Interview: Model Paulina Zaczkiewicz (Poland) (Winner of the Month)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Paulina Zaczkiewicz and I live near Wroclaw, in southern Poland. I am an economist and photo model. I love being in constant motion, travelling, meeting people and dancing. Zumba is in addition to modelling my greatest passion. Although at first I seem to be a quiet person, it is only an impression . People who know me well, know that I am totally crazy girl.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I am happy being who I am, I feel good with myself like never before in my life. Of course, it would be great, for example, to be a little higher, but it's not so important. However, I would like to be more immune, not to experience everything so intensely, especially these difficult moments. I'm definitely too sensitive.
How did you start modeling?
My adventure with modelling has started quite recently and accidentally. It was about two years ago when after a serious car accident when I broke my spine, I was looking for my new passion. At this time my old friend from primary school, who is a photographer, came to my town and told me: “come on, I will take you some pictures”. And he did. Then he persuaded me to create the model account on the internet and that's how it star-ted. After that other photographers started to invite me to the sessions, I was looking through thousands of pictures, looking for ideas and inspirations.
What do you think of the work as a model?
Working as a model is a very hard job. It requires great dedication, availability, a lot of sacrifices and strong personality. It is also a kind of work that gives a lot of joy and opportunities. I love to travel, meet interesting new people. It's a great feeling when you meet strangers, photographers, but you have a passion that connects you. It's nice when after the session we still keep in touch.
What is your beauty regimen?
I belong to the group of lucky people that I do not have to do too much to keep myself in shape. I do not eat sweets because I do not like them, but I love the spicy pizza. I like to move a lot. Often after a hard week I think myself: at the end of the weekend, I'll rest and do nothing. And then Saturday comes the first thought is what to do here, where to go, with whom to meet. Besides, I like dancing, swim-ming, cycling, but I have little time for it. That’s why the most important for me is to sleep well, it’s the best for good humor and good look.
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?
Modelling is my passion, I do it because I love it and put all my heart into it. I am a very ambitious person, and whenever I do something, even for pleasure, I want to be the best. Each session I treat separately and I am well prepared for it, from concept, stylization and all other details. I can work in different weather conditions. I had sessions barefoot in the snow, nude in the center of the city when it was only 5 degrees Celsius or on hot, sunny days. I don’t grumble, I just concentrate to achieve such effect that we want.
What are your plans for the future?
Unfortunately life has taught me not to plan too much, because then nothing comes out of it. Therefore now I try to enjoy every single day. Of course I think about the future, I plan more sessions, but I try to keep my eyes and my mind open for new opportunities which sometimes come so unexpected. You can go some-where, meet someone and there's a new chance you could not have planned before. My dream and plan was pole dancing but now after the accident it will be never possible so I’ve just started hip hop trainings.
What are some of your favourite experiences so far? My favourite experiences are definitely connected with travels. Sailing and swimming in the sea in Croatia, trip to England to language school or journey by bus to my friend in Seville. I was only 17 years old, completely alone and 44 hours on the road. I have also many unforgettable experiences from foreign waterparks. I love such attractions when you have to overcome your fear and you have a lot of adrenaline and fun. Every photo session is also amazing experience and very often these short moments in our life are more important than huge events.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
If you really want to do it, try. If you feel good about it, do not give up after failure and criticism. Nowhere, nothing comes by itself, so work hard and patiently. Don’t compare to others, ever-yone is different and unique. You have to know your body and strengths , stand in front of the mirror and train facial expression, different poses etc. It is really helpful.
What do you think of the magazine?
I think it’s a highlevel magazine, showing the achievements of people from all over the world. The idea of presen-ting photographers or models with their history and effects of their works is really interesting and inspiring. I’m glad to be among all these people.