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DakotaLee | Premium Member | Verified Credits (65)

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: Bravo Mike

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

I grew up in Maryland for most of my childhood but spent some time in Boulder, Colorado, and then settled down in Virginia for about a decade. I now split my time between Maryland and NYC, but I consider myself a traveling model because I’ll go wherever people are interested in working with me.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

Nothing necessarily inspired me to become a model, it just kind of happened. I guess the reason I became interested in professional modeling was when I realized a career in modeling allowed me to travel all over the world. That really gave me the push to take a career in modeling more seriously.

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: Eric Scott

How and when did you start modeling?

I can assure you it was the most unintentional thing. A few years ago a photographer reached out to me on social media to see if I wanted to help him with one of his projects. I didn’t consider it “modeling” so much as helping out a friend of a friend. Other photographers saw our work together and wanted to photograph me as well, and that went on for about a year. A friend recommended I try to model professionally and to join Model Mayhem. I already had enough photos from the trade shoots, so I used those photos to create a portfolio on Model Mayhem, and the rest is history.

What type of modeling do you enjoy most?

Honestly, this is a tough one. Fine art and conceptual types of shoots are my favorite, but really anything that tends to be cerebral, emotive, captivating; photographs that tell a compelling story.  So, I wouldn’t say it’s about a specific genre so much as how I connect with whatever story the photographer is trying to tell.

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: Luigi Crespo

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

First I look through their work and profile to see if they seem safe to work with. For example, have they worked with other professional models? Do they have Verified Credits or is there a way to check references? Do they seem like they would be easy-going and respectful? After that I look at their work to see if I think we would vibe well together. Do I connect with their work and would our styles complement each other? These are the questions I ask myself when deciding to work with someone.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

My current two favorite models where I find myself consistently blown away by their work are Liv Sage and Eva Luna. They are both incredibly talented models, and I am especially drawn to their portraiture modeling. Oh! And Melanie Gaydos! Oh wow she is incredible! I discovered her work about a year ago and I am such a fan!

Photographers I am currently really inspired by are Karen Jerzyk, Marta Bevacqua, and Christian Martin Weiss. I am fascinated by and have so much respect for the concepts that Karen and Christian come up with, and I am madly in love with the portraits and color treatments that Marta creates.

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: fasfoto

What would be your dream shoot?

To model for something very elaborate and conceptual, involving a fantastic location, large team, avant-garde wardrobe, etc.

How important is social media in your success?

It is everything! Without it I definitely would not be able to get the amount of work I do, however I will admit a lot of work I book is through word of mouth and going to events where I can network in person (such a gallery exhibitions).

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: Bravo Mike

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

Sleep… actually, that’s a lie. I never sleep. I like to learn more about the other side of the lens. I write occasionally and try to catch up on reading, and watch movies with my son. Outside of modeling I’m not really the most exciting person and kind of a homebody, to be honest.

However, I’m an event producer/creative director for model photography events and find that very fulfilling. Find out more info on our Meetup pages for the DMV and NYC area.

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

Check references and play it safe. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be kind and humble and easy to work with, but also don’t let people walk all over you. Especially as a freelance model, you have complete control over the projects you choose to work on, so if something isn’t vibing, no amount of money is worth working with someone who may try to push your boundaries or otherwise be difficult to work with.

Try to think of modeling as more about acting and less about being a pretty face. The best, most captivating models are those that can emote very well. We are actors without dialogue, so think of the role you are playing for each particular shoot. How you can use your surroundings, wardrobe, overall concept, etc. to step into that role and create something that flows with the story being told. Practicing in front of a mirror helped me a lot in the beginning, and Pinterest was my best friend for finding poses that really inspired me.

Model: DakotaLee; Photographer: Daniel Anton

Instagram: @msdakotalee