“Everything about this shoot was miraculous,” says photographer Michael Washienko, reflecting on the latest exclusive session with the gorgeous Elana Kanelos from Lucid Models. “After months of harsh cold weather, we were blessed with a single sunny day. Elana had just finished her finals, packed up everything, and rushed home so we could catch the sunset in this beautiful weather.” We wanted to delve deeper into the life of this inspiring model and hear more about her experiences.
What inspires you to be behind the camera?
There are many models that I love within the industry, from Supermodel Days of the 90s through today. I look at various media and analyze the movement captured by the photographer and that inspires how I experiment with movement in front of the camera. Each shoot is exciting and I continuously learn from the feedback and analysis process with the photographer.
What is the most challenging part in modeling, and what do you learn from it?
My biggest challenge is calming my internal nerves so that I can focus on the desired outcome of the project. When you are first starting in this industry, it can feel overwhelming and it is easy to be ‘in your head’ and get too nervous. When that happens, it shows in the photographs. So, learning to rely on my training, slowing down to breathe, and just enjoy the movement and creativity of the project.
“Preparedness and being healthy is my key to not feeling stress and pressure.”
In what ways do you think modeling impacts your self-image and confidence?
I think modeling is a great tool to improve self-image and confidence. Growing up I was shy and always wanted to model but at the same time I did not think I could do it, and I did not know how to go about it. People may not realize that there is formal training available if you have an interest in modeling, I was fortunate to have been trained at Barbizon of PA, USA. The training provides foundational tools that help improve interpersonal relationships and professional engagements, and those skills apply to daily life. During the process of learning to model I learned to value my individuality and not worry about fear from judgment of others. I learned how to step outside my comfort zone and try new experiences which helped my confidence grow and enabled me to feel confident to participate in various modeling competitions. The
competitions resulted in my being signed with Lucid Modeling, my Mother Agency, located in Jackson, Mississippi. Working in the modeling industry enables me to meet many exciting artists and I enjoy being part of the whole creative journey on each project.
So, how do you handle stress and pressure?
I manage stress and pressure by focusing on what I can contribute or control based on the situation. Preparedness and being healthy is my key to not feeling stress and pressure. So I focus on time management, being organized, eating healthy, and exercising and spending time with friends. This strategy applies to modeling, college and life in general and for me, following this framework is how I contribute my personal best.
Listen and have an appreciation for all types of people, cultures, and perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. There is something to learn from every person’s life story and experience.
How do you think the modeling industry can contribute to positive social change?
The industry is dynamic and in the last decade has improved the visual landscape that too often is associated with self-worth especially in today’s fast paced internet based society. It is great to see models of all healthy and varied sizes in print and on the runway. It is great to see the transformation in the industry to be more inclusive of all types of beauty, as there is no such thing as a one ‘perfect’ look. I hope the body size inclusivity continues because it is nice to see someone that looks like yourself in magazines and on-line. Success in positive social change is about appreciation for people and not about trying to make people feel as if they must conform to a look or label that is not their authenticity. As this acceptance becomes more normal it can only improve self-image and confidence for our youth in society.
Where do you see yourself in the next ~10 years?
I hope to have a successful modeling career that includes various print opportunities, world travel, and establishing myself in the medical field as I am currently studying psychology in college.
The most important thing in life is?
Give thanks, have faith, employ kindness with others, and continuous learning for self. Enjoy today because no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Listen and have an appreciation for all types of people, cultures, and perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. There is something to learn from every person’s life story and experience.
Photographer: Michael Washienko – instagram.com/mwashienko – michaelwashienko.com represented by instagram.com/westhavenmanagement
Model: Elana Kanelos – instagram.com/elanakanelos of www.instagram.com/lucid_models
