Julia and I just had our national title photo shoot with Studio RM, Rick Martinez. I can’t wait to see the photos! After our session, I asked Rick to share a couple important tips with me about how to make the most of your photo session with a photographer; and how to increase your odds of capturing that “picture perfect” moment.

Here are a couple tips from Rick.

• Decide a head of time if you are going to do your own hair and makeup; or if you are going to hire a stylist.
• If you have to drive a distance, come with your hair in rollers. If you don’t wear rollers, come with your hair curled and pinned up to preserve the curl.
• Arrive photo ready with only touch ups to makeup and hair to be done.
• Double the amount of outfits you are asked to bring. So if you are asked to bring 5 changes of clothes, bring 10. The photographer may see something differently from you or be creatively inspired to try something new.
• Solid colors always photograph the best.
• Look for interesting necklines in your coats, tops and dresses.
• Bring a variety of jewelry and accessories- not just the bling and rhinestones.
• Don’t tan the day right before your photo shoot. You don’t want to look red.
• Make sure nails are clean and manicured in a neutral tone because your hands will be photographed. No designs or sparkle.
• Bring your makeup, face powder, lip gloss, hair brush, hair pick, and other touchup necessities.
• Allow 3-4 hours for your photo shoot.

 

Rick’s photographs regularly win the photogenic competitions at pageants. He is skilled in taking headshots for pageantry, fashion, modeling and actors. In addition to being a national award winning photographer, he is also the director of several pageant systems such as the National Captivating, Michigan & Ohio’s Perfect, Miss Lake City USA (Michigan), and Miss Heart of Ohio USA pageants. To find out more about his upcoming events, visit his website at http://www.studiormllc.com/

 

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

 

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Pure American Girl (PAG),
• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• American Royal Beauties,
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.

Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

$27 (+$7 S&H)

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry®  to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete positive pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels. Rhonda is the reigning 2012 National Ms. Elegance Pure American Girl queen.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three daughters educates their children within the home and has been married 23 years to her husband Stephen. They are part of the music ministry at their church and have produced an original contemporary Christian music CD. She is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for two nonprofit organizations.  For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

 

As a pageant coach and judge, I am more often asked how do I pick the photogenic winner than how do I pick the queen. The most important thing you have to remember is the photogenic award is completely subjective. It is based on one person opinion.

I’m a very decisive person. Over the years, I’ve trained my eye to quickly pick okay photos from great ones. When I judge, the first question I ask the director is, “what are you looking for?”

A well prepared director will use very specific adjectives to give me insight into the image of their pageant system. If they use words like glamorous, red carpet, and high fashion, I’m looking for a model. But if a director tells me whoever you think is the most photogenic, then my decision is going to be based on my personal taste and opinions.

I’m going to use photographs from my last photo session with my friend and expert photographer, Rick Martinez,www.studiormphotography.com to illustrate my points. First, and foremost, you need a photographer who has an eye for lighting and makes you feel comfortable. A great photo happens when you feel comfortable in the moment and the photographer captures it at the perfect time. It is a combination of composition, background, lighting, and timing. The photographer either gets it or misses it. Your hair, makeup, wardrobe, and accessories must all harmonize with each other to create a feeling.

Having a professional stylist help you with these details will greatly enhance your photo. You could have all these components in place, but as a judge, if I feel nothing when I look into your eyes and face, it’s not a winning photograph. The picture needs to speak the moment to me.

Look at this great moment Rick captured of me and my daughters during our session. In my opinion, next to understanding lighting, timing is what makes the difference between an average photographer and an artist. This photograph captures the relationship and daily joy I experience in being the mom of my three totally diverse and precious daughters. The photo MUST speak to me.

Entering more photos is not going to improve your chances of winning the award, especially when your facial expression and the angle is exactly the same in every picture. You’re looking for the one magical moment captured on film. If you’re lucky, you might get two. When I’m judging, if I see more than two photos from a contestant, I’m turned off to that person. Sorry if that hurts your feelings but I am not alone on my thoughts on this subject. Only submit the very best. If you’re torn between two, submit them both.

I’m not talking about a modeling portfolio or a photogenic competition where you are required to submit three to five different pictures. I am talking about the regular photogenic competition at 90% of the pageants you will be competing in. If you submit more than two photos, you’re just wasting your money unless the shots are completely different, all are totally fabulous and there is an award for the most photos submitted.

