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.

 

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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.

 

“In The Real Truth About Beauty: A Global Report, of the 3,200 women polled around the world, only 2 percent of the women described themselves as beautiful. Two percent! Most described themselves as average and were highly uncomfortable using the words “attractive,” “beautiful,” “pretty” or “cute” when referring to themselves. In 2009, the average American woman is 5’4”, weighs 152 lbs. and wears a size 14. The ideal image portrayed by models and Hollywood is 5’7” and weighs 100 lbs. “-Michelle Moore, CMH Magazine

 

360: CHANGING PARADIGMS OF BEAUTY

BY MICHELLE MOORE :PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS HINSCH-CMH MAG

 

Wow! When Michelle shared that with us at the beginning of the interview, it blew my mind. I was part of a panel that CMH magazine had gathered together to discuss the Changing Paradigms of Beauty for an article. The panel was comprised of a plastic surgeon, news anchor, talent agent, life coach, mothers, former beauty queens, writers, actresses, PR executive, aesthetic medical professional, and a fashion photographer.

The diversity of the evening really got me thinking about the definitions of beauty and beautiful; and how our own definitions mold the perception we have of ourselves and the world around us. Be honest, what was your immediate reaction to the headline of this article Are you Beautiful? What does your answer tell you?

What is your definition of beautiful? It is a question you will be regularly asked if you intend on entering pageants not only from judges, but from family, friends and strangers. They’ll want to know why you’re taking part in such an activity. And to respond with a vague comment like “it’s really about inner beauty” is like saying “world peace” when answering an onstage interview question. It’s too general and people just roll their eyes.

What are the specific elements that make up your definition of inner beauty? Make a list of 10 words or phrases that describe inner beauty. Please, choose words that you feel for you, not what you think the judges want to hear. Be real.

 

• Stop comparing yourself with the others.

The initial event when all the contestants see each other for the first time can be very stressful. Some contestants will eliminate themselves immediately from the pageant because they’ve mentally convinced themselves that they’re not ____enough to win. Just fill in the blank with tall, short, fat, thin, pretty, unique, etc. So much negative energy is spent on the “comparison game” when instead it could be used on thoughts that are more empowering.

Usually, when people start playing this game, they compare their perceived weakness to someone’s perceived strengths. The second you start hearing the voice in your head saying “I’m not ___ enough”, stop. Shift your focus onto the qualities about you that you value and share those with the judges and the audience.

• Make a list of 25 words or phrases that describe you.

Ask your family and friends to help you list as many gifts and positive qualities about you as you can. Why stop at just 25. Know what makes you beautiful and appreciate it.

• Accentuate the positive.

No one is perfectly constructed and everyone possesses physical beauty. Isolate the features that you want to bring attention to and those you want to diminish.

1. 1.  Choose wardrobe and makeup colors that are perfect for your skin tone. Have someone help you with this if you don’t know what your best colors are. Don’t choose a white gown just because you’ve heard that ‘white wins’. It may not be right color choice for you. You are going to be on stage under bright lights and for some people, the color white washes them out.

2. Select a hair length and color that flatters your face shape and skin tone. Don’t pull your hair back because you think that’s the winning look for evening gown. That is a winning look for some, but not everyone. I want to warn you, you will spend more time than you ever thought possible on your hair.

3. Learn what clothing styles make your figure look proportional and balanced. This is another area where finding someone with a keen eye for line can help educate you. Clothing is expensive and if you learn from the beginning what colors, lines and cuts flatter you the most, you will save time, money, build your confidence and look professional all at the same time.

The definition of beautiful in the dictionary is having qualities that delight the senses. Sight is only one sense. The sound of someone voice, the way they shake your hand, and the way they move all delight the senses. Personally, I think the strongest of the senses is the sixth sense. That indescribable energy that comes from within and shines out through a person’s eyes is a beauty I find magnetic.

Beyond The Pageant:

When we look in the mirror, our mortality is reflected back to us. Each decade brings a different set of physical realities. When I was a teenager, I wanted my adult body to arrive with more height and a bigger chest :). Just being honest.

When I became a woman in my 20’s, I remember feeling, is this all I get (again height and chest related)? In my 30’s came the maternity body. All of a sudden, the body of my 20’s didn’t look so bad and I wished I had it back.

At age 43, I had an “ah ha”moment. I had spent so much of my time either looking forward with anticipation or backwards mourning over what I had lost, that I didn’t fully appreciate the positive attributes of each decade. Moving forward, living in the present moment is a much better choice than losing sleep over the past or future, both of which I have no control.

What’s the best part of your life right now? What is your favorite beautiful part about you?

 

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.

 

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Never judge a book by its cover. We hear that saying over and over; and yet, the fact remains that we all make assumptions about people, places or things by their outward appearance. The contents of a particular book may be the exact information we are seeking, but we’ll never get a chance to read it because the cover didn’t capture our attention. We didn’t even pull it from the shelf because something about it initially turned us off.

