What to Wear for Pageant Photos

Your pageant headshot is exceptionally important - this is how the judges will recognize you! You must look like your headshot and if there is a program book, there is no excuse for you to not have a headshot in the program book.

Some pageants say that 'school photos are fine' and yes, while that is 'fine', you want to stand out at your pageant. You want to be the clear stand out and your pageant photo can help with that. Here are a few suggestions (we turn to Miss America level headshots as our example):

1.  Fabrics and Necklines
Choose silky fabrics over cotton - you want the images to be fresh, not give a worn look like cotton might.

Also, when selecting attire for different shots, look for different necklines in each shot. Do not shoot 5 shots in a round collar - what if you end up realizing (after the shoot) that you do not look best in a round collar? It is better to be safe than sorry and plan ahead by bringing varied necklines to the shoot.

2. Colors
Solid colors are a best, always. Stay away from patterns, prints, logos, etc that could be distracting in the photo - nothing should take away from you!

Bright colors are better than light colors - they will do more for your complexion and skin tone.

3. Hairstyles
Style your hair based on your image. Consistency wins - you cannot be all glammed up in the photo with an up-do then walk into interview portraying a "little girl" image. Which are you? Decide on your consistent image and you can nail this component of the photo.

4. Body parts
A headshot is just that, a shot of your head. Think of a good headshot as bust and up. Hands underneath the chin, 3/4 of your  body etc change the shot. If you ate doing a headshot, let it be a headshot. If it is a full body shot, let it be a full body shot.

5. Jewelry
Jewelry should compliment you, not be the star of the photo. I highly suggest a good pair of attractive earrings for each outfit. Necklaces can be tricky, but if done right, then can help the photo pop.

Notice the attractive jewelry in Miss Florida's headshot.

6. Background
Plain color backgrounds are standard because you do not want the background to distract from you. Some photographers do their shots outside etc but do not forget that you want the focus to be on you. That tree in the background etc could become the star of your photo...

Do not let other objects be the star of your photo or distract from you!

7. Posing
This not the time for your perfect posture or head position. If your face is straight on to the camera, it will look like you took a mugshot for jail! That's why your school photographers always ask you to 'lower your chin' or 'tilt your head just a bit more' - things look different on camera! Practice your head tilts and different poses before heading into your shoot - and NO, the 'pretty feet' pose is NOT an acceptable pose. Have some fun and loosen up!

Notice the small tilt in Mallory's head

This is from a Red Carpet event! 

Notice how the lack of a head tilt makes this look like Mr. Costner's mugshot!

And PLEASE, make sure that you have ALL of your body parts in your pose! A photographer cannot add an arm etc once the photo is taken...

Notice the missing arm...?

8. Photoshop
You are not a plastic doll. You are a natural, real human being and your photo should reflect that. Do not go bonkers on the photoshopping! Remember, the photo should always look like you on that stage - judges should be able to recognize you instantaneously after looking at your photo. Unless you are in a glitz pageant that calls for such photos, photos should look like you. Minor photoshopping is allowed, but don't overdo it!

How to choose the right competition gown

One of the key components to any pageant is the evening gown/formal wear. If you're competing in a modern day pageant, like NAM/IJM/USA Ambassador/USA/MAO/International/MAC etc, the rules for gowns tend to be about the same:

• Length: Floor length gowns are best. One or two of the pageants say that you do not necessarily need a 'floor length gown' to win, but when was the last time you saw a cocktail dress win a national pageant? My point exactly. 
• Rule of thumb: a quarter inch off of the ground is long enough. Seriously, have someone get down on the ground and assess this - can we see your shoes when you walk? If so, the dress is too short.
• Some pageants do NOT allow trains on gowns. If they do, rule of thumb is 16-22 inches.
• Preteens and younger should avoid trains at all costs.
• Notice: the designer does NOT include a train in the younger girl dress design.
  
• Age-Appropriateness: did you know that you could be docked points (lose points) if the gown is not age-appropriate? 
• Pre-teens and younger should have straps - spaghetti or halter are ok (make sure straps are wide enough)
• Junior teens and older do not necessarily need straps, but they are welcome
• Preteens and younger should NOT have tight, form-fitting, mermaid/trumpet style gowns
• Junior teens and older can have form-fitting styles (many junior teens are still in ballgowns, check the trend within your system)
• Pre-teens and younger should not expose their chest at all (avoid nude illusion as well)
• Junior teens and older can have more of a sweetheart neckline, exposing a bit of the chest area
• Nude illusion fabric is an entirely different fabric - this will depend on the pageant system and style of the gown.
• Color: choose a color that best reflects your personality and overall sense of style. For example, red is much more bold than baby pink. Your gown should reflect who you are, not who you are trying to be. 
• Glitz/Rhinestones: do not overdo it with the rhinestones/bling. You want to be the main attraction in your gown, not the rhinestones.
• Jewelry: 
• Pre-teens and under are most safe with post style earrings (again, check the trend within your system to be sure)
• Example: 
  
• Junior teens and older can wear dangle earrings
• Example: 
  

If you are unsure of your gown choice, you should be able to check with your pageant coach. Let me be honest and say that the staff in the bridal stores or pageant stores are not necessarily the best help because they do not know YOU personally - remember, this is your personal presentation in formal wear. The gown should reflect the best you and you should feel that you are at your personal best while in the gown. And, hopefully, your pageant coach has had experience competing in various pageant systems and can help you chose what that system is looking for as well. 