When a pageant judge looks at the photo, it should elicit an immediate emotional reaction. The emotion should be appropriate for the age of the contestant being photographed and the capture the image the pageant system is promoting. Consult with the director of the pageant system if you’re unclear about the image the pageant represents or the awards being presented.

Listen closely to the words the directors use. If they’re saying wholesome, energetic, and happy, don’t submit a headshot of your 14 year old daughter with a sexy seductive look on her face.

When it comes right down to it, it is the opinion of one person choosing the photogenic winner. Hopefully, the person in charge of judge selection will get a judge who understands the pageant system and what they are looking for. You can’t always count on that though. A judge could no show at the last minute leaving the director to get anyone who is available to judge.

All you can do is submit the best photo that is in alignment with the pageant system’s ideals, and if you win, celebrate. Plain and simple, there are no standards. It is all based on one person’s opinion.

Have fun capturing the moment with your photographer.

---

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

WTP Pageant Boot camp In
Columbus, Ohio

This two-hour boot camp is for you if you're preparing for a pageant and you want to take your skills to the next level. I will provide face-to-face training to strengthen your abilities in the following areas:

• Interview
• Modeling Technique
• Personal Introduction
• Answering Onstage Questions
• Mental Attitude

By working in a small group, you’ll benefit by listening and watching each other; expanding your knowledge of pageantry; mastering your own skills; and receiving personal feedback at an affordable price. Space is limited so reserve your time now.

Sunday, October 30, 2011
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn | 3928 Jackpot Road |Grove City, OH 43123 |
614-539-8944
Directions to Hotel: Take Exit 100 off Interstate 71South of downtown Columbus. Turn left onto Stringtown if you're coming from the north, right if coming from the south. Turn left onto Thistlewood (it’s the first big intersection with a stop light). Turn left onto Killdeer at the stop sign - (there's a Home Depot on your right- Putt Putt on your left). Turn right onto Jackpot road. The Hilton Garden is on the right behind the LaQuinta Hotel.

Session 1
Sun, October 30

1:00pm - 3:00pm

$139

Take this opportunity to Register NOW!

• You can participate in one session, or all of them. It’s up to you. The more you practice these skills, the more natural they’ll become. In each session you’ll be actually practicing your interview, modeling, personal introduction, onstage question and mental attitude skills.

• I’ll be giving you immediate feedback the entire time so it doesn’t matter if this is your first pageant or you’re a seasoned professional wanting some extra polish. I’ll meet you exactly where you are and take you to the next level.

• For boot camp contestants, I’m offering an optional 45 minute private coaching session the same day of the boot camp. This individual time is to help tailor the material to fit your specific needs. These are scheduled on a “first come” basis so schedule now to get your choice of time. Time slots will be before and after the boot camp.

All fees are nonrefundable and must be paid in full prior to the boot camp or coaching session. If you prefer to pay with a check, please contact me through info@winningthroughpageantry.com. Checks must be received at least one week prior to the date of your session. Your date is officially confirmed once payment has been received.

Once payment has been received, you will be contacted to schedule your private 45-minute coaching session.

There are only eight private sessions available each day.

Private sessions will begin at

10:00am through 12:45pm

and

3:15pm through 7:15pm

Click Here to Register

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation. She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

 

Your beauty pageant headshots and pictures introduce you to the pageant staff, judges and audience. Your pageant headshot makes your first impression and a statement about your personality. It speaks before you do. With the help of the before and after photos from http://www.thephotoenhancer.com/ you'll see the immediate difference that retouching has on your photos.

 

In all of these headshots, the photo on the left is "before" retouching and the picture on the right is "after" the retouching process.

This is an example of a glitz pageant headshot. In glitz pageants, the use of makeup, hair pieces, flippers (false teeth for children), and ornate clothing and accessories are used. The photos are highly retouched to make the subjects look like living dolls. The complexion is airbrushed smooth, eyebrows are perfectly drawn and filled in, and the colors are intensified.

Here's an important piece of information for you to know if your child does both natural and glitz pageants. With a gifted retouching artist, you could take a natural headshot and have it retouched into a glitz photo without having to schedule another photo shoot. They can change the background, photo shop hair accessories into place and give that porcelain look to any photo. However, if you only do glitz pageants, it's best to dress the part and have a glitz photo session taken.

 

This is a great natural photo for many reasons. First of all, this picture is taken outside which is the best source of lighting you can have. It looks like a normal photo a parent would take of their child at the playground (no expensive photo shoot). The facial expression is very natural, pure and age appropriate.

