I was actually backpacking thru California, when a photographer (Robert Donahue) asked to shoot me...I was hesitant at first...mainly because of my height etc., but he explained glamour photography and showed me his portfolio. I was still hesitant, but when ahead and gave it a shot...I said I’d give it a year, and so far, it's been awesome!! :) I've been featured in Playboy, Fight!, Italian Maxim, Hombre, Citypages, Backpocket, Study Breaks, Nifty, Heaven and Hell, and Blisss magazine.
What excites you about modeling?
I love art! I love how modeling turns the body into an art piece. I also love how many people I meet thru modeling. I love how I can expose needs in the world to more people thru modeling as well!
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
I love shooting very retro or hippy themes, I think they are so sexy :) I also love shooting on the beach, it's my favorite place to be! :)
What are your least favorites?
I like shooting in swimwear if on the beach, but I really can’t stand when a photographer wants to shoot swimwear in a hotel room, to where it looks like he said "ok, go stand over there". If it looks Victoria secret like, then ok, but sometimes it can just be so cheesy!
What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future?
I would love to do some Voltaire (the photographer) styled shots, but at one point I would just like my whole portfolio to be tear sheets. That would be a dream! :)
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
I do music and art therapy with children in Uganda :)
What kind of music do you like?
I LOVE ALL MUSIC!!! hip hop, blues, rock, you name it :)
What do you like to do for fun?
I love outdoor activities! Bike rides, kayaking, traveling, camping, jumping off bridges into lakes, outdoor events...I also love to blues/swing dance!
One hot summer day out at the lake, my aspiring photographer friend pulled out her fancy new Nikon camera and started snapping photos of me. The shots actually turned out very well, and that realization inspired me to start modeling.
What excites you about modeling?
Wow, where do I start! The buildup before the shoot, thinking up concepts, putting together the wardrobe as well as creating the perfect look. Then comes the actual shoot, connecting with the photographer to create the the best images possible. The entire process excites me.
What are your favorite types of outfits?
Long flowing dresses do it for me. There is so much you can do with a long dress, it's like the ideas never seize. I also love pairing leggings with a cute top, comfortable and cute.
What are your least favorites?
That would have to be lingerie. Don't get me wrong, lingerie does makes me feel sexy, but that's all it does. When I'm modeling I don't like to feel confined to one expression, I want to portray all kinds of emotions.
What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future?
Definitely more fashion and creative shoots. I would love to be a part of creating something that no one has thought of yet.
What kind of music do you like?
I think I'll just tell you the genres that I do not particularly enjoy. Reggae and Jazz just do not hit the spot for me, other than that I listen fondly to anything.
What do you like to do for fun?
Pretty much everything as long as it's with optimistic people. I am not a daredevil though, anything to do with free falling is a no no.
See more of Karina:
You can follow me on Instagram under the name 'kiodko'
When I lived in Miami Beach several years back, I was stopped on an elevator and asked to be on a business card. I started off doing some sporadic modeling here and there, alternating with long stints in theatre, which is more my true passion.
What excites you about modeling?
The process of conceptualizing and creating a character, scene or atmosphere. I put a lot of time and effort into my shoots deciding wardrobe, styling and props and the seeing the artistic payoff is quite its own reward.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
Anything unique, which happens mostly with my sci-fi and fantasy modeling.
What are your least favorites?
I haven't come across an outfit that I didn't agree with just yet.
What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future?
As far as modeling work goes, I can't really plan that. I'd say anything that shows a diverse side to me which I haven't already shown in my portfolio as I'm not a fan of repeating myself. I'm also a fan of working with those who have a truly unique style to their photographic work.
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
I'll take an acting opportunity over modeling work any day. I also dabble with make-up and image retouching. Ideally, I like to have my hand in a little bit of everything as it never hurts to understand other industry realms.
What kind of music do you like?
Almost exclusively my radio is turned to Alt Nation (Channel 47) on my XM Radio, whether at home or in the car. I travel quite a bit and it is great on those long drives.
I started acting first when I was 18 then did modeling a year later.
What excites you about modeling?
Being able to recreate and express yourself through pictures depending on the outfit, hair and make-up. I also love meeting creative people who are just as passionate about creating art.
Do you come from a background of training in the arts?
I studied visual arts for a year and theatre for 2 years in La Salle College of the Arts. I also went for some acting workshops in NYU.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
Elegant dresses, high fashion outfits, beach wear.
What are your least favorites?
Anything too skimpy.
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
I've started to produce my own videos and getting more involved with the styling and art direction of some of my shoots. I would also create my own accessories for a shoot when I have the time.
What kind of music do you like?
Dance, relaxing ambient music.
What do you like to do for fun?
Modeling is fun for me! I love traveling, watching movies, reading, cooking and hanging out with my friends.
I uploaded some videos to youtube of me practicing some contortion. A few photographers noticed and asked me to do some photoshoots. Eventually I decided to make a model mayhem page and it quickly took off from there.
What excites you about modeling?
Being someone that I’m not. Modeling is like playing a character. When I model, I feel so feisty and so glamorous, whereas in real life I’m actually very quiet and reserved.
Do you come from a background of training in the arts?
Absolutely. My mother liked to draw and paint. My father was a poet and a songwriter. My grandma was a very well-known actress and singer. She starred on a very popular children’s show called “The Romper Room”. My uncle, Sean Delonas, is the cartoonist for the New York Post. And nearly everyone in my family is involved with music. There was always music in my house growing up.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
I don’t really like to dress up. I like when I get to wear things that are comfortable, like jeans and a T-shirt.
What are your least favorites?
I don’t enjoy shooting in lingerie.
How did you learn to be a contortionist?
I discovered I had some natural flexibility, so I decided to pursue it. I looked at videos and pictures of other contortionists and tried to copy what they did. It took a lot of hard work. I did some intense stretching every day for at least half an hour.
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
None at the moment, besides the work I do with modeling.
What kind of music do you like?
Absolutely everything! It’s always weird for other people when I put on my music because one minute we’ll be listening to soft country music, and then the next, hardcore dubstep. It’s crazy. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of classical music. That’s definitely my favorite.
What do you like to do for fun?
I just like to relax at home. I read a lot. I also go on YouTube a lot. I’m not really the type that likes to go out and party.
Red shirt photo is taken by S Otte Photography. White shirt is by Christian Buitron. Me by the water is by Mark Feigenbaum, and the one with my foot behind my head is by GNapp Studios.
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