And I am always available to advise you! Send me a text message or an email before you go shopping so I know you are headed out and then send me pics as you try things on. I want to help you make the best choices!

With your success in mind,

Victory and Team BV

Lessons learned from The Oscars!

It has been a few days since The Oscars were televised, but I cannot seem to shake some of things I saw on the show that were clearly 'pageant lessons'! I wanted to share those with you today...these are my TOP FOUR LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE OSCARS:

1. Always say 'thank you' so we know when you are done.
Some people gave great speeches on stage and we were completely mesmerized with them and then they just paused and walked away. This is just like when you are doing your on-stage (speaking) presentations at a pageant - say 'thank you' so the judges know you are done. Otherwise, there is just that awkward moment of 'um...is that it? Ok, yes, I think that's it."

2. Make sure you gowns are the correct length.
For heavens sake, visit a seamstress and make sure your gown is the right length. There is no excuse for having to hold up your gown on stage. In this particular case, maybe her gown was borrowed, but seriously, if you are competing, visit a seamstress and try your dress on (with your heels on) and have it altered. Walk around in it and really test if you could practically float on stage when walking. If not, it needs to be hemmed. Gowns are designed for models that are 5'7" and taller...the gown was not made precisely for you, but you can make it look like it was.

3. Enjoy the show entertainment.
Many pageants provide entertainment of some sort - singers, dancers, etc - even while contestants are on-stage. In some pageants, someone may sing directly to you. I encourage you to not be the girl who ignores the entertainer - enjoy that person! At the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence (on live television) refused to participate in Pharrell Williams' "Happy" performance, whereas Lupita + Meryl + Amy just jumped up and joined in for the sake of the show. Don't be rude and don't let the performer feel like you don't like them. And yes, the judges are still watching.

4. "No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid".
Yes, Lupita hit the nail on the head with this one. Never forget why you are competing in the pageant - never forget who you are, where you come from, and where you plan to go. It is this authenticity that will take you farther than any crown, sash, and title will. And yes, it helps when the girl crowned is a 'real girl'.

Try a NEW one!

Hi ladies!

You know I am always encouraging you to try new pageants and stay in the loop, so...I highly encourage you to try these "new" programs. I am hoping to send more and more BV girls each year to these! These are excellent, growing programs and I know some of the directors personally...they are committed to putting on fantastic programs!

If you register for any of these, let them know that Victory from Be Victorious Prep sent you!

DISCLAIMER: Please note that I am NOT ranking these pageants by any means...it just pains me when girls stick to the same pageants every year. Few girls expand their reach - if you don't grow, you'll never know what is out there! NOTE that I also make comparisons of the pageants below - I only do this so people who have tried the 'popular systems' can understand what their experience MAY be like. I do not intend to say one system is like or not like another, I just want to be clear on why I like each system and why I feel confident you could do well in this system.

American Nation Pageants

Run by the FIRST NAM National Teen titleholder, Sasha Hills - love her and her family!

http://www.americannationpageants.com/2014-preliminaries/judging-criteria/

Program has been around for ten years plus...there will be a Mid-Atlantic pageant on May 10 in Chantilly, VA. This is a GREAT opportunity to try fitness and on-stage question...Sasha is a media person, so this is a great experience. Program is also held in other states...something to consider!

PURE American Pageants

Run in MD/DE/VA by Stephanie Green and the mom of a current national titleholder. PURE has been around for years, but this is their first pageant in the Mid-Atlantic. Spoke with the state director and she would compare it to NAM in style...Fab up and coming national program. 

Mid-Atlantic pageant will be held Apr 5 & 6 in Ocean City MD.

http://www.pureamericanpageants.com/information_at_a_glance.html

America's US Miss

Love this national director and love that she is bringing their nationals to Florida/East Coast this year! NAM-like in my opinion, looking for APPOINTED TITLES from our area. Program is growing everyday, titles everywhere really. LOVE!

If you are interested in representing your state at their NATIONALS (July 16-20 in Clearwater FL), they would love to have you! Totally NAM + IJM like, love!

http://americasusmiss.com/index.php

USA National Miss

I'm really pushing this one now...totally in LOVE with this program and BV is sending a group of girls this year with APPOINTED titles. 

