Interview with Emily Dodson
Emily Dodson is a 25-year old model residing in South West Missouri.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Emily Dodson, I’m 25 and I’ve been modeling for nearly 9 years now. I was born in Miami, OK, moved around a lot as a child, and finally ended up in Joplin, MO. I have two older brothers, both of my parents, and a fiance who fully support my modeling, and encourage me to strive to be better. There is also a pretty large network of models and photographers in the Joplin, MO area that are very lovely and supportive of each other. I am truly impressed and inspired by these people; so many of them break their backs just to help another photographer or model in need. I’ve never seen a community work this hard together so that everybody involved can succeed.
If there’s anything my family and friends know about me, it’s that I am mildly obsessed with foxes and I love to model. I work as a cashier in a small town, with small town problems, but the people are genuine. Some customers there would never guess that I could take such shots, but some ask me on a regular basis when my next shoot is so they can check out the photos.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started modeling at 16 years old. I saw a calling for a promotional shoot, sent in my information and was invited to participate. After that my self confidence was majorly boosted and I started reaching out to photographers myself. I had a main photographer when I lived in Springfield, MO which allowed me to express my “Jim Morrison and Rock N Roll” side, and I began branching out to different photography styles. In 2012, I moved back to Joplin, where I was able to book shoots with Brian DeMint of Eyeworks, which is when my modeling bookings skyrocketed; I was even featured in a 3 page spread in BeautyLook Magazine in 2013.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My goals are to branch out even more with different photographers and different styles, and to limit myself less because of confidence issues. Although I’ve been modeling for 9 years, I haven’t been putting myself out there as much as I would like. However, in the long run, my goal is to have an animal sanctuary for misplaced and rescued wild life, and if I can raise awareness through modeling… my life would officially be perfect.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I don’t model as much as I used to due to my conflicting work schedule and personal life, but I want to start doing it more than one shoot every few months. My portfolio mainly consists of Art, Nature, and Glamour, but isn’t limited to these categories.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The worst experience I ever had modeling was when I went to Shutterfest in 2015. I was asked to be a make up model for an MUA who was supposed to be one of the best, so as you can imagine, I was very excited. When I reported to the requested room at the requested time, I was informed that they were pulling and replacing me, I was never told an exact reason why. But, as if that wasn’t bad enough, they told me they were taking me to get hair and make up done so they could immediately get me into a shoot with a photographer who was waiting; that got my spirits slightly up.
I was put in an Asian style dress, where my hair and make up were executed very poorly. And now, the icing on the cake! When I met with the photographer, I was already in a bad mood, but I was still trying to make the best of the situation. We found a spot to shoot, when she then informed me I was her first human subject, and that she was a dog photographer. She asked me how models should pose, and how or where she should take her shots. I wasn’t angry or anything, I was just disappointed. I went from feeling on top of the world, to thinking, “I’m so bad, they won’t even put me with a photographer who even works with people.”
My best experience is so hard to pin point, but I suppose, ironically, it was also at Shutterfest 2015. First of all, I wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to go if it wasn’t for the support of my mom and the network of models and photographers I previously mentioned. We all worked together to make sure everyone had transportation, rooming, wardrobe, and a great time. I was invited to be in a closed conceptual event created and hosted by Kendra Paige. All of the models invited where extremely pampered while we all waited for hair and make up. We felt amazing walking through the sea of people, trying our best to hide our make up and outfit through Grand Station Hotel; people trying to stop us for photos, yelling how amazing we looked.
It was an after hours event so it was already somewhat late when we started. We had many photographers participate in the event, and were able to create many different amazing photos and settings. Walking back to my hotel room at 1 in the morning, I have never been so exhausting and adrenaline pumped at the same time.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Once I was invited to be a model in a “Recyclable Fashion” runway show. I figured it’d be a great way to get into the runway business, seeing as how I’m fairly short and have always been told it’s for models 5’7″ and taller. In my head, when I pictured it all going down, I was thinking a news paper dress with a soda can purse, or something like that. When I got there, I was dressed in an XL blue fleece pullover and given a thermos. But I looked so silly, I wasn’t even disappointed. I definitely had fun and a good story to tell by the end of the day.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I haven’t heard of many issues in our area, and I myself haven’t had many, but I have heard about individual’s who’ve had horrible issues with photographer’s boundaries. That’s the scariest thing to hear about. You expect to go make art, and return feeling degraded and dirty. I am thankful every day I have not had any real issues with this.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
In all honesty, my main exercise comes from disc golfing. There’s a lot of walking and movement so it really gets your heart pumping and keeps it that way; getting a sun bath in the process is also a plus! When it comes to nutrition, I make sure I get my daily dose of the food groups, but I also eat a lot of fatty foods because I have always had an issue with my weight. Ever since I was 16 I’ve been a skinny gal, so I try to gain healthy weight every chance I get.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
When I was around 5 or 6 years old, I pulled a “monkey see, monkey do,” with throwing trash into a fire. I put my sucker wrapper into a candle, which then wrapped around my right thumb and was engulfed in flames. The doctors tried everything to make the burn heal, but nothing was working. They told my mom and dad their last resort was Silver sulfadiazine, and if it didn’t work they would have to remove my thumb because the burns were just too bad. A week or so after using the cream, they said it was healing, and faster than expected! My thumb, thankfully, healed so well you can’t even tell; there is absolutely no scarring!
Would you change anything about yourself?
There’s not much I would change about myself, I don’t look like anyone else and I like it that way. I guess if there is one thing I’d have to pick, it’d be that I wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller. Runways and catwalks have always seemed to be out of my reach being 5’4″, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a model.
Do you have any fears or phobias?
I am absolutely terrified of birds! When I was young, I was playing at my grandma’s house, and walked in on Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, when it shows all the birds flying away from the old man and his eyes are gone. I to this day can’t be around a bird for the fear of it pecking my eyes out!