model Shannon Louise Harris

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

I'm pretty good at putting expressions, emotions, and character into my work. I sort of get myself into the role. 

For example, if I'm doing a rock-themed shoot, I feel like I really am a rock star, or if I'm supposed to be a fortune teller, then I feel all mystical and mysterious.

I also behave in a very professional manner at all times, I am very good at communication during the booking process up until the moment the shoot begins, and I always turn up on time, ready to go. I always put my all into a shoot, even if I'm not feeling so great.

Image by photographer jksphoto and model Shannon Louise Harris

What's your absolute favourite photo?

Again an extremely difficult question as I have several. However, if I had to pick one of my most current photos, I'd have to go with the shot Chris Thomas took of me in the white sparkly jumpsuit (see below). There is just something about the capture and my eyes in that photo.

Chris is a wonderful Photographer, and I feel he always gets the lighting and captures just right to really bring out people's features to a really stunning quality. 

Glamour Goddess by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

I'm inspired by a lot of musical artists such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Suzi Quatro, just to name just a few.

Just the way they performed in itself was a work of art, the showmanship, even down to what they wore. Every aspect was just pure art. They weren't afraid to be bold and do things no one else had done before them. They inspire me to be unique and try new things and not be afraid of being different. 

Wild Child! by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

Speak with photographers who have a good reputation and good references and politely ask if you can work together on a TFP basis to build your portfolio or apply to TFP castings in order to build a strong portfolio that will get you paid work.

Reach out to small independent brands and designers that are based near you. Be aware of scammers. A real genuine modelling agency will never ask for money upfront to join and don't waste your money on expensive portfolio packages.

Please always, always check references and the reputation of anyone before you agree to work with them, and contact other models directly who have worked with them to ensure your safety. 

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Absolutely yes, ham and pineapple are my favourite pizza toppings. However being gluten intolerant, it can prove very difficult to find a gluten-free Hawaiian pizza. 

My boyfriend recently got a gluten-free Margherita and added ham and pineapple to the topping, which was a great and much-appreciated treat for me. 

Image by model Shannon Louise Harris

Livin' on a prayer by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Shannon Louise Harris.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Shannon's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Shannon's work

PurplePort: Shannon Louise Harris

Instagram: shannonlouisemodel

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