Totally NAM + IJM like, love...there is a 40 foot runway involved too! FUN!

http://usanationalmiss.com/

DISCLAIMER: Please note that I am NOT ranking these pageants by any means...it just pains me when girls stick to the same pageants every year. Few girls expand their reach - if you don't grow, you'll never know what is out there! NOTE that I also make comparisons of the pageants below - I only do this so people who have tried the 'popular systems' can understand what their experience MAY be like. I do not intend to say one system is like or not like another, I just want to be clear on why I like each system and why I feel confident you could do well in this system.

How far ahead do I start?

Today I saw a BV girl in the BV studio. I see her roughly 1x each week. We are always preparing, practicing, and developing. If by some chance we are not preparing for a pageant a few weeks away, we are working on personal development, interview development, platform/resume development etc.

During our in-studio session today, she sparked a small conversation about a BV friend, wanting to know how she was doing. I mentioned that she was "not working with me right now because she is waiting for a bigger pageant". To which she quickly replied, "but shouldn't we always prepare?! You can't stop preparing! You have to get experience on stage in the smaller pageants to build and learn for the bigger ones!" To which I replied with a "OMG" and a high five - she had got it. She understood! Talk about an "Aha" moment!

I often get asked, "how far ahead should I start preparing for my pageant?" Well, my honest answer is that "you never stop preparing".

In preparation for your 'next pageant', you should constantly be:

• Volunteering: this allows you to develop your resume, interpersonal skills, real job skills, communication skills, and more. Also, as you 'age up', you will start developing a platform - something you are passionate about and may have to speak on during interview or at a public appearance. You will not be able to really hone a platform if you do not start discovering what else is out there.
• Developing or expanding your hobbies: you need things to say in interview. If you do nothing outside of pageants, how can you answer interview questions like:
• What is your favorite hobby?
• What do you like to do with friends?
• What do you do in your free time?
• What is your favorite activity?
• What is your favorite sport?
• What is your special talent?
• Developing personally/interview skills: Are you making new friends? Are you reading books? Are you aware of current events? Are you speaking up in class? Are you trying new things? Make sure you are constantly improving on who you are so that the BEST YOU shines through in interview. If you cannot hold a conversation with a judge because you "don't read books" or "don't know who the President is"...oh boy. 
• Staying fit: who wants to buy an entirely new wardrobe 3 weeks before their pageant and drop roughly $1000 (in gas, clothes, tailoring etc) just because they ate poorly since their last pageant etc? Not me, buddy. 
• Please note that I said "staying fit", not "skinny" or "super thin" etc. What is healthy for one body may not be healthy for another. Make sure you are on an eating plan that is good for you, that you are staying active, and keeping that heart healthy. And let's admit it: pageant weekend (or week) is not easy- you need all the stamina you can get with those late night rehearsals and early morning appearances. Help yourself out and work out at least 30 minutes each day!
• Working out CAN consist of dance, sports, zumba, etc. Do not limit yourself.
• Everyone should be working on living a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age. As a titleholder, you are a role model for other young women. Be someone who is healthy, happy to be alive, and eager to fully participate in her year as a titleholder.

Want a clear daily prep plan? Check out and download this FREE BV Daily Prep Plan: bit.ly/BVPrepCalendar

If you want a flat out answer to the original question, you should start preparing at least 6-8 months ahead of your pageant date. If you have been keeping up with all of the above, you have some leeway. Congrats. Not much, but some. If you have not been utilizing your time well, do not freak out. You can always make things happen...but who wants to rush things or cram things? Take your time and prepare so you feel your most comfortable and your most accomplished at the end of each day (and each pageant)!

Before your next pageant, I recommend that:

• You get all of the contestant handbook/guidebook materials as soon as they become available for your competition year.
• If you are working with a coach (of any kind - vocal, dance, pageant, trainer, etc), make sure they understand the guidelines you are working in. There is NO REASON why your talent is 2 minutes long when the guidelines said 1 minutes and 30 seconds. Did you read the guidebook? Did you give a copy to the person helping you? Even if YOU missed the detail, the person you are working with should be keen enough to pick out the detail PRIOR to the pageant.
• If you are NOT working with a coach (of any kind), you will want to review the materials yourself, line by line. Do not skip a section. You need to be as well-informed as possible. Even if you participated in the program the year before, things may have changed!
• Work on developing your interview. 
• We grow everyday. We learn new things everyday. As you grow and learn, your answers may change. You need to constantly be on top of your interview skills; 4 weeks before is NOT the time to start cramming current events, platform statistics, or new vocabulary words.
• Find somewhere to constantly stay on top of your skills.
• You have seen those pageant TV shows and I know you have wondered about how they do a pageant EVERY weekend. Well, they are smart! They are never letting their skills go dry and they are constantly practicing and perfecting their routines so when they get to 'the big one', they have been ready and in 'pageant mode' for months. The first time they are doing their routine is not just 'at the big one', but it was months ago so she had time to notice her mistakes and correct them.
• Find someone to hold you accountable/a pageant manager.
• Mom may love you. Dad may love you. But really, they are biased. And sometimes, you can be sassy with them. You need to find someone who will hold you accountable and make you work hard, regardless of sass. That's something I do as a coach. That's something your fitness trainer or dance choreographer could do. You need someone to hold you accountable, make sure you are following all of the pageant's guidelines, have everything you need etc. I love my job and I sometimes feel like a 'pageant career manager', but I know that I am needed. You may not need a full time coach, but if ANYTHING you read above is brand new or somewhat new, you need to call me! 

