Photo by @marshallsaintjohnphoto
JOI MCGEE
New to The Scene We caught up with newcomer, Joi McGee (aka Joi Mia), model and actress with DMe Talent Agency. When did you first get involved as a model? I first got involved in modeling July of last year. I didn’t do many photo shoots or shows at first, but in January I started working, shooting, and training consistently. What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? My Agent, Deidre Michelle. I hadn’t ever considered modeling until I met her at an event. She asked if I had ever modeled, and upon hearing I hadn’t, told me I had a lot of potential and that she’d love to work with me. That really inspired me to start taking classes and I really felt a connection with it so I decided to continue training and working. I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? I have absolutely met talented people along the way, more than I can count. A few months ago a did a collaboration shoot with Brian Spencer and Jahailah Graham, and they easily became two of my favorite people to work with. When we work together, getting great shots feels as easy as breathing and we have amazing concepts.I also recently did a group shoot at an Airbnb, and I met so many amazing models and photographers there. Everyone had great chemistry and it was an all around great time.
How has your modeling evolved since you first started? I didn’t take a lot of pictures before I began modeling, not even selfies, so I had no understanding of angles or lighting. I also really had no idea what kind of photos I enjoyed taking, or poses that fit my personality. As I do more shoots I continually get more comfortable in my own skin and I feel like my recent photos reflect this. I have also had photographers teach me about how their lights work and reflect on camera, which has allowed me to loosen up and try more out of the box poses. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in these tough careers? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? Modeling makes me feel self-possessed, and that’s a feeling that I think many people chase and unfortunately some people never do. I never want to take that feeling for granted, I’m so blessed to feel it, and I’ll absolutely continue chasing it. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a model in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I think my my style and my determination to change the industry are what makes me unique. I naturally drift towards 80s and 90s thrifted clothes which makes for some cool original pieces. I also try to include pieces I’ve made or altered as often as I can when I shoot and in daily life. I am also extremely
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