A series photographed by Andrey Tarasov starring Ella Guo of LA Models.
“Ella was in LA for a month & we had coordinated to hang out, shoot something while she was here and catch up. She’s been in New York for quite some time this winter so I thought why not take her the infamous Mulholand Drive to contrast the scenery. She loved the sun, nature & light as we drove around. Ironically she said it reminded her of the very mountains where she is from in China. Which is quite far away from LA but it was interesting that the landscapes can bring the feelings of home even when she is no where close.” Andrey Tarasov
Ella, what inspired you to be in front of the camera?
I first started as a photographer. I did documentary photojournalism at first and later got more into fashion editorials when photographing projects for a fashion and lifestyle magazine back in my undergraduate years. Then I also got asked to be in front of the camera by friends and people I worked with. And everything just starts flowing from there.
What do you like most about yourself?
Curiosity. To observe the world with an open heart and always be ready to explore. New activities, new places, new cultures, etc… I’m constantly blending these new elements into part of my identity.
What do you do besides modeling for a living?
I do video editing, acting, photography, and running social media for influencers and companies. I also worked in communication for non-profits before.
City or Countryside?
I grew up in Guangzhou, the biggest city in South China, and currently, I reside in NYC. So I can’t imagine my life without being in the city. I went to university in the midwest and life was tough, so I knew small town is a no for me.
But I love nature and would like to live in a city with easy access to the countryside, for example, Geneva in Switzerland, where I can literally go hike in the Alps every weekend.
“I love to observe the world with an open heart”
Morning or night person?
A true night owl but really want to be more of a morning person. (smile)
Goal: wake up at 6 am to do yoga and drink healthy juice
Reality: playing Pokemon or Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch until 4 am…. (laughs)
How much time are you spending on social media?
I don’t like how much time I spent on social media because of my job, but sometimes I just stay off from social media completely for days to “detox”. It’s about finding balance these days.
Favorite magazine?
National Geographic. I don’t really buy fashion magazines these days because they are all filled with ads. And online access saves tons of papers too.
“I don’t see things as I own them. They are being in my life for a reason and it’s all very fluid.”
Do you own your things or do your things own you?
I don’t see things as I own them. They are being in my life for a reason and it’s all very fluid. I don’t have a strong obsession or possession over materialistic things so my things are helping me to achieve certain goals in life. Likewise, some things are very precious to me so I guess they “own” my heart hehe. But even without them physically, they will always remain treasured in my heart.
Who is the most important person in your life?
There are so many people important in my life so it’s impossible for me to pick only one. I love my family, and my close friends the most. But I appreciate every person that I cross paths with who teaches me something new in life.
As always, the future is uncertain. Nevertheless, the question: Where do you see yourself in the future?
I want to live somewhere I could go longboard skating every day. Near the ocean or somewhere with good roads and beautiful landscapes.
Model: Ella Guo With LA models – @ellaguooo @lamodels
Photography by Andrey Tarasov – @andreytarasovs
