Tag: Photography

GOWN PORN

Another welcome deviation from the Bling Wars, is this creation by Pinoy designer Mark Bumgarner. It is smashing, as it does not contain any decoration. This allows the simplicity of the material to highlight the design, a modern interpretation of a timeless classic. As worn by newly crowned Miss World Philippines 2017, it could have been a masterclass in evening gown presentation. Sadly, she chose to wear this beautiful creation with the most inappropriate footwear, cheapening the overall look.

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GOWN PORN

In this time when it seems that designers are trying to see who can put the most bling on a gown, this toned down version by Pinoy designer Mak Tumang really catches the eye and sets the one wearing it apart from the crowd.

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Effortless: 2016’s Best Male Competitor

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As the last male pageant of 2016 nears its completion, we thought it might be appropriate to reflect on what a year it has been.

Although there are plenty of male competitions around, for us only four qualify as proper event of calibre. They are Mister World, Mister International, Manhunt International and the brand-new Mister Supranational.

This year there has been abundance in the male pageantry field. Mister World, a bi-annual competition, was back. Manhunt International, the grandfather of them all, was back for the first time since 2012. Mister Supranational debuted. Regretfully, Mister International, the only yearly competition, was not held in 2016.

What makes a great male competitor? Other than the obvious physical attributes, it is all about charisma. He needs to project approachability, to be kind of man that men want to emulate and woman (and some men) want to be with. Charisma is not something you can learn or practice, although you see most of male contestants try. It has to be EFFORTLESS.

In our humble opinion there is one male contestant this year who embodies those qualities. His name is Sergey Bindalov and is representing Belarus at the first-ever Mister Supranational competition. Sergey, we salute you as the Best Male Competitor of 2016.

 

 

Styling Perfection

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Anna Burdzy, First Runner-up Miss Universe Great Britain 2014, gives a Master Class in evening gown styling. From the flawless make-up to the perfect accessorising. Most notable is the perfect hairstyle to highlight one of the most beautiful features of a woman, her neck.

Too often we see beauty queens covering their necks with hair, necklaces and gown necks, absolutely not the way to go for evening gown.

Anna, we commend you for your styling perfection.

 

NOTEWORTHY: This is How You Do Pageant Photography

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Zara Nortley, Miss Galaxy England 2016

Photographer: Stacey Clarke

Make-up: Sascha Martini

 

 

NOTEWORTHY: This is How You Do Pageant Photography

Alexandra Krijger, Miss Curaçao World 2015

Photographer: Niko da Costa Gomez, www.instagram.com/nikodacostagomez

WINNING (HAIR) STYLES

Miss Venezuela 2012, Irene Sofía Esser Quintero, poses in her evening gown at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She will spend the next few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing, and making new friends while she prepares to compete for the coveted Miss Universe Diamond Nexus Labs Crown. Tune in to the LIVE NBC Telecast from PH Live at 8:00 PM ET on December 19, 2012 to see who will win the title of MISS UNIVERSE® 2012.?HO/Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLLP–LIGHT RETOUCHING–
Miss Switzerland 2012, Alina Buchschacher, poses in her evening gown at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She will spend the next few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing, and making new friends while she prepares to compete for the coveted Miss Universe Diamond Nexus Labs Crown. Tune in to the LIVE NBC Telecast from PH Live at 8:00 PM ET on December 19, 2012 to see who will win the title of MISS UNIVERSE® 2012.?HO/Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLLP–LIGHT RETOUCHING–

BEING PHOTOGENIC

An important tool to have when competing in pageants is a photographic portfolio, basically a model portfolio with some pageant specific shots included.

Modelling work, both catwalk and commercial, is an important part of what is expected of the modern day beauty queen. This is why pageant management and, sometimes, judges, want to see what a contestant looks like in pictures.

It is very important that the pictures actually look like you, so the viewer can recognise the person standing in from of them in these.

One fantasy or glamour shot is OK, but the images should not be edited within an inch of your life. If you end up looking like Barbie, plastic skin and all, you are in trouble. As a photographer you learn that agents and advertising execs want to be able to see pores in facial pictures (unless you really have no visible pores).

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Particularly swimsuit shots should be true to your figure, as people working the fashion industry do not like surprises. So, please stay away from photographic diets.

Important is not to only show different looks, from very casual to glam and everything in between, but also different expressions. Give evidence that you are a brilliant photographic actor.

Lastly, decide in advance if you want a colour or black+white portfolio. Having a mixed portfolio is not deemed professional. My advice though is to go with colour for your pageant portfolio.