Playing without looking at the fingerboard is a bit like shooting from the hip. Early on, you miss a lot. But the more you do it, the more accurate you get.

Also, whether sitting or standing, the guitar neck should be angle up, not horizontal or near horizontal.

After playing (chords and strums) for a couple of years, I started taking classic guitar lessons. When practicing early, basic exercises and studies, one has to keep one's eyes on the music. You do look at your hand from time to time, but the fingers learn to find their own way. Now, no problem. Chords, runs, some fancy stuff, I rarely have to look.

This has the advantage of my being able to keep eye contact with the audience and note their reactions to what I'm doing.

And duck when necessary......

Don Firth