Trial And Error

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Madison's POV

Madison blinked against the glare of camera flashes as her image was captured from every angle. This major feature spread in 'Glam Magazine' was a huge opportunity, but after endless outfit changes and contorting herself to model each one, her patience was wearing thin.

The upbeat pop anthems pumping through the speakers to energize her had become grating white noise. The photographer's relentless instructions and critiques blurred into meaningless buzzing in Madison's ears. She nodded along, striking pose after pose on auto-pilot while her thoughts drifted elsewhere. Madison wondered how much longer the shoot would last. Her cheeks ached from forcibly stretched smiles and programmed coyness.

In her mind, she was far away in the recording studio, headphones on, playing back the fresh track she had laid down that morning. Madison smiled thinking about how the new song was coming together. She could hear the layers of vocals, drums, guitar, and synth melding into an infectious beat.

This photoshoot was just a means to an end, a promotional necessity. Though modeling came second nature, nothing compared to the high of finishing a song. The photographer called out enthusiastic praise, guiding her into the next sequence of looks. Finally, the photographer announced they had gotten all the shots needed. Madison nearly sagged in relief as the camera flashes ceased.

As the crew began packing up the lights and equipment, Olivia appeared with a bottle of water. "Great work today! The shots all looked amazing, per usual"

"Thanks, I'm just glad it's over. My face is sore from all that smiling."

"Occupational hazard. I know how much you hate these sometimes, but you did great."

Humming in acknowledgment, she thanked everyone on the set before scurrying away to her designated dressing room Madison sighed in relief, finally able to relax, she sank into the chair facing the vanity mirror. Olivia took a seat nearby as Madison reached for makeup remover wipes.

"Modeling looks easy but it's so draining," Madison said, wiping her mascara off her face.

"I can only imagine," Olivia replied. "Just remember, it's only part of the job."

"A part I hate," Madison grumbled, scrubbing off mascara

"You're allowed to hate it. But you looked hot in all the photos, as always."

Madison gave a small smile. "I guess the photos turn out fine. But it feels so fake and forced sometimes."

"It's just smoke and mirrors, Mads. You bring substance that goes way beyond photos."

The two friends locked eyes through the mirror, "Thanks, Liv."

The blonde nodded in response looking back down at her phone. Standing up, Madison stepped out of the towering heels and peeled off the glamorous outfit. She changed into her own sweatpants and hoodie sighing in relief. After splashing water on her face, she joined Olivia by the door.

"Let's get out of here. I'm craving a burger and milkshake," Madison said.

Olivia laughed as they headed out. "Your wish is my command. We'll stop at your favorite place."

They climbed into Madison's Range Rover, en route to their favorite burger place. She didn't hate all photoshoots, just the high-pressure ones for major magazines. Something about those big shoots felt draining, with the expectations weighing on her. But she enjoyed smaller shoots where she could actually connect with the photographers and crew on set.

Madison much preferred working with photographers who saw her as more than just a subject - who took the time to learn about her vision and artistry. The smaller, intimate shoots allowed her personality to shine through, not just her image.