Stunning 24
year old Steven Dehler is a model who lives in sunny Los Angeles, CA. He has
been modelling for about four years.
F and G Photography
Steven is
very experienced and has already worked with many photographers, including the
amazing Adam Bouska and Scott Hoover.
Scott Hoover
Sonny Tong
We are
thrilled and proud to welcome Steven at Stunning Men and to have him as our very
first featured model of 2012!
Martin Ryter
You can learn more about Steven and see more photos here:
Timoteo
Vital
statistics:
Height: 6’0”
Weight:
185lbs
Waist: 31”
Chest: 38”
Eye colour:
blue
Hair colour:
blonde
Skin colour:
tanned
Thank you to Steven and all the photographers!
Here's Steven's interview
Stunning
Men – Steven, a warm welcome to Stunning Men and thank you for accepting do
this interview with us.
Steven Dehler
– Thank you for having me (Steven gives us his stunning smile)
SM –
Could we start by talking a little about your background and childhood?
SD – Sure.
I was born in Simi Valley, CA where I grew up and my family still currently
lives. My family is originally from Long Island, but they moved out to
California a couple years before I was born. I grew up in what some would say
is the epitome of suburbia (Just picture Desperate Housewives, but
with less murder).
SM – How
did you come to modelling? Is this something you thought you’d do one day?
SD – Well
no, I actually had really low self-esteem when I reached high school. I was
very skinny and had severe acne issues. I was always the kid that wore big
baggy jeans and sweatshirts, even in the hotter months, to hide the body that I
was insecure about. It wasn’t until I was nineteen that I thought I could
possibly get into modelling. I pretty much owe that to my best friend who I had
met around then. She had been modelling since she was fourteen and was, and is,
the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. She told me I should consider modelling and
I thought to myself if someone this beautiful thinks I should model, then maybe
I should try it out.
SM –
Could you tell us about your very first modelling assignment?
SD – As
most models know, your first few photo shoots are TFP (trade for photos).
Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who get discovered off the bat you usually
need to build a portfolio first. My first photo shoot I did was with my best
friend. She and I drove to Palm Springs to shoot with Adam Bouska, who is the
photographer for the NO H8 campaign. This was long before that though. I had a
lot of fun shooting with her and I shot a couple more times with Adam. One of
which landed me the cover of Buzz magazine.
SM – You
are already an experienced model and have worked with diverse photographers. Do
you have a favourite shoot?
SD – I’ve
done a lot of various degrees of photo shoots. But my most enjoyable experience
would be when I shot an episode of America’s Next Top Model. It was a long day,
but everyone was having a great time and it was fun being behind the scenes. It
was nothing like I had done in the past. It hasn’t aired yet so be sure to
check out next season to catch the episode.
SM – You
have the ideal physique for fashion modelling. Do you have a preference between
fashion and fitness modelling?
SD – I
enjoy both. Although a week of fitness/swimwear modelling can be a bit more
tiring than fashion. What most people don’t realize is that you have to really
focus on controlled muscle flexing in fitness and swimwear modelling. So after
5-6+ of constant flexing for extended periods of time your body definitely gets
fatigued. But those shoots also tend to not take as long.
SM – How
different is it to model for one or the other?
SD – Well
for fashion it’s all about being a little edgy, but maintaining focus on what
you’re actually selling. You want to pull the viewers eyes onto you, but also
make them want to own what you’re wearing. Fitness is more on the side of
pulling the viewer onto you and making them want you/want to have your body.
I’ve done more fashion than fitness modelling although some might confuse
modelling underwear and swimwear more fitness than fashion. But in the end
you’re still selling a product.
SM – How
do you prepare before a shoot?
SD – I’ll
usually hit the gym in the morning and do a brief workout in all muscle groups
to pump them up. I’ll also eat a small snack. Most importantly I’ll get a good
night’s rest the night before. No photographer likes bags under the eyes. The
less Photoshop they have to do the better.
SM – What
do you enjoy the most about modelling?
SD – I
enjoy the travelling. I haven’t travelled overseas yet, but believe me that’s
next on my list.
SM – The
Timoteo shoot is very sexy and edgy - we can say that your physique is very
suited to underwear modelling - and looking at your portfolio, you seem to like
edgy work.
SD – When
I first started modelling I would look at a lot of campaigns and magazines and when
I would see one shot where it would make me think, “Damn I wish I had done
that.” It would inspire me to try and come up with unique ideas of my own. I
like working with Timoteo because we come up with some really great shots that
I think not only attracts people to his clothing line, but also inspires other
models and photographers to create something great. Timoteo and I have a great
chemistry in our shoots. While he has a comprehensive idea in mind he also lets
me do my thing and together we come up with some sexy shots. With underwear
there’s only so much you can do so it’s not an easy task to come up with
something that hasn’t been done before.
