Interview With Model: Aksana Samy
Name: Aksana Samy
Birthplace: Belarus
STC: Where have we seen you?
Aksana: I have worked for JC Penney, Dillards, Macy’s, Sears, Belk, Kohls, Mark & Spenser, etc .
STC: How long have you been modeling?
Aksana: I’ve been modeling for 7 years
STC: What does a model like yourself think of Playboy photographers?
Aksana: I think there is no big difference between fashion photographers and Playboy photographers. Maybe in the technical side.
STC: You just worked with one… Jarmo Pohjaniemi. Perhaps he does not qualify because he comes from fashion?
Aksana: He does qualify. I haven’t felt a real difference.
STC: You recently did a fashion shoot with photographer Steven Rugenitz that was overseen by Jarmo Pohjaniemi. Were there any challenging moments during the shoot that seemed difficult and why? How was it the same as or different from a regular fashion shoot?
Aksana: When we started to do a jump shot I felt some hesitation on Steven’s part – he couldn’t always catch the right shot in the air, but soon Steven got the hang of it and I got an impression I was being photographed by a professional photographer. He did a great job!
STC: You see lots on photographers all around the world. Your stomping grounds are New York, Paris, Moscow, and Milan. Is there any particular city or country that you like better modeling-wise? And does one country have different photographer personalities when compared to each other?
Aksana: USA is my favorite country for modeling, especially NY. It is magical city with a special energy, opportunities and mix of cultures and people. I am amazed with its professionalism and creativity. All countries have pretty much the same personalities, but it depends on the person – all people are different in their own approach to working relationships.
STC: Most on your visible work is very editorial. Is this the type of model that you like to do, or is it what the majority of your clients want you to do?
Aksana: Fashion is the type of model I like to do, usually most of the clients want me to do more commercial work, but I am open to future possibilities.
STC: Tell us the coolest modeling gig you ever had.
Aksana: I had a video shoot in Egypt for fruit juice and I had to drink it underwater. The shoot lasted 3 days, it was interesting to spend so much time under the water.
STC: How many agencies do you have around the world that represent you?
Aksana: I have more than 10 agencies around the world.
STC: As an international model living in planes (and perhaps the occasional airport), do you have any advice or suggestions you would like to give new models who are at the beginning of their career?
Aksana:I would suggest to always be themselves and never give up on their dreams!
STC: When a new model is looking for an agency, what should they know before taking their game to the next level?
Aksana: First of all she must take this job very seriously, and be ready for all the difficulties that might come her way. She has to look great all the time, be tough and always strive for perfection.
STC: How about photographers?
Aksana: Photographers come in many colorful flavors and each one is different, but I do think that many could use help in their technical skills. Shoot The Centerfold seem to be a good place to start.
STC: How did Jarmo Pohjaniemi do as a third wheel in your photoshoot? Would you like to work with him in a possible shoot sometime in the future?
Aksana: It was a big pleasure for me to have a photoshoot with Jarmo, he is very talented and professional. Of course I would love to work with him again and models like a photographers who know what they want and know how to get it done!
STC: You were in Miami shooting when Jarmo requested you from your agency “Next Models.” Were you surprised when your booker told you that glamour photographers would like to have you in their photoshoots?
Aksana: Yes, I was surprised, I’ve never had that kind of experience, but I was excited, I always like trying something new.
STC: What was the clincher for you to give the go-ahead for this shoot? High-end fashion models usually do not mix with glamour that much.
Aksana:I just wanted to have fun with it. I enjoyed it so much!
STC: Where does modeling take you next?
Aksana: I never have plans – plans never work. I’m going to NYC soon then will see where life puts me next. One perk of having agencies is that you never know where the next job takes you.
STC: Would you be interested in working as a model at the next Shoot The Centerfold seminar/workshop?
Aksana: Of course, with a great pleasure!
STC: There you go, and now we know a little more about the lovely Aksana. It’s not every day that we have an opportunity to works with such a talent as this Russian beauty. Who knows, perhaps we could have her as a model in our next seminar/workshop!
See Steve Ruegnitz One on One shoot here.
www.ShootTheCenterfold.com