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Stephanie Dubois | VIP Member | Verified Credits (14)

Model: Stephanie Dubois

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?

I am a half-English, half-Belgian model from the UK. I’m now based in the beautiful county of Wiltshire and I travel extensively both in the UK and overseas for my modeling.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

Well, it was all a bit of an accident really, but I have always had an artistic side. I studied art and art history at school and went on to pursue fashion/textile design after graduating. I was surrounded by fashion magazines from an early age, though I never expected to be the one in front of the camera. I have always loved art and being able to express myself through different media, be that via painting, sculpture, clothing design or indeed being the model.

Model: Stephanie Dubois

How and when did you start modeling?

I think you could say I kind of fell into modeling really. I tried it when I was 19 but wasn’t really that interested, and pursued a different career. Then a few years ago I wanted to get some nice pictures done for my parents who live overseas and a friend suggested I go onto a portfolio management site to see if anyone would like to shoot me, and it all snowballed from there. Now I am working full-time as a model.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

Oooh, there are so many. I love being outdoors/in the landscape or even some cool location. I get my inspiration from what is around me, so I think that’s a big reason for my love of art/nude modeling. I have a huge affinity with water and rocks. I also love portrait and beauty work – I love seeing what a makeup artist will do to my face, and I learn something new from them every time. Also anything edgy and moody – stuff with a lot of attitude. I like to think of myself as being pretty versatile, so maybe that’s why I can’t pick just one genre.

Model: Stephanie Dubois; Photographer: Kirsten Van Den Audernaerde

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?

Obviously, their work is the first thing you see and what would draw you in, and the consistency of quality is important to me. If I see an image and say “ooh” out loud, then I know I like their work. Another huge thing for me is communication. Are they easy to talk to, are we on the same page with the shoot, is there good banter, etc? Ego’s should be left at the door and I’m a firm believer that you get out what you put in. Everyone should work hard and work together as a team. That’s how you produce awesome work!

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

• Photographers: There are so many and all for very different reasons… some whose work I’ve looked at recently include Sylvie Blum, and Andre Brito.
• Models: All my model friends. I feed off them every day. They are all an inspiration to me due to their dedication, creativity, hard work, and of course the beautiful images they produce.

Model: Stephanie Dubois; Photographer: Chris Conway

What would be your dream shoot?

I have a pining to do a full-on underwater editorial – I love water but I have spent very little time under it. I run events in Cyprus where they have crystal clear and calm waters with lovely shallow reefs, and shooting there could be awesome.

How important is social media in your success?

Social media is important, though I will be the first to admit my marketing skills aren’t great. I use Instagram mainly to post all my new work, but I’m not really a stories person. I don’t do many selfies either. I’m quite a solitary person in many ways, so shouting out to the world about what I’m doing isn’t something I’m terribly comfortable doing. You’ll usually find me procrastinating hard and reading a book instead of doing social media.

Model: Stephanie Dubois; Photographer: Salleh Sparrow

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

I have a lot of interests – I love to read, I used to cook for a living and love good food. I trained to be a ski instructor a few years ago, and I recently discovered stand-up paddle boarding, which I have fallen in love with.

What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?

1. Check references – contact models directly if needs be.
2. BE RELIABLE – no one likes a flake and your reputation will go downhill very fast.
3. When first starting out and looking to get images for your portfolio, keep your standards high. Don’t be afraid to ask the person whose work looks awesome – they may say no, or they may like your look and you could come away with some incredible images for your book.
4. Don’t be disheartened when people say “no.” It’s hard but it will happen often, you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
5. Be in love with modeling – it’s pretty easy to tell if you’re just going through the motions.
6. Look after yourself – get enough sleep, don’t go out on a drinking session the night before a shoot. Eat well.
7. HAVE FUN!

Model: Stephanie Dubois; Photographer: Magic Owen

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Check out Stephanie Dubois’ Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Stephanie on Instagram, Twitter, and via her personal website, www.stephaniedubois.co.uk.