INTRODUCTION:
I am the former Editor of Savvy.com and the MavTV television network. These days, I shoot mostly for my own enjoyment, although I’m always looking for marketable faces to pitch spec shoots to Photo Editors, Art Buyers and Creative Directors through an image syndication agency.
A professional photographer since 1990, I fell in love with the medium after being seduced by the likes of Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson, those goddesses appearing in the sleek imagery of Patrick Demarchelier, Marco Glaviano and Sante D’Orazio. I wanted to create my own images of magnificently beautiful women.
Doing photo shoots is something I love. I’m always admiring the stylish images in fashion magazines and trying to think of my own ideas for creating something cool and memorable. Like most photographers on here, I’d love to “discover” a great new face and see her go on to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition or walk the runway for the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. I’ve helped a few models get jobs over the years, although I’m not an agent and don’t promise anything I can’t deliver. If you are reading this, maybe you are the next great face I’ll get to collaborate with.
WHY I AM LOCATED WHERE I AM:
I operate from a home base in Fort Payne, Alabama. This limits me professionally, but I have joint custody of my daughter and it is my first priority to spend her childhood with her in a meaningful way. Fort Payne is a beautiful place with waterfalls, forests, historic old structures, and more. I consider myself very fortunate to have so many photographic possibilities within a short drive. I am also available to travel to nearby markets in Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Huntsville with some notice and travel expenses paid if it is a commercial gig.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
I am very interested in networking with some designers and stylists at this time to take my fashion work to the next level. I’ve attempted over the last couple of years to shift away from the sexy/glamour aesthetic to more of the editorial fashion type of work, which seems more sophisticated and more universally appreciated. A lot of the older images in my portfolio might be considered a little racy, which is perfectly understandable when you consider that I’ve worked for the online equivalent of Maxim magazine for the last eight years.
TESTING & TF POLICY:
I do very limited testing and TF shoots. It is simply too expensive to buy and maintain my equipment, plus shooting with you means time away from my daughter. I also have 20+ years of experience, so I must focus all of my TF work on faces that can add something special to MY book, ie, agency-represented models or non-represented models who have a marketable look. I also love to do TF work with models who have loads of personality, specific concepts in mind and a fearless, fun attitude. If you have a willingness to pay for a MakeUp Artist, I may have a greater willingness to invest my time in TF work with you.
I do NOT pay models for portfolio/general shooting. If I chose to shoot you TF for my portfolio, I will promptly e-mail you my retouched/edited selects for free (usually 7-10). After having a model post all of the unedited images from a CD I gave her (for selecting her favorites only) and tagging me on her Facebook, I no longer give a complete set of images to models I shoot with. It’s not in my best interest to have photos out there with my name on them that do not look their best. Thanks for understanding.
My rates for Model Portfolio Development are very reasonable.
Take a Look for Yourself My photo shoots can be done at my home studio in Alabama, at your home, or at a location of your choice. Fees may apply for locations outside of North Alabama or those requiring rental to access.
If you live outside of Alabama – like in another state – and you would love for me to come there for a session, I am happy to work out travel arrangements with you. If you have friends that would like sessions also – boudoir, portrait, whatever – you are welcome to coordinate with them and split the cost of my airfare and hotel.
WHAT DO MODELS SAY ABOUT ME?
"I have shot with Steven several times over the past year and he's been great every time. He is very professional and always brings good creative energy to the shoot. I always have trouble picking which photos to post after the shoot because I get so many great ones back!"
Jessica Nicole Lewis
"Steven is one of the most professional individuals I've ever had the pleasure to work with! He adds personality and a touch of class to everything he does while always keeping the main objective first! Top-notch in his field and highly recommended by everyone I know in the industry."
Tara Lynn Overby
"Steven Stiefel is a true artist. He brings a creative eye to his work that is beyond compare. Having the pleasure of being a model and a client, I have always enjoyed collaborating with him. He is not only easygoing in nature but extremely helpful in providing direction to groups or inexperienced subjects. My wedding pictures were fabulous despite the heat of South Georgia in August during a heat wave. Steven was able to capture my big moment with fluidity and grace, and I am grateful that I made the right choice in choosing him!"
Marki Meisburger Mason
"I owe my modeling career to Steven. I would not be appearing in magazines like Men's Health, UMM and Maxim or as an internationally featured Cyber Girl on Playboy.com if Steven had not seen potential in me and hired me for my first photo shoot for Savvy. He encouraged me to try modeling and then to take it to the next level."
Candace Rae
"It's a wonderful experience each and every time working with Steven. His talent is beyond measure. Steven appreciates a woman's beauty and truly emphasizes that in his work! He has such a great attitude and is very professional. His creativity is amazing and his ability to know when to take the money shot is fantastic! Not only is he an outstanding photographer, he has also become a wonderful friend of mine."