 
Notice how subtle the retouching is. The photo was cropped in, the chains airbrushed out, the lightning was adjusted to brighten her face and the color saturated just a bit. So parents, if you have a photo that captures the facial expression of your child, thanks to computers and talented enhancement artists, you can have them create a pageant headshot at a very economical price. This headshot would be good for a local preliminary pageant and some system's state pageant.

 

This is an example of a semi-glitz touching. Three details I want to draw your attention to. The first is the removal of the shadow (or hair) between the eyebrows and upper lip. Some girls need to start the facial waxing process sooner than others. Secondly, notice how by filling the eyebrows in immediately frames the eyes and draws your attention to them. That's what your eyebrow shape should do- help draw attention to your eyes. You can easily do this with eyebrow pencils. And finally, notice her hair. The retouching process pumped up her hair volume just enough to give her a polished finished look. This is what you want your hair to look like. You can achieve it by setting your hair in hot rollers, teasing at the roots and using aerosol products for hold.

 
Even though all these photos are of children, the same principles apply to teens and women.

 

Even a simple polo shirt with a cute bow can make a statement. Notice how the bow helps draw attention to her eyes. Again, this is a semi-glitz look. Some extra hair was added on top to create balance and the color saturated. Note: regardless of your hair color, you want both highlights and lowlights in your hair to create depth and movement.

 

This is very natural photo. Hair was added to fill the hole and the lighting adjusted to brighten her eyes. Subtle changes, right? Which photo are you drawn to? If you are doing natural pageants, the retouching and enhancements must be done with a light hand; but what a difference it makes.

 

Even a school photo can be retouched to look better.

 

Sweet, natural photo that was sharpened, bags removed, and the lighting adjusted to make her face and eyes pop. Again, it looks like a casual snapshot a parent took and the retouched photo would be an acceptable headshot for most natural pageants at the local or state level.

If you decide to do a last minute pageant, retouching a current photo could be an economical choice. However, planning ahead for your photo shoot is the best choice for your pageant.

Make sure your hair (proper color and cut), eyebrows, and facial hair are taken care of before you arrive at the photography studio. Have your hair and makeup professionally done if possible. When selecting a photographer, look at their portfolio and look at how well they use light. Great lighting is the key to a great photo. And it's also helpful if you have a second person standing there with a hairbrush and spray, whose only purpose is to control the fly away hair and fill in the holes.

A big thank you to http://www.thephotoenhancer.com/ for the great website and examples.

If you need help selected your pageant headshot or preparing for it, contact me today so we can start your pageant planning program.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here or at the top of this page to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation. She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 21 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through  www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

You’ve heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”. In pageantry, your headshot speaks your first words to the pageant director, staff and the judges.

Kyle Baugh of Gallippo's Photography, www.gallipposphotography.com , took a few moments from his busy schedule to share with me some of his insider tips on how you can get your best pageant headshot. Kyle has taken headshots for every major pageant system (Miss America, Miss USA, Mrs. America, Mrs. United States, Mrs. International, Teen USA,  Coed, NAM, Cinderella, and more) and his artistic work has helped his clients capture multiple photogenic and cover girl awards at all levels of competition.

 

RS: What should I wear for my headshot?

Kyle: I like to see people bring three general types of clothing, 3-4 casual tops, 1-2 choices in interview/business attire and a couple gowns or cocktail dresses.

For casual tops, bring a variety of different styles and necklines (boat neck, scoop, turtlenecks, zippered, v-neck) so we will have a great selection to work with.

• Be careful that the neckline isn’t too revealing or plunging. We what the attention to be on your face.

 

• Bright solid colors are the best choice. If a couple tops have a little bit of embellishment, like a few sequins, that’s nice too.

 

• I’d stay away from heavily patterned fabrics which can be distracting. Subtle texture is nice and is best created by the cut or style of the top verses the actual texture of the material.

 

For your interview look, bring one or two different options. For pageants, I like to see color. The black, grey and neutral tones tend to look too corporate for the pageant world. Again, look for an interesting neckline while being mindful of how low the cut is.

Bring one or two formals/gowns/cocktail dresses. These are great for getting full length shots that can be used for ad pages in the program book. They also add some glamour and glitz to a headshot that we might not get from a casual top.

Five is the magic number. It seems five changes of clothing are enough to give the variety that we need without being too overwhelmed with choices.

