About

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. I also know how it feel not to be totally confident about one's looks - for I never did. I love people's faces, all faces, but in particular I love shooting the very young and the very old, and faces that show they have lived. It is the unguarded I strive to capture, the essence of the person, the moments their loved ones see, but seldom get the opportunity to record themselves. To help achieve this I find that it is often helpful to meet my sitter prior to a shoot in order that we may get comfortable with each other.

I am obsessed with the still iamge and feel fortunate to have a passion that enriches the daily routine of my life. In June 2008, for the launch of my book "People in Liverpool", my friend Tim Brunsden, came to my house and caught me on film. He posted the resulting video on YouTube and being an insecure lady, it took two weeks for me to summon up the courage to view it. Despite not liking photos of myself anymore (50 year old ex-models are worse than the general population about this!), I thought Tim caught me spot-on, warbly mid-atlantic accent, nutty gestures and all, and the following really sums me up:



You can also listen to me on The Roger Phillips Interview, November 2, 2009 below:

Stephanie de Leng & Body Landscapes

As a final aside, I am increasingly concerned with the social and moral aspects of photography, and what I can do, to "un-do" the damage that is being done to society, in particular our young, by the airbrushing of photographic images put before us. In this regard, I now primarily concentrate on social reportage, with a portrait basis, and projects such as "Body Landscapes" in an effort to impact positively on our planet and people today. Please look at "Ongoing Projects" and "Documentary" to see where I hope to head.