Hanna LaBritt
"I never modeled, did pageants or acted or sang in front of a crowd when I did a photo shoot with Steven. I have always had serious stage fright and gotten nervous under any level of attention. I was not only completely within my comfort zone, but it also ended up being one of the most beautiful photo shoots of any of my friends who model professionally. Steven is great for someone like me who had no clue what to do. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a photographer, whether they be a super model or just a friend who needs event pictures, headshots and more."
Emily Jordan
"Have to say, this was one of the funnest most professional shoots I have done in my career.. I had a blast and he made me feel right at home... Very comfortable and he was Extremely professional (: Thank you so much Steven for my amazing pictures... You are the best!!"
Adalyn Brooke
"Steven hired me for an assignment where those same photos were seen by the editors of nationally-known SHAPE magazine. The pictures landed me not just one but two spots in the Feb & April `05 issues. Much appreciation to Steven's incredible skill & talent I was able to reach a fitness modeling goal for 2004."
Kelly Layne
"I can honestly say that (Steven) has been a huge promoter of my name and work. In many ways, I feel the site has pushed my online 'celebrity' status up quite a lot. Have I referred other models? ABSOLUTELY! I'm so glad Steven allowed me to edit it before it was posted. A lot of magazines would have taken that and run with it, but Steven was considerate enough to let me choose."
Daniella Bae
"Steven was great. I felt really comfortable and at ease with the whole thing."
Aimee Rickards 
ESCORT POLICY:
I believe in mutual respect and professionalism. I generally feel that whatever makes the model feel more comfortable and confident is fine, as long as he or she is reasonable. I would encourage you to be extremely selective in who you bring along with you to a photo shoot, i.e., a female who will be attentive to details rather than a bored or jealous boyfriend who will bring bad vibes or touch my gear.
Working out details ahead of time (what precisely is going to be photographed and who will be on the set) makes for a smoother shooting experience and guarantees no surprises. I want you to have a great experience with me!
AGE POLICY:
I do not photograph anyone under the age of 19 without a parent or legal guardian on the premises! NO EXCEPTIONS! Do not ask me to photograph anyone under the age of 19 in lingerie or Maxim-style toplessness. I strongly believe that it is not in my best interest professionally to photograph someone in any manner that is not age-appropriate.
BEHAVIOR POLICY:
I try to be respectful and not refer to models as "sugar" or "honey" or the like. I also respect your personal space and never intentionally touch a model without first asking permission, and only then to gently turn the body by adjusting arms or by removing a stray hair. I have worked very hard for 20+ years to gain and keep a positive reputation. I understand this is a photo shoot, not a date!
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER:
My Model Release is available for inspection BEFORE we shoot. Your signature is a must BEFORE I invest a single frame.
Music makes for a more enjoyable and fluid shoot. Please bring any CDs you might want to listen to or your iPod.
Please double check before leaving that you have everything you brought with you. I am not responsible for lost items. It is your responsibility to keep track of your things.
IN CONCLUSION:
Thank you for your interest. Please feel free to leave a comment and include my images in a list if they inspire you or give you ideas for your own work. And if you are interested in collaborating, I look forward to that experience! Some of my best friendships have evolved from networking with other photographers, models, MUAs, and stylists.
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Copyright © 1990-2012 SCI. All Rights Reserved. All photographs by this member are protected by copyright law. No image may be used, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission from the author. The exception is inclusion in Model Mayhem lists of favorite images.
CREDITS INCLUDE:
WEB:
* Savvy.com (Featured model pictorials, product illustrations)
* MavTV (Web site, Mav Girls of the Day, promotional stills, Best of the Best 3 contributing photographer, etc.)
* Men's Click (Featured model pictorials)
PHOTOJOURNALISM:
* Associated Press
* National Enquirer
* The Times-Journal
* The Sand-Mountain Journal
* The DeKalb Advertiser
COMMERCIAL:
* Seimens-Westinghouse
* Prewett Associated
* Regions Bank
* Auburn Alumni Association
* Laurel Parham Jewelry
* SportsExtra.
PUBLISHING:
* Omega Starz Publishing (Romance Novel Cover Art)
TV:
* Featured Photographer on "BEST OF THE BEST 3"
* Contributing Photographer on "BIKINI ALL STARS"
* Stills photographer for "FITNESS BEAUTIES"
ART DESIGN:
* Savvy.com: Designed and executed photo concepts for weekly pictorials.
* Xposed.com: Managed photo shoots for editorial content.
* Mensclick.com: Managed and contributed photo shoots for editorial content.
WRITER:
* I've interviewed celebrities such as Dane Cook, Amber Smith, Niki Taylor, Tyson Beckford, Hayden Panetierre, Nadine Velazquez, Jennifer Walcott, Joanna Krupa, Vida Guerra, Ursula Mayes, April Scott, etc.
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