edu LIBRARY

Ulyana Ashurko | VIP | Verified Credits (1)

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?

My name is Ulyana and I live in Belarus, a small country in Eastern Europe. I doubt that many people have ever heard of it, and that’s why I often call my homeland a secret place on the planet. We have a lot of beautiful lakes and only local women can compete with it in their beauty. Winters here are cold and gloomy, and I really miss the sun, therefore, from January to March I’m traveling in Asia and available to shoot in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

Yoga is the most important inspiration of my life. I love to use elements from my practice on-set. It helps me to see and to show new forms of the body, to find interesting styles and deep meaning in posing. All types of art inspire me. I paint and try to express the picturesqueness of the moment in my posing.

How and when did you start modeling?

About ten years ago, my boyfriend, who is a real artist in photography, took some photos of me doing yoga and entered it in a competition. When my photos won it convinced me that I could become a model. The photos were published in a magazine and photographers began to invite me for other shoots for calendars and advertising.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

Since I also teach yoga, I am very interested in discovering the physical abilities of a body, and therefore, in posing, I like working with the body the most. This is probably why I have a lot of nude photos in my portfolio, but I am also interested in artistic portraiture and fashion photography. Also, I adore taking part in projects that are related to my interests in protecting the environment or helping animals.

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?

Any model is pleased to work with an artist and a master who is well versed in photography, but I happily work with beginners too and enjoy helping them learn. After all, working with a model is a subtle interaction and if a photographer wants to take really catchy pictures, he has to see and portray the person masked under the model’s image. In my work, I always try to create a human connection which creates exceptional sensuality in the photos. I want to inspire and be inspired!

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I am always inspired by people who are constantly developing their personalities and changing the world for the better with their creativity.

What would be your dream shoot?

I adore nature, especially forests and the ocean. My favorite photo project is one about our home, planet Earth. I want to draw attention to environmental problems through my activities. I have long yearned to participate in underwater filming. I know this is not easy, however, this year I intend to study freediving.

How important is social media in your success?

Social networks brought me a lot of different photographers. I often received commercial offers from Instagram and Facebook. But, this year began with both of my accounts being deleted and now I have to rebuild a new community. That’s why Model Mayhem is currently the most useful platform for me. Of course, I invite all MM members to follow my new Instagram, @ulyanaashurka. Let’s see if it works or not!

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

As I said, I like to draw and take photos as well. I also practice active meditation with two machetes, learn how to throw axes and shoot archery. I like to go beyond the limits of my body and mind, so I try to spend a lot of time in nature all by myself.

Together with my friends, I created an environmental project where we grow a relict forest in Belarus. We planted a labyrinth park of 10,000 ginkgos. These trees can live for thousands of years. I want this planet to remain green and alive after our death.

What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?

More personality and honesty. Do only what you love, then this work will bring you happiness beyond money.

Check out Ulyana Ashurko’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Ulyana on Instagram.