We sat down with model and jeweler Tanya Zigelman for a chat to learn about her views on how nude photography impacts the perception of beauty and body image. We also discussed the most important thing in life to her and her collaboration with Mike.
Photographed by Mike Ivnitsky
How did you first get involved in modeling, and what drew you to it?
I got into the modeling business a long time ago; I don’t even remember the exact date. Previously, it was just like a hobby that brought me pleasure. I enjoyed the process, communicating with people, and the results.
Can you describe your first photoshoot experience? How did you feel during the shoot?
The first time, of course, it was a little awkward and unusual. It took some time to get used to the atmosphere and the camera, but I never get tired of saying that everything is decided by the team you work with.
What do you find most rewarding about working with photographers?
It is very important for me to find my photographer because this is a special connection between a photographer and a model. When you feel each other, then all the work is fun. That’s what I really love and appreciate.
“The most important thing in life is to be able to enjoy the present. No one knows if tomorrow will come or not.”
How do you prepare for a photoshoot? Are there any rituals or routines you follow?
The most important thing is a good mood! Music and dancing help me get inspired for further shooting.
How did your collaboration with Mike come about?
A good friend of mine invited me to Mike’s farewell exhibition before he left for another country. I didn’t know Mike personally, but I liked his style and decided to have an interesting evening. That’s where I realized that I really wanted to shoot with Mike. It remains to get acquainted and agree; there were no difficulties here, we agreed on everything very quickly.
During the photoshoot, how did you and the photographer work together to achieve the desired outcome?
Communication and atmosphere solve all problems. We talked a lot, discussed, laughed; we were very comfortable together.
“Nudity is art, it’s nature, it’s love. We are afraid to show what is so beautiful because it is customary to hide it. The main thing is to serve it with taste, with aesthetics, with love.”
What motivated you to decide to do a nude photoshoot?
The topic of the naked body has been interesting and exciting to me for a long time. This is not my first nude shoot; I also like to pose nude for artists. This is partly my language of communication.
Were there any particular emotions or challenges?
For me, these are not just special emotions; I feel like I am on a completely different level of life, accepting myself and my body. It gives me great strength and energy. And there were no difficulties; I feel very comfortable in my natural form.
In what ways do you think nude photography impacts the perception of beauty and body image?
Nudity is art, it’s nature, it’s love. We are afraid to show what is so beautiful because it is customary to hide it. The main thing is to serve it with taste, with aesthetics, with love. It seems to me that this is a kind of body language; we try to communicate in this way, opening our soul to others.
The most important thing in life is?
The most important thing in life is to be able to enjoy the present. No one knows if tomorrow will come or not. As Master Oogway used to say, “The past is forgotten, the future is closed, the present is granted, therefore it is called the present.”
Here is a sample of Tatiana’s jewelry work:
