Interview with Fitness and Cover Model-Dusty James

TRC: Hi Dusty and welcome to The Reading Café.

Follow Dusty : Facebook /Twitter /Instagram/

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

Dusty: My name is Dusty Daniels, model page can be found under Dusty James . I graduated from Missouri State University with an education degree. I just
accepted my first teaching job in mid Missouri and am currently working on finishing up my Master’s degree in education administration.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Dusty: Growing up I always dreamed I would be playing sports on TV. I loved being around or just being a part of any and every sport. Being competitive in sports and even life is what drove me growing up.

TRC: When not modeling, what are your other interests? Do you have a ‘day job’?

Dusty: When I’m not behind the camera I worked at a local bank and also serve/bar tend at a Brew Haus on the Lake of the Ozarks. I always like staying busy in the summer time until I start teaching in this coming August. Other hobbies include sports, hunting, traveling and being out on the lake with friends and family.

TRC: How much time do you spend working out? And does the type of work out change depending on your next photo shoot or job?

Dusty: Working out is a huge part of my life. I work out 6 days a week for about 2 hours a day (in the weight room). I’m currently training people on the side and eventually want to be a certified personal trainer. My workouts now are centered around staying lean and keeping a healthy diet. Authors sometimes want a bigger build or a lean “shredded” look. It’s always fun pushing myself to these different body types in between shoots.

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Dusty: I never thought I’d be modeling for magazines and book covers. I was working out one day and a photographer approached me and asked if I’d be interested. At first, I thought it was a joke but got together with a couple photographers and started taking photos. Soon authors and other photographers started contacting me after seeing my photos. The first author that contacted me said, “I want that gave and jaw line on my cover!” Haha it just took off from there.

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Dusty: I really haven’t had a shoot go completely wrong. I’ve done an outside shoot when the weather didn’t cooperate but we went with it and for some really good shots!

TRC: Many photo shoots take the model to exotic locations. What has been your favorite location to shoot? Least favorite location (and why)?

Dusty: I haven’t really been anywhere too exotic to shoot yet. With my schedule it’s hard to go all the places that are needed to shoot. I’ve been to various outdoor parks with waterfalls and beautiful scenery and those are my favorite types of shoots. I feel it’s easier for me to get in my comfort zone when shooting outside opposed to a studio.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Dusty: Full nude modeling I haven’t done. Some shoots do include very minimal clothing for both models. Professionalism is a big part of modeling. I’ve never felt uncomfortable shooting a very sensual shoot just because my photographer and other models act so professional. If their is a shot that makes you uncomfortable, voice your opinion. You are always in control of what you do or don’t do. Nobody can tell you otherwise. I’m very comfortable with my body and as long as everything stays professional with everybody involved in the shoot nothing should be a concern.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surrounded by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Dusty: The only time I see it becoming stressful is when so many people are trying to get ahold of you to ask you questions about a book or a shoot and you don’t have time to give your full attention to that person. Authors, fans and even photographers have different opinions and questions for you every day and you as a model have to be ready to answer these questions and giving your own opinion. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and friends. Those are the people you always keep closest to you.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Dusty: Everybody likes the feel and look of “romance”. Everybody wants it in their life. When a person can connect with a story or image of the term romance, they are drawn to that. It’s a comfort zone that people grab onto. When they grab onto that romance story line and have a face or image to go with it, it almost becomes real life to them. That’s what makes a great novel and cover image.

TRC: Do you remember the first ‘romance cover’ on which you appeared?

Dusty: Alluring Temptation by Skye Turner was my first romance novel.

TRC: Do you have a favorite cover-romance image or otherwise? (e.g. magazines, ads etc)

Dusty: It’s hard to pick a favorite because they are all fun to do. One of my favorite shots was probably Ready or Not by author J.L. Berg.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Dusty: To relax I listen to music or just hang out with friends and do simple things like fish or ride four wheelers. Anything outdoors help me take my mind away and relax.

TRC: Do you listen to music when you work out? If so, what songs are currently on your playlist?

Dusty: I listen to EVERYTHING while I’m working out. It all depends on what mood I’m in that day. Rap, country or rock it all depends if I’m pissed off working out or pumped up working out.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Dusty: Picking three things I want to accomplish is so hard because you never know where life will take you. I would like to be successful in my career, backpack in Europe for a summer since I have those months off, and focus on making life a full time adventure, you only get one of those to live so live it to the fullest and be happy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Chicken!

Favorite Dessert: I don’t eat desserts

Favorite Movie: Anything action

Favorite TV Show: SOA (right now)

Last Movie that you Saw: Training Day

Secret Celebrity Crush: Brittany Snow but their are many 🙂

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Last book that you read: The Testing Series

Pet Peeve: People who chew with their mouth open! It kills me!

TRC: Thank you Dusty for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We wish you all the best and many more covers !!