Born to be styled; Scotland's New Face winner Christina Chalk is a natural on her first professional photoshoot.

Byline: Gayle Ritchie

SCOTLAND'S New Face Christina Chalk shone under the spotlight like a true professional in her first ever photoshoot.

Working as a model in the fashion industry is something the 16-year-old, from Dunblane, Perthshire, has always dreamed of, and now she is following in the footsteps of her idol Kate Moss.

Christina was crowned Scotland's New Face in June and now she is hoping these striking images taken by top fashion photographer Stephen Kearney will propel her towards a glittering catwalk career.

However, conscientious Christina, a fifth year pupil at Dunblane High School, is not about to jack in her studies. She is will go on and complete her sixth year to ensure she has something to fall back on.

Christina said: "This photoshoot is the biggest thing I've done. Meeting Stephen was amazing and it's quite overwhelming to think of all the fashion shoots he's been on.

"I've been doing ballet since I was young and I used this to stay focused and hold the poses.

"The shoot allowed me to show a different side of my personality - one that's edgier."

Good genes run in Christina's family. Her cousin Kooky Ken De La Cruz is working as a professional model in the Philippines and has appeared in men's magazine FHM.

Christina is a fan of high street stores and loves to mix classics with modern trends.

"I've always been into fashion and I love shopping but find some of the big labels so expensive," she said. "I'd love to have the money to spend on big designers but I have to be realistic.

"I buy classic pieces that won't go out of date and tend to stick to high street stores like Warehouse and Topshop.

"I love being styled and it's a novelty having people do my hair, make-up and clothes in a proper studio shoot."

Christina prefers the fresh-faced look when she's at school but adores glamming up for the camera.

She said: "I don't feel the need to look perfect when I'm at school, so it's quite a shock to see my face so heavily made up."

Her Filipino mum, Demy, who married Scots husband Steven, nervously waited while Christina was pampered.

She said: "This is so exciting for all the family.We are so happy for Christina and will back her all the way."

The shoot with Stephen could be Christina's launchpad to international recognition. Her agents plan to get the photos into the hands of top modelling companies across the world.

When Christina beat hundreds of hopefuls to win the title of Scotland's New Face, she scooped pounds 1000 worth of Warehouse vouchers, a makeover by top creative directors at Toni & Guy, jewellery from Swarovski and the fashion shoot with Stephen.

On the shoot at a studio in Glasgow, Christina also worked with make-up artist to the stars Mailin Haddow and had her hair styled by Isabella Watson from Toni & Guy.

With her striking poses in front of the camera on her first job, Christina looked as if she had been modelling for years.

However, ever since she won the title, she has been pinching herself.

"It's weird seeing my picture in the paper and all my schoolmates have been talking about it," said Christina.

"I feel great to have won the competition. It's an amazing opportunity.

"I don't think it's changed me as a person except that it's given me more confidence. Hopefully I won't get too big-headed but I do believe my feet are still firmly on the ground.

Overseeing Christina's photoshoot was PR guru Tessa Hartmann, founder of Scotland's New Face, and she believes Christina has a promising future.

She said: "When I saw Christina at the Fashion Awards, I knew she was my favourite. But this shoot is the proof of the pudding. She really works the poses and has great versatility.

"Christina has great potential. Her range of positions are fabulous and it's largely down to the fact she's done ballet.

"This job is a challenge, and she has risen to it. She's really exciting to watch.

"The look for the photoshoot is very on trend for 2010. It's casual with a twist. The great thing is that it's an affordable look -taken from the luxury end but achievable for everyone."

Make-up artist Mailin Haddow, of MV Make-up, said: "She carried off these looks like a professional and she has amazing confidence.

"She was great to work with and took to the whole experience like a duck to water."

Photographer Stephen Kearney said: "Christina is so young and inexperienced but was able to pull it off.

Christina now has her sights set on winning a major modelling campaign.

She said: "It would be great if these photos were the start of something big."

Boyfriend jacket pounds 60, washed skinny jeans pounds 15, necklace pounds 14, bangles pounds 8 each - all from Warehouse. Shoes, stylist's own.

Cream lace dress pounds 15, black leather waterfall jacket pounds 150, rings pounds 12 each, tiered armour necklace pounds 2, snakeskin bag with fringing pounds 40 - all from Warehouse. Shoes and Socks - stylist's own.

CAPTION(S):

NEW FACE: Christina came top STRIKE A POSE: Christina was a natural in front of Stephen Kearney's camera, and her ballet experience clearly helped the teenager's poise