 

But if the outside is pleasing to you, your first thought may be “Hmm, this book looks interesting. Let me see what’s on the inside.” Although not impossible, it’s hard to reverse a bad first impression.

 

The first impression that the pageant director, staff and judges form of you is from your submitted paperwork and photo. The first photo you submit should be the best and most current headshot you have. Choose a colored photo that is well lit, sharply focused, and is from your shoulders up. Remember, based on your initial contact with the pageant office, you’re going to be viewed as a contestant that is either ready now, needs a little polishing, or needs more time to develop.

 

Most pageants have their paperwork forms in a PDF file that contestants can fill out online. This is the preferred choice. Resist the urge to quickly complete and submit your paperwork. Instead, print out the forms and take your time drafting your final version. Have your English teacher proof read it or have a friend that is experienced in reviewing job applications take a look.

 

If your pageant still uses paper forms, ask the director if you can retype the application, exactly as it appears, into your computer so you can submit your paperwork in a clean, easy to read format. Follow the directions of your director to the letter. If they say one page, you do one page. Copy the font style and size exactly so your computer generated copy looks as close to the original as possible.

 

If you must handwrite, and this is absolutely the last choice, use your neatest printing or have someone who does have neat handwriting print it for you. Although the idea of having your 8 year old daughter fill out the form herself is touching, if the information can’t be easily read, or if there is one smudge or a misspelled word, it will have a negative impact. Write your information on another sheet of paper, and only write on the application when you are 100% ready with your information. Again, I would avoid handwriting at all costs.

 

What is the purpose of the paperwork? It introduces you to the pageant staff and the judges. Your judges bio, which is the equivalent of a job resume, should peak the judges interest and curiosity. If proper constructed, the judges will be able to create a picture of who you are just by glancing at your bio. Here are a few helpful hints to creating an introduction on paper that will make a favorable impression on anyone who reads your bio.

 

• Make it easy to read. Font size should be no smaller than 11 or 12 and in a style that is easy to read. Use either short complete sentences or a bullet point structure for your bio. Choose and use one style for the entire bio and don’t bounce back and for between the two. Keep your bio to one page.

• Peak the judges curiosity with interesting tidbits. Don’t write out your whole story or include every little detail about yourself. That’s what you can talk about when you are face to face with judges. There isn’t time on the judges part to read long paragraphs. But you don’t want to state just the facts either. Think about how the headlines on the front of a magazine cover make you pick it up and buy it because you are curious to get the whole story. The same is true about your bio. Think headlines.

• Be very selective with your word choice and what information you include on your bio. Put only the best information about yourself on your bio. This is where working with a coach is very helpful. Most people don’t know what information is most interesting and best about them. Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to help you identify what’s important about your inside.

• Your bio should show a well-rounded, diverse person. The most common categories on your bio might include education, career ambition, platform, talent, hobbies, awards, community service, and interesting facts. A well-rounded contestant will have something interesting for all the stated areas. If you only have one hobby, it’s time to explore other possibilities. The same thing goes for community service. If you have no community service, it’s time to look within yourself to see what blessings you have that you can share with others.

 

• Your bio must be grammatically correct, use proper punctuation and free from all misspelled words and typos. Spell check is great, but you can’t rely on it alone. After all, the words hear and here are both spelled correctly but have very different meanings. Have someone else read your bio out loud to you. Listen for phrases that don’t make sense or need more detail. Have many different people look at your bio.

• Limit your use of acronyms and abbreviations. Your judging panel may come from many parts of the state or country. If there is an organization that is very active and well respected in your community and everyone in your hometown knows it by TWBG, there will be someone on the panel that has no idea that it stands for The World’s Best Group. Use the words to avoid any misunderstandings.

• Work with a coach who is skilled in interview. Your interview skills begin with the creation of your paperwork and cannot be mastered overnight. The ideal way to plan for your interview and onstage question is to hire a skilled coach at least 3 months (6 months is better) before your pageant. Create your paperwork together so the image that comes off the paper is consistent with the person they meet in the interview room. Requesting my free interview tool The Beginning 10 Questions is a good place to start on preparing for your interview. This tool contains 10 staple interview questions everyone must know the answers to in an interview situation.

Follow these basic guidelines and you will be on your way to creating the winning image you desire. 

P.S. Beyond the Pageant

Being able to create your image in writing will serve you well in your career. Take a few moments to look at how balanced your life is in the areas of personal development, family, education, career, community service, recreation and spiritually. Are there some areas that could use some attention? Why wait for a pageant to take action. Contact me and we can work together to create the life and balance you want to live.

 

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.

   

How do I raise money for a pageant? This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a pageant coach. Having competed for years myself, I know the importance of having a couple thousand dollars in the bank BEFORE you commit to doing a pageant. Yes, you heard me right, a minimum of 2,000-3,000 dollars. The exact amount of money will vary depending on the level and pageant system you’re participating in; but with this seed money, you will be able to fully enjoy the process while reducing the financial stress that some contestants may experience.

It’s important to know what the titleholder’s obligations are to the pageant system you are considering. For example, some local and festival pageants have no further obligation to compete at a higher level; however, you may need to make appearances and you’ll need money to be able to do that for a year.

