Many pageants include a photogenic competition, and you should definitely take advantage of this. Why? Because the photograph of your child will be seen by the judges before the pageant ever begins, so it will provide the first chance for the pageant judges to get a good look at your daughter – up close and personal. Because the pageant photo is so important, most parents choose to have pictures made by professional pageant photographers.
With full-glitz photos, numerous photographs are taken of your child while she’s wearing makeup and pageant hair. You and the photographer choose a couple of the best photos, and these are enhanced to create a perfect picture. The eyes are usually made larger, and their natural color might be brightened. Eyelashes are also added. The lips are made fuller, and the shape of the face might even be changed a little. The skin is made to appear flawless, and every hair is in place in the final product. With glitz photos, some photographers have items your child can wear for the session. If not, or if you want more choices, bring along headbands, feathers, hats, fringe, jewelry, beads, or other adornments.
Don’t worry too much about clothing. Only the top of the shoulders and the face are seen in the final results. In fact, oftentimes just a piece of fabric is wrapped around the girl’s chest for a photo shoot. Just about anything bright and colorful will work. Natural photographs are becoming more popular at pageants, and these are usually taken by a professional photographer, too. These might be full-body shots or head shots.
Popular themes for outfits for natural pageant photos include cowgirl, country, punk, and vintage. Some girls prefer to dress in gowns and have their pictures made while holding flowers. Many natural pageant photos are taken outdoors, and some include props. These might include an old pickup truck, a rustic fence, a pond or lake, an old building, or railroad tracks. For some reason, railroad tracks have become very popular as a background.
Generally speaking, the more creative the picture is, the higher it will score. Photographs are scored on originality, natural beauty, and quality.Classic black-and-white photographs can also be used for pageant pics, in both the natural and the glitz photo category. Of course, with this type of photograph, you won’t have to be concerned with bright colors.
Instead, choose solid colors or fabric with bold patterns. A good idea is to try some of both at the photo shoot. Later, you’ll have more looks from which to choose. If you’re serious about pageants and want to be truly competitive, don’t skimp on pageant photos. Keep your photos updated and current.
Find a photographer who’s experienced with taking photographs just for pageants, and see examples of his or her work before hiring. If you don’t know enough about what judges usually look for in pageant photos, don’t be afraid to ask around the pageant world for advice on selecting a winning photographer.
