Gerda Carina shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Gerda, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m definitely walking a path now. I used to wander, and looking back, I can see how that made me go in circles. Maybe it’s also something that comes with age – that moment when you start to ask yourself why certain things haven’t yet come into your life: a man to build a home and family with, more inner peace, more softness or femininity. The list goes on. But the moment I decided to consciously make an effort toward certain things, I realised how walking a clear path actually makes things happen – even though wandering around in my twenties was the coolest thing to do at the time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been photographing people since I was about twelve years old. From the very beginning, I took it seriously and eventually built my career in London – through a lot of hard work, tears, and determination. Looking back, I’m grateful I did, because everything I learned from working with Hollywood celebrities and shooting for magazines now helps me capture the beauty of everyday people – mostly women who simply want to feel beautiful.
After more than seventeen years behind the camera, I also started creating wall paintings with 24K gold. So when it comes to work, my greatest skill and passion is creating. I truly love what I do, and I’ll probably have a camera in my hands until the very end.
What I love most about my brand is that from day one, I’ve offered a luxury experience. Over time, things have evolved, but that elegant, high-end feeling has always remained at the heart of my work.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was very young when I first realised the power of my thoughts. Probably not the best example, but I remember how, on nights when I didn’t want to go to school, I would embody having a fever – I’d think about it, feel it, and somehow actually become sick. It worked like a charm every time.
As an adult, I’ve learned to use that same power for better things – to attract meaningful projects, wonderful clients, and experiences that truly align with me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course! I’ve wanted to give up more times than I can count.
But over the years I’ve evolved, and every time I felt like quitting, I chose to change something in my work process instead.
For example, I used to hustle endlessly to get my name out there and build a strong portfolio. Now, my focus is on myself first – work comes last. I do it less often, but when I do, I pour so much more of myself and my energy into each shoot. I can do that because my cup is full.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d hope so.
I remember a friend coming up to me at school when I was about fourteen. I was just minding my own business, and she looked at me and asked, “How do you do it? How do you not care what others think and still just be yourself?”
I remember feeling so flattered, because I’ve always believed that staying true to yourself is one of the greatest strengths in life.
Honestly, I find it a bit off-putting when people act differently in public – it makes me trust them less. Like, who are you really?
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the past few years is to define myself by who I am, not by what I do.
I’m not a photographer – I just happen to do photography.
What remains is a beautiful human who has learned to love herself.
Someone who’s learned to separate work from identity – and with that, a healthier, more grounded view of life remains.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gerdacarina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerda_carina/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerdacarina?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Photos taken by Gerda Carina
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