In the America and USA pageant systems, the state titleholders are required to compete at the national pageants. In some cases, the national pageant is only a month or two from the state pageant. I don’t think I need to elaborate on how much stress is created when a person has to come up with an additional 3,000-6,000 dollars in 60 days. Please keep in mind, you may not need $6,000; but potentially you may need a lot more.

Do your homework. Talk to the directors, read the pageant websites, and ask former contestants who competed in the pageant to gather information about the required expenses so you have a good idea of how much money you will need. That’s why it’s important to start a year ahead of time. I talk more about this in my free special report , 10 Insider Secrets to Winning.

WARNING: As you start totaling up the dollar amounts, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. This is normal and very much like paying your college fees, buying a car, or a house. There’s a base price. Then you sit down with the closing agent. Suddenly, all these additional fees and taxes start getting added on and before you know it, the final number is much different than what you had expected. So expect it to cost $6,000. If you only spend $3,000, you will experience a different feeling than if you thought it would cost $3,000 and you need to come up with $6,000 at the last minute.

Is the investment worth it? That’s up to you based on what you value and what your focus is for doing the pageant. If your intention is to just win a crown, trophy and sash that has a monetary value of about a $100; for me, the answer would be no.

But if you want to use your pageant experience as a vehicle to develop an understanding of who you are, what your life purpose is, create dynamic communication skills, learn time management and balance, strengthen your relationships, and establish a way of thinking that enables you to create the life you want to live, I’d say it’s an investment that exceeds the monetary value of $6,000. That’s what I did with my pageant experience and that’s the method I share with my clients.

So let’s use the $6,000 as an example for this article and talk about the ways to create it in a year. To meet this goal, you would need to raise $500 a month. So think 5 appearances at $100, or however you want to break it down. How I did this when I was Mrs. Ohio America 2005 was to make 3 lists.

• List one is all about you. 

  Write down all the skills you have that you could market to service organizations and business people in exchange for their financial sponsorship support. For example, I’m a dancer, singer, public speaker, writer, MC, promotional model, runway model, print work model, musician, hostess, and actress.

• Have two or three songs/dances/speeches already put together that you can perform in a variety of potential situations. Models have your portfolio together and practice your different walks so you can demonstrate your ability to “work it”  in all types of clothing. A quick comment, make sure your skill level is worthy of being compensated :). 

 

• List two is all about your network.

  Write down all the businesses that you give your money and business to. Put all salons, clothing stores, retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, banks, and direct sales people on the list.

 

• Look at the service organizations in your surrounding community such as Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Departments of Tourism, church groups, school organization, and men’s and women’s organizations. Get the yellow pages, search on online, and talk to people to find out who the mover and shakers are in your community.

 

• Start talking to people and build genuine friendships. Ask them what their needs are for their upcoming events. Get names, email addresses and phone numbers from the above people; and dates for when the organizations meet.  If you go in with the mind set of offering something of value that benefits both of you, you will be excited to share this opportunity with people.

 

• List three is all about events.

  Start gathering information about upcoming events from different schools, churches, service organizations, business expos and festivals and put them on the list. Don’t limit yourself to just your hometown. If you are competing for a state title, the whole state is an opportunity. There is a seasonal cycle for events. Sports are year round. In spring and summer, you have a lot of festivals and outdoor celebrations. In fall, people start thinking of the holidays so they are looking for entertainment for their parties. Winter brings bridal and fashion shows. Look in trade newspapers, go online, and check out the tourism websites in your area to get an even longer list of events.

 

Once you have your lists created, see what skills you can offer to the different people at their events. It’s even more fun if you do this with organizations that are part of your platform or community service projects. People will want to support you if you are clear, confident, and professional when you approach them. You will be providing a service in exchange for their sponsorship. Also, come up with a way to recognize and advertise their sponsorship of you for the year by offering to put their business information on your ad page, website, blog, comp card or all of the above.

Don’t rule out bartering for sponsorship. Meaning if a dress store will let you have or discount the price on a dress in exchange for being a model at several events, celebrate. A penny saved is a penny earned. Be creative. Also, sell things you no longer use or need on eBay or Craigslist to get money. For a year, live on budget and buy what you need, not what you want. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can come up with the money.

During this whole process you will be learning management, planning, marketing, and networking skills, not to mention overcoming the fear of getting out of your comfort zone. Learning how to feel the fear and shift it to your advantage is a skill that will help you far beyond the pageant.

Have fun, be creative, and grow through the process. If you have questions, need clarification or want help, please contact me and we can discuss options if this is an opportunity you want to experience.

Beyond the Pageant:

Marketing ourselves and networking are two life skills everyone can benefit from. If you feel uncomfortable in these areas, take a deeper look at what thoughts they evoke. Remember, “thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions”. If you want to change the action, work backwards and change the thought.

 

What great ways have you raised money to do a pageant? Share them in the comments box below and help your fellow pageant sisters.

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.