There’s a lot more to being a model than just standing there, posing, and looking all pretty. You have to know when to smile, but not too much, and know how to look fierce. You’ll have to work it in front of the camera as well as on the runway. Being camera ready and flawless is part of the job so that photos come out impeccable with a little help from filters and Photoshop. Many people criticize models and photographers like Cameron-James Wilson for using filters to create a false illusion online. In the end, it’s not always easy for us to accept the truth that’s right in front of us. Just ask Instagram model Shudu, who is so seemingly perfect that you’ll start to question everything.Most of us would dare say that Shudu, who has over 41,000 Instagram followers, is out of this world, and that’s not even the half of it. There’s something so unique about her that you just can’t put your finger on it.
Her editorial images have caught the attention of many, especially when she wore the Saw-C lipstick shade. Her photos were even reported on Fenty Beauty’s Instagram page, which is singer Rihanna’s online cosmetics store.
As beautiful as models are, nobody’s perfect, but Shudu seems to be the exception. Then again, there’s always a trick. But it’s not merely a filtered effect or digital editing that makes Shudu who she is. She looks this way thanks to her photographer Cameron-James Wilson.
It turns out that Shudu isn’t a real woman. Actually, she’s not a real anything! Everything about her is CGI! London-based photographer James Wilson calls Shudu his “creation.” Adding that it’s the latest art piece that he’s been working on.
Wilson wanted to create a CGI model that would represent dark skin models, a movement in the modeling industry that will surely inspire real flesh and blood beauties to show off their dark skin as well. Wilson was inspired by the “Princess of South Africa,” Barbie doll.
To create a single image like this one can take several days, and Wilson calls this virtual photography, which could be revolutionary someday. So on days when he’s not busy shooting real-life models, he works on creating CGI alternatives like Shudu.
Her name is Miquela and she currently has 625,000 Instagram followers. She not only takes selfies, but models clothes, and helps to sell merchandise. She even has freckles! Unfortunately, some people have criticized Wilson’s work, but he’s brushed all negativity away.
Wilson wanted to bring something that was sheer fantasy into the real world, and it’s clear that models like Shudu and Miquela are essentially a sci-fi enthusiast’s dream come true. But he wants to make it clear that his work is meant to be both beautiful and empowering.
