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.
