Specialist portrait photographer in Altrincham, Shirlaine Forrest creates relaxed, cinematic studio and location portraits. Ideal for headshots, creative portfolios and business portraits.
Shirlaine Forrest is a specialist portrait photographer based in Altrincham, bringing a quarter-century of film and photographic experience to every session. Her work blends cinematic aesthetics with a documentary sensibility, producing portraits that feel both timeless and immediate. Whether you want a striking studio portrait, a relaxed location shoot, or a confident headshot for LinkedIn and professional profiles, Shirlaine’s practice prioritises authenticity and strong visual storytelling. Why clients choose Shirlaine is simple: she understands people and performance. A Nikon Creator whose images are regularly published by international outlets, Shirlaine has spent years photographing musicians, creatives and public figures — experience that translates into calm, directional sessions that put subjects at ease. Her portraits are not just technically assured; they are collaborative, expressive and tailored to reveal character. Shirlaine’s approach is rooted in atmosphere and relationship. She favours a conversational, gently directed style that helps camera-shy clients relax and allows confident subjects to deepen their presence. Sessions are adaptable — shot in Altrincham studio spaces or on location across Greater Manchester — and she mixes film and digital techniques to achieve a rich, textured look that many clients seek. The result is imagery that works for creative portfolios, editorial use and professional business portraits alike. Working with Shirlaine is straightforward and human-centred. She prepares each shoot with clear communication about mood, wardrobe and practicalities, then focuses on building rapport during the session so genuine moments can unfold. Her background directing music videos and long-standing editorial commissions informs her eye for composition and light, ensuring portraits with cinematic framing and narrative depth. Beyond commercial commissions, Shirlaine remains engaged in personal projects — including a book of creative portraiture and live roller derby work — which continually feed her artistic practice. If you’re in Altrincham or the surrounding area and want a portrait that feels considered, authentic and visually memorable, Shirlaine offers a specialist, experienced approach that puts people at the heart of the photograph.