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