A modelling system is provided in which a model generation computer (3) stores within a model database (17) a plurality of principle component analysis models (18-1-18n) for modelling individuals. The principle component analysis models (18-1-18-n) are generated from data sets of individuals sharing identifying characteristics e.g. the same gender/ethnicity/age etc. When a new image is to be modelled using the system, characterising data for the new individual is received together with an image of that individual. The characterising data is used to select from the model database (17) a principle component analysis model (18-1-18-n) where the principle component analysis model selected comprises a model generated utilising images of individuals sharing the identifying characteristics corresponding to the characterisation data for the individual to be modelled.