Valeria
is an Italian playmate and model. We talked about her job and why she became a model.
Valeria, how did you become a playmate?
It was a long process, full of effort and sacrifice, it happened thanks to my dedication and the will to believe in dreams!
Could you tell a bit about your attitude?
First of all, I love my job and I put all of myself into it. I am very sensitive and, to those who deserve it, I always try to help people in need! I admit that sometimes I am stubborn but I love everything about me! I think that, to feel good, you have to love yourself first.
How would you describe yourself in just a few words?
Perfectionist in everything I do, sometimes fussy, and very determined.
Are you a part time or full time model?
Full time! Being a model is an art for me, you have to express and give a lot in photography, I worked a lot for this and I'm proud of it!
Is model your first job or did you have other jobs before?
I finished studying (fashion design) and for a while I worked as a shop assistant in a car store first and then shoe shop.
Did you do something creative before starting modeling?
Of course! I've always liked to draw and design small things like clothes or jewelry, it's a passion that many times comes in handy, because sometimes I'm on the set with things created by me.
What type of photo style do you do? Which one do you enjoy the most? And which not?
Glamor is what I prefer the most , I like transgression and at the same time the elegance. I don't have a genre that I don't like, as long as they are all made with intelligence and art!
What inspired you to become a model?
As a child I watched fashion shows on tv! I loved seeing them and I always hoped and dreamed of becoming a model one day.
Please tell me about your first steps as a model
I started almost 9 years ago, posing for fashion photos and doing beauty shows. Later I did pose courses that have been useful for this job!
Which models / styles currently inspire you?
Currently I'm not inspired by any model to which, but i take inspiration from looks of English singers, I like the transgressive style. I am fascinated by the shots with the polaroid!
What differentiates a good from a not so good photographer from a models perspective? / What is the photographers behaviour you would like to receive always in shootings?.
Surely it is respect, clarity and transparency in doing and saying things, and professionalism first of all.
How do you prepare for a shooting?
I always try to be at the top, sometimes it takes me even an hour and a half, I often exaggerate, however, I want that at the end of the work we're all satisfied.
How do you handle different photographers and their mentalities? Is that a challenge or do you enjoy it?
It's not easy, it' something that I have learned to do over the years, you have to understand the poses and expressions that each individual photographer may like. If you don't have a master or someone who directs, it is a bit complicated. Often it's the models job to bring home good shots.
What is your favorite outfit in shootings?
Lingerie: simple to strong one, I love it!
Do you prefer to be guided by the photographer or do you like posing independently more?
Both, because you learn a lot to be guided but at the same time, be independent, makes me express myself at the 100%.
How important is social media for your success / or inspiration? Which media do you use?
They are very important because social networks are like showcases, for example I like to exhibit my works, interact with the whole world and have different exchanges with people via my Instagram account.
You are often shooting nudes. How accepted is nude art in Italy in general and especially regarding your family & friends?
It's very accepted. My family, friends and especially boyfriend are aware of it. My kind of nude is nude art, it expresses elegance and sensuality, I hate the vulgar and I always try to do my best when I do it, I try to keep it fine.
What was the funniest experience in a shoot?
During a workshop, everybody were careful and serious about what the master was saying, while I had to lay on a hammock afterwards. As I tried, I spinned around and I fell. With some photographers we still laugh now about this!
Feedback is welcome here.
All images: © Thomas Berlin
