Stephanie De Leng

My photographic career did not start behind the camera, but in front of it. For ten years I travelled extensively as a photographic fashion model and this is how I developed my particular approach to photography. Though I was a model, I still had bad angles and only succeeded because I analysed every light situation in relation to my face and body and worked with it.

Working with numerous photographers all over the world has proved to be valuable apprenticeship. From each one I learned something new, even if it was HOW NOT to treat a subject. The single thing that became increasingly clear through all the vagaries of fashion was that the photographs that worked, and brought work, were natural ones taken with whatever light was available. Gradually I moved to the other side of the camera. I know what it is like to be photographed and how uncomfortable it can be. Essentially, I think this is why I can draw people out of themselves.