Interview: Model Daphne Ermstrang (Netherlands)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Daphne Ermstrang, middle name Michelle. I am living on my own in The Netherlands in a small town called Gorinchem. I am twenty-one years old and 1.74 meters tall. Besides my modelling I am doing an education to become a medical attendant. In my spare time, I love to visit my parents and brothers. Then on the weekends, I love spending time with my friends and going to the club.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Over the last year I have been struggling with accepting my body. I was gaining some weight, which made me insecure. I have been losing some weight so I could be more happy with my body. Besides that I don’t really like my nose, though it doesn’t bother me as much. I wouldn’t undergo surgery for it.
How did you start modeling?
That’s a fun story. I was fifteen years old and shopping with some friends when some bald guy with a giant beard approached me (so I was like what?). He asked if I have ever thought about modelling before. I answered no. He then invited me to do a photoshoot, and years later here we are.
What do you think of the work as a model?
First of all it is an amazing adventure that gives the opportunity to create amazing pieces of art with creative people that alongside with me bring new visual life into our world. It allows me to discover myself and be everything I want in front of the camera. I can create a story in my mind, and develop my creativity. On the other hand, I think most people don’t really know how tough it can be. Some people I know think it is just smiling and taking a picture but it’s way more than that. Your body needs to be in a good condition, because some poses require a lot of flexibility. Also, you need to know how to deal with stress and criticism. But on the other hand, you have an entire team working around you that will do everything to get the perfect pictures. So it is stressful but also a lot of fun. It’s also very rewarding when you get to see your pictures. You get to travel a lot, too, which is pretty cool.
What is your beauty regimen?
I don’t really have one. At night I take off my make-up and use some hydrating cream. Then I brush my teeth and braid my hair when I go to sleep, but that’s about it. In the morning I like to wash my face with cold water, but I am just weird like that. Besides that I drink a lot of water, pay attention to what I eat and go swimming to keep my body in shape.
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?
I like to think I am an open minded person. Just like with modelling, I am open for everything if there’s a good connection with the team. Next to that I have a very, very strong opinion. If I don’t want to do something, I really. Don’t. Do it. But it is also my strong suit, because if I do want to do something, I go for it 100%.
What are your plans for the future?
Graduating, of course. And I would like to do modelling for a few years. I have done a lot of high fashion and glamour, so something with beachwear and a duo shoot with a male model is on my model bucketlist.
What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
First of all, when you got a connection with the team you are working with, all experiences are generally amazing. I loved my first lingerie shoot, because it is such a different experience then a fashion shoot, so the total image was a positive shock when I first saw it. It was like “Is that really me?” So that was very cool. But my favorite experience so far is thanks to this amazing photographer, Mark van Velsen. I feel very comfortable with him, I have zero insecurities when I work with him. This is the reason why I dared to do a topless shoot, which actually was one of the things I always told myself I would never do. The results were really cool, so this experience was amazing to say the least.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
Just do it. Whatever other people may say or think, just do what you want to do. I started modelling when I was fifteen years old. My parents and almost everybody around me were against it, which made me think if I really should be doing this. Now, when I look back on my work, I am glad that I did.
What do you think of the magazine?
It is an amazing opportunity for photographers, MUA’s and models to put themselves on the map. In this industry there are a lot of new faces all the time, so keep up the good work and thank you for having me.
Feel free to check out my work on my Instagram below and become a stalker! (On the internet, don’t show up at my door, please.)
