Capturing Diane Jennings: Headshots of an Irish Content Creator with a Global Appeal
RORY LEWIS
Working with Diane Jennings was a memorable experience that blended professionalism with lighthearted charm. Diane, an Irish content creator known for her popular Variety YouTube channel, brings a unique perspective, often contrasting the cultural differences between Europe and North America. Her channel’s followers—those with a connection to Irish heritage and a love for fun, upbeat content—appreciate her engaging comparisons between Ireland, the USA, and Canada. It was essential to capture this balance of authenticity and warmth in her headshots.
Given Diane’s vibrant personality and the nature of her content, my goal was to craft headshots that reflected her distinctive voice—a fusion of Irish wit and her American and Canadian adventures. Diane’s content appeals to those interested in a bit of “craic” (Irish humor) while staying connected to their roots. I wanted her headshots to convey this blend of relatability and global outlook.
Diane frequently interacts with her community through consistent weekly uploads—usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—and is available to chat with her audience within the first hour of each video. This level of engagement was something I aimed to incorporate into the shots, capturing her in moments of genuine connection and spontaneity.
In every portrait session, I focus on creating an atmosphere that enables the subject to express themselves naturally. For Diane, it was essential to highlight her approachability while maintaining the level of professionalism she consistently brings to her YouTube and Twitch streams. Most Wednesdays, she streams live on Twitch, building another dimension to her connection with her audience.
To mirror the energy of her content, we opted for a mix of both formal and casual looks. The formal shots were designed to communicate Diane’s professionalism and dedication to her channel’s ever-growing success. The casual portraits allowed her playful side to shine—reminiscent of the spirited comparisons she often makes between everyday life in Ireland, the USA, and Canada.
Diane’s work embodies a wide-ranging interest in cultural nuances, and it was my responsibility to reflect that diversity in her headshots. The choice of lighting, backdrop, and direction was crucial. A bright, soft light to enhance her approachable demeanor, paired with a simple background, allowed her personality to take center stage. We explored various poses and expressions, ensuring the final images would be versatile enough to represent her across her platforms—from her YouTube channel to Twitch streams.
What stands out most about Diane’s headshots is their ability to capture her unique perspective—a combination of humor, authenticity, and her dedication to fostering connections with her audience. Her openness during the shoot made for a collaborative session where we could truly experiment and showcase different facets of her persona.
As a photographer working globally—from Los Angeles to New York and London—I’ve had the opportunity to capture a wide array of personalities. Diane Jennings was a refreshing subject, and I’m thrilled with the results of our session. The headshots perfectly embody her essence as a creator, offering her audience a glimpse into the same dynamic presence they’ve come to expect from her engaging content.
For those looking to see more of Diane’s work, make sure to catch her uploads every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She’s also live on Twitch most Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, where you can experience her vibrant personality firsthand.