Knowing your model is an important part of your photo-shoot!
Making great images that have that WOW factor can really only be achieved if you have a great rapport with your Model, and an understanding of how he, or she works best. This genre of photography is a collaborative process, and building a relationship with your Model fosters a positive working environment. Collaboration can lead to better ideas, improved creativity, and a more enjoyable experience for both the photographer and the model.
By establishing trust you will build the rapport needed to create a sense of trust and comfort. This is crucial for capturing natural and authentic expressions, as a relaxed and comfortable model is more likely to open up in front of the camera.
At Welshot, we do the hard work for you – We get to know our Models first, before we introduce them to you, the photographer. We make sure the Models we bring to Welshot are going to be the right fit – for them, for us, for you!
This blog series is where we introduce you to the Models we will be bringing to our new range of photographic events for those photographers who are wanting to take photos for camera club competitions, serious about their own personal continued professional development and building a photographic portfolio.
Introducing Ana Maria Viga
Ana Maria Viga is a professional model with over a decade experience in the industry. Having the skills to work on many different assignments – from catwalk, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, commercial, workshops & events, to music videos & short movies. Ana is a creative individual with many talents and enjoys bringing any vision to life through modelling which she classes as a form of art, which not everyone can do just because they are beautiful. Ana thinks having that “je ne sais quoi” is important in this creative space.
Originally from Romania, Ana has lived in the UK for the last 13 years. She studied fashion and textiles for 4 years and worked as a cocktail bartender for 6 years also. Ana has an extended background of knowledge when it comes to art due to being an artist herself, dabbling in many forms of art such as painting, decorating, drawing, dancing, writing, clothing design, upcycling.
And let’s not forget, Ana can act too – absolutely the definition of a chameleon and constantly changing to adapt to her environment and the jobs she’s commissioned to do.

We asked Ana:
How did you get started in your modelling career?
I was studying fashion in college at the time and someone from a higher course asked me if I wanted to model for her collection. She said we will have professional pictures taken and also have our makeup done professionally at Ilamasque in Selfridges so I couldn’t say no. I’ve always loved fashion from a young age so this was a very amazing experience.
Your career so far – How long have you been modelling full-time, professionally? Any other jobs within the industry?
I have been modelling on and off for over 10 years but only had the chance to do it full time since this year in march where I gave my notice in for my full time job in retail. I am a photographer too, I do it for fun though from now and again. I organise photography events for people to connect, build their portfolios, meet new creatives and learn from each other. I can style and do makeup to a very high standard also.
What do you think your greatest achievement has been so far?
My greatest achievement so far has been being able to make a living from what I love doing.
Turning modelling into a career after being told that I will never be able to do that and needed to stay in a 9 to 5 job.
If you could say just one thing to a photographer, what would you say?
Respect your model, pay her on time and do not try to push her limits and levels. Give feedback whilst shooting also.
On location (outside) or studio?
Both. Depending on the weather.
Favourite snack?
Olives & cheese.
What would your dream shoot look like?
Shooting for the cover of Vogue with an amazing team of creatives.
If you could give one bit of advice to a model just starting out what would it be?
Put your all into it.
Get comfortable with rejection as it’s gonna happen often.
Be yourself, don’t just follow the crowds.
Have your own set of beliefs.
Don’t be shallow, bring something new to the industry as that will make you stand out!
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury
Six people you’d love to have around the dinner table (past, present or future) and if possible, why?
This is a hard one for sure.
Cleopatra, Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, Anne Hathaway, Barack Obama, Sandra Bullock.
It would be interesting to observe these people and see how everyone interacts with each other.
Annie Leibovitz or Mario Testino?
Annie Leibovitz
Back of the camera images, Yes or No? (Do you like to be shown them?)
Yes. I like to see the images during the shoot to give me an impression if my posing is right and what we are getting.
Video or Still’s?
Both. I like to have a bit of each from a shoot.


Links for Ana:
Model Website (Tumblr): https://ana-maria-model.tumblr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_maria_georgia/
Purpleport: https://purpleport.com/portfolio/anamariav/






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