 

 

RS: How do I pose and know what facial expression to use?

Kyle: For a great pageant headshot, we want to capture a beautiful natural expression.

I like to take a few moments before we start taking pictures to talk with the person I’m photographing to get a feel for her personality. I want her to be super relaxed and comfortable. If she’s a bubbly energetic type of girl that smiles a lot, I’m going to encourage that type of expression; however, if her reactions are more subtle or of a serious nature, I’ll go for a softer, more serious look. I’m looking for the most natural, beautiful expression that captures the girl’s personality in a picture.

I know this might feel silly, but if they can stand in front of a mirror and practice their smile or expression, that will help them feel more comfortable in front of the camera. They’ll be able to see the expression in the mirror; and remember what it feels like.

RS: What about trying to look sexy for the photo?

Kyle: Many times when a person tries to play sexy, the expression doesn’t come off right.

I have a daughter myself, so I’m really conscientious of what looks age appropriate. Young girls and teens should look natural, fun and energetic. The Miss and Mrs. contestants can get away with a little more sex appeal.

We can capture a beautiful look without looking sexy. The USA system is a good example of where the photos can take on a sexier look; but the contestants are women usually in their 20’s, not girls. The expression we are going for is the look that says “this picture is most like me being comfortable in my own skin”.

RS: When you’re looking at the proofs, what are you looking for in a winning photo?

Kyle: I look for confident eyes and expression. Then I focus on a good composition with a simple clean and elegant look.

 

RS: What about selecting a background?

Kyle: I prefer simple solid backgrounds, with either neutral tones or colors that compliment the subject’s eyes and/or attire.

RS: What about the use of hands or props for a headshot?

Kyle: I personally avoid the use of hands in a pageant headshot. Hands start to make the headshot look too much like a family or senior portrait. Your headshot should focus on your face. Judges are looking at the photos to find the commercial face to represent the organization. Think of a commercial ad page in a magazine for makeup (particularly foundation ads). The focus is on the face. Your headshot needs to sell yourself.

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and no props for your headshot. Hair needs to be out of the face. If a person wants photos with their crown and banner, that’s different.

RS: What other tips would you give people getting ready to have their headshot taken?

Kyle: Don’t tan too much right before you have your pictures taken. It’s hard to retouch the photos when people are heavily tanned.

Get lots of rest and start drinking lots of water a couple days before your photo shoot.

When your skin is fully hydrated, it be will be smoother, firmer, the fine wrinkles will be filled in, and have a radiant glow.

Practice your hairstyle before the day of your formal photo session. Try different styles and take snapshots of them so you can see which style you like. Then practice that style so you can make your hair look that way for your pictures. Hair is the hardest thing to change in a photo. Ideally, and if your budget can afford it, have your hair and makeup professionally done for your pictures. Keep the hair out of your face.

Allow at least 3 hours for the photo session. You may not need the whole time, but the best pictures come when the model is super relaxed and not stressed about having to be somewhere else. If you have to drive a couple hours to get to the studio, schedule your appointment for a late morning or early afternoon time. Be sure to leave early so you’re not rushed. Consider staying in a hotel the night before so you’re fully rested for an early morning session. Don’t schedule something right after your session that will make you feel pressured for time.

 

Beyond the Pageant:

If people have never met you, their first impression may be from an image they see of you on your business card, from your Facebook or Twitter profile, on the internet or in a press release. It’s common for people to make decisions about whom they choose to work with solely on the impression they get from a photograph. Take care about what you post out in cyberspace. First impressions happen only once.

Taking the time to select the proper clothing, getting your hair and makeup done professionally will produce a photo that you will be proud to submit on your job/college application or to the media when you’re being featured someday.

The situations where you need a good clear, professional headshot of yourself often come up quickly and without much notice. A professional is always prepared.

 

Have every article I write delivered directly to your email. Sign up for my free weekly newsletter. Just click the GET YOUR FREE REPORT button at the top of this page. Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

About Rhonda

Rhonda Shappert is a pageant expert, personal development life coach, and owner of Winning Through Pageantry™, a business she created that not only helps her clients achieve winning results in pageants, but helps them Succeed From The Inside Out™ in their lives. In the pageant world she has held multiple local, state and national titles. Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three who has been married 20 years to her husband Stephen, home educates their children, is the former mayor of her community, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Do you have additional questions about headshots or photos? Enter them in the comment box and I’ll get your answers.