Sacramento Models Stephanie Birch and Zarif Kabier
Sadiqi during a commercial shoot.
Photo by Xue Vue Photography
In today’s profile Q&A, we get to meet a Sacramento model who has a fondness for editorial, commercial and fashion modeling. Stephanie is one of the most enthusiastic models I have had the opportunity to work with, and she makes the photo shoot experience enjoyable with her upbeat-positive attitude. She is very proud of her heritage and lives by the proclamation, “I am German and Italian who wants to rule the world, but has to eat first.”
At 5 feet, 8 inches, she is an ideal fit for runway work at many of the fashion shows here in Sacramento. A few of her credits include the Summer Seduction by Naomi May Designs and Tainted Fashion in August 2009, the Beyond Platinum Weddings Show Extravaganza in November 2009, and a fashion event by Michael Greene & Company in December 2009.
Stephanie was kind enough to quickly answer 10 questions, via Facebook Mail of all things, before heading out of town. Outside of modeling, Stephanie is quite the entrepreneur and operates as an Independent Representative of ACN. ACN offers a wide variety of digital and wireless products, and solutions, for demanding consumers. You can check out her website here. Please make sure to check out the slide show that follows the end of this article.
What led you to become a model?
I did a test shoot at age 19 and it was horrible. I was so shy and felt very awkward. Needless to say, nothing came from that very first shoot at the time and I just thought I had given it a shot and modeling wasn't for me. Six years later, I was asked to do a trade shoot for a local photographer and I jumped at the chance to give it a try once more. It was a lot of fun and I didn’t feel like an awkward teenager as I had in the past.
Is modeling a serious ambition of yours or just fun?
It’s a serious ambition that is just for fun.
Describe the most awkward moment you have experienced during a shoot?
I would say it was the test shoot at 19. I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin so I made the shoot itself awkward.
Which models, living and/or dead, have inspired you and why?
Heidi Klum is beautiful. She is so carefree, fun-loving, and doesn't take herself so seriously all the time which is something I can relate to very much. She is also German as am I, so I may be a little biased.
What can a photographer, who has never worked with you, expect when you arrive to a shoot?
All smiles! I am always on time, prepared, and willing to try anything. As long as you’re comfortable, I am comfortable. We can break the ice with a couple of blonde jokes for starters (she smiles).
Describe the best location where you have worked or would like to work?
The Elks Building [Sacramento] was really a neat place to shoot especially on the rooftop. It’s a historical building and I love the old rustic feel it had. I haven’t had the chance to shoot on a beach yet. I really want to be on the beach somewhere warm frolicking in the sand. I lived in San Diego for a long time and it would be awesome to get some shots at a secluded beach in one of my favorite, secret, locations.
What advice do you have for photographers who would like to work with you?
Be friendly, communicate, and have fun! Please keep your ego in check. I mean that in the nicest way possible!
Do you have any interest in acting or performing arts?
I think it would be really challenging (I love a good challenge!). If given the opportunity, I would definitely give it a shot.
What advice could you offer first-time models from your experience?
Be respectful, courteous, and kind to everyone you work with. Love what you do and have fun with it!
Final question. If you could do a photo shoot with any celebrity, or group of celebrities, who would it be and why?
I would have to say that I'd love to shoot with a comedian like Dane Cook or Chelsea Handler. Heck, pile a bunch of them in room and have a comedic meltdown caught on camera! I couldn't think of anything more fun to shoot. Laughs all around!
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