Interview: Model Ernst Galben Adriana Maria (Romania)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Adriana, and I live in Sibiu. I've got 2 pets I adore: Hera, my dog and a ferret. I love travelling and spending time in the middle of nature. Yes, I'm a hiking addict. :) My instinct calls for time outdoors. It's this way that I connect best with nature. This is also probably the reason why I prefer outdoor photoshooting. My favorite settings? Fields, mountains and forests. These places make me feel free and at home.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

Hmm… If you have asked me this when I was 17, I would have probably said I would change a lot of stuff. But now, I wouldn’t change much. To be more optimistic I guess...

How did you start modelling?

It all started thanks to my best and dearest friend, Moga Alexandru, a photographer. He was the one who took the first pictures of me, and I kinda liked the result. I think it all started naturally and his artsy photos opened a beautiful new road for me.

What do you think of the work as a model?

Being a model is not that easy sometimes. I've walked the road of learning to be a model through experience and working with different artistic personalities, in different settings. I try to enjoy every moment, that's a personal rule. To be creative with my gestures, mood, the emotional load I need to unfold in front of an audience, to be empathic with the wants of the photographer, understand his/her vision and style, and explore my expressive self to deliver that vision. And yes, part of the process is also to find common grounds with the photo artist and communicate using few words, as well as to be constantly focused on the scene and save valuable time. Not only to play a role, but feel the skin of a new character that needs to be created or recreated in the photo. Probably a sample of what actors feel or do too, but within a more static environment. In a nutshell, I try to give my best in front of the camera.

What is your beauty regimen?

I wouldn’t call it a regimen. But as I said, I love hiking, so when I do it, I usually hike up to 20-25 km during one single day. I go to the gym as often as I can, between job and dog walking and sleep. I'm also jogging in the morning and I try to eat healthy.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I’m ambitious, I always fight for what I want, in a friendly way, without disturbing others' peace. I needed to adapt on my own for a long while, and also find solutions fast. So, I got used to setting goals and achieve them.

I’m open minded, and flexible with people. I'm assertive, but also an empath and I appreciate honesty. But the gist of it all is (I think) that I'm a highly sensitive human. I am ok with emotional storms and cozy rain, sunny moods and challenging seasons, if you know what I mean. I sing and get triggered by music. My senses are ON, my heart is poetic. I love lyrics, I write poetry. It comes easily. And that's helping me a lot in the photoshooting process and the relationship I establish with the photographers I work with.

What are your plans for the future?

I wish to create the best version of myself, as a person and thus as a model. I want to travel more, to be involved in more and diverse projects, to evolve. Also, to be keep close to those people I love, family and friends.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

I think every experience had its magic. No kidding. I connected differently with different people, I made new friends, engaged with different cultures and this helped me discover myself, be more confident and creative.

Do you have any advice for those who want to start modelling?

Yes, always believe you have that priceless something a photographer needs, that you are unique. And be proud of that and ambitious about your wants. Be creative and put a lot of feeling in your work, be natural and keep learning. This is a competitive environment, but remember anyone can find her/his place.

What do you think of the magazine?

Modellenland is a very interesting and complex magazine. The selection of photos and topics, the stories... I like a lot the concept and I think it's like a celebration of art. I am really honoured to be featured in it.

https://www.instagram.com/me.a.maria/