I've Made My Daughter A Star

Danielle Caslin, 40, always knew that her daughter was a model in the making

- Mishaal Khan, Lucy Notarantonio

Crouching down, I look through the screen and try to get the perfect angle. The model I’m photographing is wearing an off-the-shoulder denim jumpsuit and a pair of ankle boots – and, thankfully, doesn’t need much direction. Like a pro, she pulls out countless poses, flicking her hair, placing a hand on her waist, and holding her face and body perfectly. ‘You’re looking beautiful!’ I call, encouraging her.

Later, scrolling through my photo album, I show her my favourites, and ask her which she likes best. ‘This one, Mummy!’ she points and smiles. You see, my subject isn’t a world-famous supermodel, but she’s my supermodel: my 10-year-old daughter, Nuala.

Ever since Nuala was born, in March 2010, she’s loved being in front of the camera, and was a natural. Incredibly photogenic, she was the perfect subject, and I loved taking hundreds of photos of her every day. She smiled and giggled without being coaxed, and always looked at the camera without needing any prompting – and each time, my gorgeous Nuala produced picture-perfect photographs.

In July 2011, I had Frankie, followed by Archie in May 2013, and although I snapped away on my camera phone when they were babies, too, they weren’t as keen on the idea of being Mummy’s little models as they got older.

Natural ability

Along with her flair and ability to strike a pose, Nuala loved dressing up, and by the time she turned six, in 2016, she was picking her own outfits. Her wardrobe was brimming with pretty ensembles, bought for her by me and my mum, Maria, then 59. Mum loved going to the trendy boutiques in Liverpool and picking up a couple of designer treats for Nuala, who happily tried them,twirling around the living room, lapping up our admiration.