SM – You have done some nude shoots. How do you find being
naked in front of the camera?
SD – At first I was shy about it. After a while it became
more comfortable to where now it doesn’t bother me being naked in front of
people. However, I still stick to my guns that I won’t be doing any full
frontal and I intend on keeping it that way.
SM - Do you have any tips to get things more comfortable
during a nude shoot?
SD – People are going to notice if you’re uncomfortable or
not. The worst is seeing a photo of a guy who is naked and you can see that
expression of nervousness and fear in his face. It’s all in the eyes – the
terror. Just do what you’re comfortable with. All the photographers I’ve worked
with were very respectful of my boundaries and made it very relaxed and comfortable.
If you’re shooting with someone who is pushing you to do things that are making
you uncomfortable, then you probably shouldn’t be working with that person.
SM – You
have an amazing physique. What kind of exercises do you do to keep in top
shape? Do you practice any sports?
SD – I
did sports when I was younger. My main sport being soccer – I played that for
about twelve years. After high school I began working out at the gym. Bulking
up was a long and difficult process, but in the end I find it much more
self-gratifying than taking alternate routes. Currently, I work out about 4-5
hours a week to maintain my physique.
SM – Do you have any projects or photoshoots coming up?
SD – I
have a few things lined up. Most notice for castings and photo shoots, if
you’re lucky, are about 24 hours advanced notice. But definitely keep your eyes
peeled. I’ve got some big things in mind for 2012.
SM – Is there a photographer you haven’t worked with whom you
would really like to work with and why?
SD – I love Rick Day’s work. He takes stunning shots of his
models. I’ve yet to see a photo he’s taken that isn’t beautifully shot. Another
photographer I want to work with is Bruce Weber who is the photographer for
Abercrombie. I love his style and it’s now become somewhat a vintage look.
Maybe one of these days I’ll book that campaign. We’ll see!
SM
– Besides modelling, what gets your interest and what are your hobbies?
SD – Another route I was considering taking other than
modeling was being a musician. I’ve played the piano for about 18 years and was
considering going to college majoring in that. But in the end I decided to keep
it as a hobby and I still don’t regret that decision. Every now and then I’ll
get a gig playing the piano. I always try to keep up with it even though my
schedule can get pretty hectic.
SM – One of your favourite quotes is by Eartha
Kitt "I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma."
Is this a motto you live by?
SD – Absolutely. This past year has
been a huge learning experience for me and I feel that there is still plenty
out there for me to learn. No experience should be left thinking it was a waste
because everything you experience has something to teach you. I think what
Eartha Kitt meant by that quote is that people are constantly changing and
developing and that we should be open to that.
SM – What do you do to have fun and relax?
SD – A
quiet night in with a funny movie and a pizza is all I need. Some good company
doesn’t hurt either.
SM – Do you
have any role models? People who inspire you?
SD – My
best friend inspires me every day. Without her I don’t think I’d be where I’m
at now and she pushes me to go even further and makes me believe that I can.
SM – If
you weren’t modelling, what would you be doing?
SD – I
really couldn’t say. Modelling has been a goal of mine for a long time. My plan
was always to attend college, get my degree, and then pursue modelling. When I
really want something I have a lot of drive in achieving it. Luckily for me,
want is only part of it. The rest I can thank my parents for. It is genetics
after all (Steven laughs)
SM – Do
you think you are a good date?
SD – (Steven
laughs) Oh you’d have to ask those I’ve gone on dates with for that one. I’d
say if we’re not laughing a lot on a date, then it’s not a good date.
SM –
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
SD – I
haven’t done many crazy things. Ask me again in a few years.
SM – Are
you a brief man or a boxer kinda guy?
SD – Well
along with modelling I also go-go dance so I’m always wearing various types of
underwear. And that’s about the only time I actually wear underwear. So to
answer your question, neither! (Steven gives us a wink and a smile)
SM – What
do you listen to on your iPod?
SD – I
love pop. I love music that makes you want to dance and also pumps you up at
the gym. Most people who know me know the first artist playing in my iPod is
Britney Spears. I love that girl! (more laughter). Also can’t forget Beyonce.
That woman knows how to work a stage.
SM – One
last question Steven, where do you see yourself and what would you like to be
doing in 10 years time?
SD
– I’d love for modelling to lead into something bigger. Who knows, maybe
there’s an acting career in my future. Or maybe I’ll be a photographer. But for
right now I’m just enjoying being young and doing what I love to do.
SM –
Thank you so much for answering our questions Steven and for being such good
sport. All the best with your life & your career! And a very happy new year
to you and your family!
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