Spotlight: The Models in Front of the Lens
As photographers, we’re often focused on what’s happening behind the lens in order to bring our vision to life. We don’t give enough credit to the people on the other side of the camera, the models who help us turn an idea into something tangible and far better than we might've imagined. This week for the CLT Shooters Journal, we’re shifting focus to the people who help bring our visions to life with their unique style, personality, poses, and creative energy with every frame.
One of the two amazing spotlight individuals for this month is Daisy Angel. Daisy has been one of the people killing the modeling scene in Charlotte within the last year. Most recently, she walked for The Carolinas Fashion Week (TCFW) and Face the Runway. We’ll be learning more about Daisy’s journey as a model, what her favorite experiences have been thus far, and some words of encouragement for anyone who is aspiring to model but may have some trepidation.
Daisy began the art of modeling back in June last year as a volunteer model for CLT Shooters meetups and events. This spur of the moment modeling decision had a serendipitous snowball effect.
“I started modeling because Lucas, the founder of CLT Shooters, started hosting photography events again. A ton of photographers came to the event, but they didn’t have many models. I decided to volunteer as a model, and that’s where the journey started.”
Trying something new can come with plenty of uncertainty, especially when it means stepping into the spotlight. But Daisy approached modeling with a mindset that helped her navigate the pressure: letting go of perfectionism and focusing on the experience rather than the outcome.
Rather than getting caught up in whether she looked perfect, she learned to quiet the self-doubt and remind herself why she was there in the first place. And that mindset continues to shape the way she approaches each shoot. She’s a natural star! 🤩 And with time, she’s continued to learn, grow, and develop her skills along the way.
“I didn’t necessarily feel much discomfort when I started because I had reached a point in my life where I learned how to keep my mind in a meditative, empty state during moments of pressure. When I feel these moments of pressure, I know that anxiety stems from feelings of self doubt and uncertainty. Instead of feeding my mind with more thoughts of fear during shoots, I keep it neutral, and I remind myself that I’m doing it for fun and my only goal is to have fun. As someone who has struggled with perfectionism in the past, when you do something just for fun, then you don’t put that unnecessary pressure on yourself.”
One of the highlights of Daisy’s modeling journey so far was walking in three shows during The Carolinas Fashion Week, held August 31 through September 6. Even on the days she wasn’t walking, she showed up to support the designers, models, and creatives who made the week possible.
“I loved the community of people that were brought together to make these shows happen. I made so many new friends, and I gained a lot of experience.”
Her advice for aspiring models:
“When you’re doubting yourself during a photoshoot, the photographer can feel it, and it really shows in the end result. Instead of spending the shoot worrying about not looking perfect, it’s best to pretend you already are. When you pretend like you already know what you’re doing, it translates beautifully onto photos, and you’ll end up in shock with the quality of work you can produce. Photographers are often surprised with how little time I’ve spent modeling because I come into shoots with the identity of someone who has been modeling for years. If I want pictures where I look confident, then I have to be someone who is.
My advice would be to do it for the fun of it. When you have this mentality, it takes the pressure off of you, and you’re able to allow yourself to relax and truly have a good time. It brings you back into the present moment, and you’re able to have a real appreciation for the experience.”
From a spontaneous decision to volunteer at a CLT Shooters meetup to walking the runway at TCFW, Daisy’s journey shows how embracing new experiences can open doors you never expected.
We’re excited to see where her modeling journey takes her next! Follow Daisy on Instagram at @daisyangelheaven to keep up with her work and show her some love. ✨
Article written by Carmen Cummings (@naturalescenes)
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