Interview with Natalja Franko

Personal and career path

I started my career as a photo model quite recently - 11 months ago my first photo shoot was published in a magazine.
I think you can agree that starting a modelling career at 57 years old with a height of 158 cm and a not very model figure is a bold step. And by model standards - I am at least plump.
I always wanted to be on the pages of magazines. Like many of my generation, my dreams were shattered by reality. And I became a clothing designer - the master who brings the designer's drawings to life. Hard work - and you always remain behind the scenes.
At 50, I left the fashion industry - my health began to fail, and I did not see any prospects for development.
I changed my activity to cooperation with the international

corporation Tiens, which is engaged, among other things, in products for health improvement. Over time, I restored my health and returned the beauty of my face and body - including losing 18 kg without harming my health.
And I also changed my view of this world. Having found myself surrounded by positive people, I finally understood - everything I will achieve in this life depends on me. It is very important who is next to you.
I realized either now or never! I found online courses in photo modeling and completed two courses – ‘International Photo Model’ and – ‘On The Cover’. I designed and sewed very unusual costumes for graduation photo shoots and well, all the same, unexpectedly - two of my first three publications got on the covers of major Canadian magazines.

Was there a decisive moment that made you realize that being a model is your true passion?

When I got on the covers from the very first publications. And if earlier I considered it as a hobby, it happens that one event radically changes something in your life - this happened to me. And I really liked the opportunity to create my own collection and demonstrate it by showing you can look great at any age, and with any build.

How do you prepare for a big photo shoot?

I don't have a very large team - me, a photographer, a jewelry designer, a retoucher - and that's it.
The photographer suggests a location - I always agree - my photographer has an excellent sense of location for photo shoots. One of our big photo shoots took place in a 19th century historical museum – a very big exercise!

First - the script - it is always connected to the future title of the photo shoot. So that the photo has the appropriate emotions - I always try to feel the script. It's like a one-man show in a silent movie - everything has to be in gestures and facial expressions.

The next stage is working out the image in terms of costume. Very often - with some kind of headdress or fan, Hats and fans are my passion. And then I look around and see if I have something at home to bring the idea to life. And I go shopping.
I just don't really like sewing anymore - but I invest in my costumes - especially in the decor. For me, every time it's like preparing for the New Year's Carnival - it creates a sense of celebration and a fairy tale.

On the day of the photo shoot, I do my own makeup and hair - in different ways. The process itself is a real pleasure for me. Especially if I'm with my regular photographer. According to Irina, it's just in my blood to do what needs to be done in front of the camera.

How would you describe your style as a model?

Fashion, Boudoir, Portrait, Beauty, Glamour, Wedding, Performing Arts - this is how platform for photo models Kavyar describes my style. I do not do photo shoots in the Artistic Nude style - and not because of age and not because of psychological comfort. Most of all I like Portrait, Glamour - but the dresses are often quite revealing - so sometimes they end up in Boudoir.

Do you prefer to work as a model in editorial, commercial or podium photo shoots and why?

Considering my height - let me remind you - 158 cm - there is almost no chance of getting on the podium, but to be honest - I do not strive. I like shooting for magazines - there is room for my own imagination to roam. I have not been involved with commercial shoots - but I would like to try. I have a plan to take part in such a shoot for the company with which I cooperate in terms of health.

What role, in your opinion, does storytelling play in modeling?

In my opinion, stories are important in any business where there is a human factor - and the modeling business is no exception. Just let the stories be kind. Alas - but there are those who deliberately share negativity trying to reduce competition.

Are there any models, photographers or designers who have inspired you?

I am very inspired by the example of Carmen Dell'Orefice - with what a huge positive she is on stage; she is 93 years old - and look how much life is in her. I am captivated by the elegance and femininity of her outfits and images.

How do you manage to stay motivated and continue to develop as a model?

Of the two training courses, I have the most publications. From business, I have learned at least two important concepts
- do not wait for someone to come and make you rich, happy, and famous - all this depends primarily on you.
- the number of actions is important. If you send one publication - and wait for a stormy recognition... No, of course, there are such fairy tales. For example, I needed about 25 publications in 7 months before magazines began to pay attention to me ... and not I for them - but they began to subscribe to me...

To date, I have 40 publications in magazines from Canada, the USA, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, England, Australia. Asia is still not covered – yet!

What are your biggest career goals for the future?

To create my own clothing line as a designer - and so that it is designed not only for slim and tall.
To get on the covers of Harper's Bazaar and L'Officiel.

What advice would you give to aspiring models who want to break into the industry?

Believe in yourself! No matter what anyone says - believe that you will succeed! The power of intention is very important!
If you didn't manage to get on the podium - become a photo model - magazines love bright new faces.
If you were not accepted into the agency - go and do your own photo shoots - create a team, find a good photographer, register on Kavyar, don't give up.
Be creative in choosing images - this will help attract attention.
I was not accepted into the agency because of a late start as a photo model - but I turned this into a plus.

I would like to finish the interview with the words of Irish writer Cecilia Ahern -

“Aim for the moon - even if you miss, you will find yourself among the stars.”

With love Natalja Franko

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