stylist

What’s this, twenty questions? Amy Godward is a model based in the North East of England. Following her recent collaboration with Lance and the team, Amy talks to us about her life as an up and coming model. AM: So Amy, what neck of the woods are you from? AG: I’m from a small market town in northern England. AM: Tell us one or two interesting things about yourself! AG: I’ve been ice skating since I was 12 which has taught me a lot about resilience and overcoming challenges that face me. AM: Do you have a favourite model/ actor/ singer/ musician or regular person who inspires you? AG: One of my biggest inspirations is Taylor Swift; she has become an incredible musician in an industry that is known to be competitive and her music has connected people globally. AM: What would be your ultimate photoshoot? AG: I think the ultimate photoshoot for me would have to involve water or fire. I love underwater shoots but also the way fire creates more interesting light and shadow. AM: Does being where you are from influence your modelling career in any way? AG: Being from the north of England has made modelling somewhat more difficult as I often need to travel for work. When I was starting out I didn’t really think a modelling career would be possible because of the travel involved but I’ve since realised that it’s just part of the job. AM: What made you decide to get into modelling?   AG: Modelling runs in my family so it was actually my grandma who inspired me when she talked about how she used to model and how much she loved it. AM: What do your family and friends think about you modelling? Your family must support you given your Grandma’s experience?  AG: Everyone around me has been nothing but supportive and they have shown huge interest in how it all works behind the scenes. AM: Do you think it is important for models, photographers, other creatives who are working together to have strong working relationships and to support each other? AG: I think strong working relationships are vital for a healthy and supportive environment as it allows everyone involved to feel relaxed and have fun on set. It also allows people to ask questions and learn since we all have different skill sets and experience. AM: What would be the worst thing you could be asked to do on a photoshoot, what would freak you out? AG: I’m terrified of spiders so anything involving a spider would freak me out AM: What is your favourite thing about modelling so far? AG: My favourite thing is the people I’ve met. Modelling introduces you to such talented people who have passion for what they do and are happy to answer all my questions (I’m always asking about makeup techniques) AM: What is the toughest part of a model’s job? AG: For me the toughest part is the ability to act and portray a certain mood although I’ve definitely improved with experience AM: What is your favourite part of a photoshoot?  AG: My favourite part of a shoot is the little moments when everyone is laughing and relaxed, it makes me forget that this is work. AM: What do you think is your greatest strength/ best attribute as a person or as a model? AG: I think my greatest strength as a person is my resilience to stress, when something becomes overwhelming I slow down, take a breath and try again. AM: How do you feel about the amount of travel involved in modelling?  AG: I don’t mind the travelling since it is a part of the job and it allows me to watch a movie or read a book that I’ve not had the chance to yet. AM: How do you handle rejection as a model? (Have you had to?) AG: Rejection is an unavoidable part of life and this is especially prevalent in modelling but being prepared for it and knowing that it isn’t personal makes rejection easier AM:  If you could change one thing about the industry, what might it be? AG: If I could change one part of the industry it would be improving diversity. This has improved significantly in recent years but the industry does not yet represent the average consumer. AM: Do you have a back up plan if the modelling doesn’t work out long term? AG: I’ve planned to study law at university and I hope that I can incorporate modelling into my time there. AM:  What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing? AG: Other than ice skating, I love to read and listen to music! People around me say that wherever I am, there’s music playing and I try to fit in time to read whenever I can. I also enjoy learning about history and psychology. AM: What do you look for in a project, or photographers work before you agree to collaborate with them?  AG: When looking to collaborate, I look for something unique in the concept or style of photography which will then be reflected in my portfolio. AM: What did you enjoy most about shooting with Lance and the team? AG: Lance and the team were all so friendly and many of the photos were a product of collaboration within the team. We all gave ideas for poses and inspiration to add variety to the shoot. Thanks Amy! You can find Amy on Instagram below All looks styled by Harriet Crossley – follow below Hari & Makup by HUMA – Bionda Studio – follow below All photographs copyright Lance Burkittt burkittphoto.com follow below