We present to you, Amy Lee. You might have seen her before, she was featured back in October, 2020 together with photographer Matt Chadwick. These two have taken some beautiful pictures together and redid one of their earlier shoots. In this feature you get to watch and learn how Amy has developed as a model and a person. She even launched her own clothing brand recently.
Tell us about yourself
Hi, my name is Amy Lee, I am a full-time fashion model from Newcastle, UK. How long have you been a model and why did you want to be a model? I have been a model for almost two years now. I wanted to try modelling as a way to build self-confidence and improve my own self-image. A few people had suggested I try over the years and I finally decided that it was time. How did you get your start in the industry and how did you educate yourself in the field? I started by doing my own research. I looked online and found Purpleport and then looked at how other models were doing things. I set up a Purpleport account and an Instagram account and then put a casting out to get a couple of shoots under my belt. After that I started to approach Photographers whose work I liked to see if they would like to shoot. To educate myself I took advice wherever I could find it. I listened to the advice of Photographers, worked with other models and artists. Just listened and watched what they did and used that to help build my style and improve. |
Tell us about one of your recent shoots
Just before Christmas, my last shoot before the current UK lockdown was a night time shoot, based loosely on a shoot I had done the year before but felt I was now in a position to drastically improve. It was based around an umbrella with Fairy lights attached. All of the 3 outfits I wore were items I had already shot in, but again felt like I could get better images from. Despite it being December, we chose a nice night for it and set away shooting. As always, the time flew by. I know that shooting when it is really dark can be technically tricky, but was fully confident that we would get the shots and I wasn't disappointed! Being able to put the images side by side with those from last year and see the progress was amazing. I can't wait to do the same next year and see how far I go!
Just before Christmas, my last shoot before the current UK lockdown was a night time shoot, based loosely on a shoot I had done the year before but felt I was now in a position to drastically improve. It was based around an umbrella with Fairy lights attached. All of the 3 outfits I wore were items I had already shot in, but again felt like I could get better images from. Despite it being December, we chose a nice night for it and set away shooting. As always, the time flew by. I know that shooting when it is really dark can be technically tricky, but was fully confident that we would get the shots and I wasn't disappointed! Being able to put the images side by side with those from last year and see the progress was amazing. I can't wait to do the same next year and see how far I go!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Despite the Pandemic hitting the Modelling and photography world hard this year, I managed to really step up my game in the second half of 2020 and worked to create some quite big shoots. When I looked at the images, I realised how far I had developed as a model and was incredibly proud of what I was achieving. I had surrounded myself with great creatives and worked hard and it really came together and paid off. I'd say the highlight for me was how much more confident I have become as a result, both as a model and in everyday life.
Despite the Pandemic hitting the Modelling and photography world hard this year, I managed to really step up my game in the second half of 2020 and worked to create some quite big shoots. When I looked at the images, I realised how far I had developed as a model and was incredibly proud of what I was achieving. I had surrounded myself with great creatives and worked hard and it really came together and paid off. I'd say the highlight for me was how much more confident I have become as a result, both as a model and in everyday life.
During shoots what is the most fun part? What is the most Challenging?
The most fun part for me is the really creative stuff, coming up with ideas and seeing them come to fruition in the images. Who doesn't love dressing up, especially in big dresses with headpieces and the like; makes me feel like a Princess and which girl doesn't enjoy that! The most challenging part can be communication sometimes. Lots of people have jobs and other things going on and sometimes it can be difficult to bring everything together for the shoot. Define your personal style If I had to sum it up in a word, I would say natural. I almost never wear make-up when not in front of the lens. I love getting dressed up for shoots which is such a contrast for me, although I do still shoot with little or no make up for some of the more casual shoots when I think that look will work. What is your go to outfit for daytime? So not exciting but I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl! What do you love most about modelling? I'd say the chance to be creative and build ideas, do the research and put the shoot together and then make it all come to life. |
Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
The biggest thing I can say is be yourself. I see lots of models going for the same look, maybe because they feel that's what people want. I think it's better to have your own niche and you will find the right people to work with as a result.
Which Photographers in the Industry do you most enjoy working with?
A bit of a leading question this one so I will be diplomatic! It would probably be wrong to call out the names in a publication, but I'm sure people will be able to make inferences from my work!
Your favourite designer is?
I'm going to have to cheat a little again here. There are a few local designers that are close to my heart and I simply couldn't choose one over the others. In no particular order - Lia Nerula Handmade has the most gorgeous handmade Jewellery and is a dream to work with when we are arranging special shoots! House of Avalonia, the outfits and headpieces are simply jaw dropping - I never cease to be amazed with what they do. Last but not least Dressmaking by CLU designs, an unbelievable talented local dressmaker. I fall in love with every outfit they show me, makes me never want to leave the boutique!
The biggest thing I can say is be yourself. I see lots of models going for the same look, maybe because they feel that's what people want. I think it's better to have your own niche and you will find the right people to work with as a result.
Which Photographers in the Industry do you most enjoy working with?
A bit of a leading question this one so I will be diplomatic! It would probably be wrong to call out the names in a publication, but I'm sure people will be able to make inferences from my work!
Your favourite designer is?
I'm going to have to cheat a little again here. There are a few local designers that are close to my heart and I simply couldn't choose one over the others. In no particular order - Lia Nerula Handmade has the most gorgeous handmade Jewellery and is a dream to work with when we are arranging special shoots! House of Avalonia, the outfits and headpieces are simply jaw dropping - I never cease to be amazed with what they do. Last but not least Dressmaking by CLU designs, an unbelievable talented local dressmaker. I fall in love with every outfit they show me, makes me never want to leave the boutique!
What are your goals with your new clothing line?
I would obviously love to see the brand go on and get established as a well-known brand. However, the main thing for me is simply to enjoy the journey, connect with people and create a community around the Aim for love and Aim for love apparel brands. |
You launched your own clothing line. What inspired you to design and create your own clothes?
I have been really lucky to work with some amazing brands and this is something I will continue to do. I like to look for brands who have similar ideals to my own as I think that makes for the best partnerships. This said someone else's creations can never be 100% you, no matter how great they are. So, I decided to create my brand as something that represents my personality and outlook. What would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time? I would like to continue developing in my modelling journey, creating ever better images, working with talented people. More than anything I could say, whatever I'm doing I just want to be happy. If you could be anywhere, where would it be? New Orleans, somewhere I have never been but would love to. I love the Vampire diaries and The Originals which are set there and it made me want to visit! Maybe someday! |