Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique McNeil.
Hi Dominique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been an artistic person. As a young child, I often would find myself drawing or painting for hours a day. I would say I was pretty okay at it for how young I was, but that passion slowly drifted away with depression later on. I would have never thought I would end up as a model. I grew up overweight and often wasn’t treated very well for being such. I’d say my confidence wasn’t the best for most of those years. At the time plus size, modeling wasn’t very sought after. It wasn’t until I had an art teacher in high school who insisted that I look into modeling for plus-size women. I brushed it off at the time because I knew I wasn’t ready nor would take it seriously, but I did like the rare compliment. Fast forward a decade later I had my first photoshoot with Christa Dickson Photography July of 2020, on a whim, and I instantly fell in love. I prepped the day before by studying the poses from her portfolio in the mirror. When I arrived her and Jesse Luxe were so down to earth and sweet. We had so much fun during the shoot, which I haven’t felt in a while. It was then that I heard Christa say the words “Are you sure you haven’t done this before?” that I realized that I can actually try to work this into a career. It has been amazing experience ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it has always been smooth but I do feel very lucky as a model. I have worked with so many photographers around the city, all within the short amount of time that I have been doing this. I am lucky to have not had any traumatic experiences with any photographers. I would say my most challenging thing with modeling is the amount of money and time you put into this. A lot of models I know aren’t usually compensated. It can be hard to make money in this business. To some that doesn’t seem worth it. To me personally, it’s become a passion. I love what I do. I’ve met so many amazing people and have really come out of my shell. I don’t think money is everything and I do believe that a lot of the photographers I have worked with struggle with the same issues as well. The exposure alone has made me grateful to be where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in conceptual and boudoir photoshoots but I like to dabble in a lot of styles. I adore anything creepy to absolute glamour. I love to have a variety because I’m such a versatile yet indecisive person. With the help of the wonderful people, I have worked with I have been in over a dozen magazines, including 2 covers and international magazines. I was also a model at ShutterFest in 2021. I would have never guessed that I would get as far as even one magazine or have people wanting to work with me so these were huge accomplishments.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I would say that I am pretty active in my community of creatives in my area. I have joined a couple groups on Facebook for Ohio photographers and models to network. I try to stay active on multiple social media networks to practice poses, get inspiration, and to collaborate with people. I am naturally a shy person so this was a challenge. The best part of it all is how much everyone I’ve met has become a friend. We are all so supportive of each other’s art. I have other creatives that I know would give me advice on my work if needed and vice versa. I know that’s not very common with a lot of communities but I’m glad Cincinnati, especially with the women, are very empowering with one another. They have been the most helpful for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: stayydomii@gmail.com
- Website: https://stayydomii.wixsite.com/domiimodel
- Instagram: @domiimodel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stayydomii/
Image Credits
Paige Pederzani Photography
Beauty with Sarah Elisabeth
Jessie Pfriem
Christa Dickson Photography
Brittany with the Brushes