Moral of the story: You should never stop preparing for competition. There is always a girl aging up from a division or a girl who has been competing for years that will challenge you at your next pageant. The key to winning is constant preparation - I am NOT saying that you should eat, sleep, & breathe pageants, but you should be constantly developing the skills necessary to win/do well, if you really want it.

• Do a smaller pageant to build confidence or work on your routines (you can get scores and comments from judges to help you develop your skills for next time). Do NOT get stuck on only 'winning the big one'. 
• Stay up on your current events, interview skills, image, and personal development.
• Volunteer in your local community so you have things to talk about and so you develop real communication and interpersonal skills.
• Develop hobbies so you can compete for talent competitions, step outside of your comfort zone, stay fit, meet new people etc.

If you have any questions, I'd love to help answer them! Reach out and let's find some solutions!

And don't forget: Check out and download this FREE BV Daily Prep Plan: bit.ly/BVPrepCalendar

<3 All my love,

Victory

#TeamBVRocks

The thing about "pageant platforms"...

Many of you reading this blog may have never heard about a "pageant platform" so let me start at the beginning. Don't worried, I won't be long-winded.

What: a platform is a subject matter you can spend years talking about and not get frustrated about it. You could make appearances on the subject matter every day and not get tired. It is something you are passionate about or as my friend Keith Scott put it, it is sometimes what makes you angry or upset.

For example: Are you passionate about dance? Does homelessness make you upset?

How to develop it: in the Miss America program, you are required to write a platform statement and submit it with your resume to the judges. However, a platform is something every pageant girl should develop, regardless of what pageant system she is involved in. A platform can be the legacy we leave behind as 'pageant girls'; it is the impact we can have on our world.

Do not just do one event and say it is your platform. Really dig in and develop it. Could you organize your own events? Could you find an organization that involves the same thing (i.e. disaster relief and the Red Cross) and get involved with them? You can develop your platform by making it a 'more than one time' occasion. A platform is something you live, love, and enjoy frequently. Make a list of every way possible you could expand on your platform and go for it. It need not happen tomorrow, but a platform should have an action plan - this is where I am, this is what I have done, and this is where I am going.

Talk about it in interview: Nicholas Boothman says that "it's much easier to be convincing if you care about your topic. Figure out what's important to you about your message and speak from the heart."

Figure out why you love your message or cause and speak on it often. The words will come to you in interview much easier if you have a short story from an experience or event. The words will come easier if you are actively involved and are actively engaged in its development and growth.

Do not: do not throw out vague ideas. For example: yes, you can 'spread awareness', but how will you do it? How will you have an impact? Can you throw out some stats? Have you done research?


Pageant platforms are not silly things and they do not develop in a single day. You must invest some time, do some research, and really want to see something come out of your work. As mentioned above, a platform can be your legacy - it can be the impact you have on the world around you...and it takes more than just two days to have an impact. Let me know if you need any help with your platform, I'm here to help!

The Fatal Competition Mistake

Eye contact is one of the most important non-verbal channels of communication that we have. Eye contact gives the unconscious signal that trust is in the air. When you avoid looking a judge directly in the eyes, you are signaling a lack of confidence and really, that you do not want that crown.

In interview, your message will go where your voice goes and your voice will go where your eyes send it. If you are sending a message to the ceiling, look at the ceiling. If you are sending a message to the judge's eyebrows, then talk to the eyebrows. But I believe (and correct me if I am wrong) that when you are in an interview (pageant or job), that you are sending your message directly to someone - the judge or the interviewer. Stop wasting time look all over the place and send your message straight to the eyes. I'm not telling you to be creepy and stare them down - naturally, we as humans look away for a second to process something, but look the judge in the eye when answering. Not doing so could signal lying or lack of confidence.

The same rule applies on stage. If you want the judge to "pick you", you need to send that message to the judge. Why some girls look at the back of the ballroom or above a judge's head is beyond me - is the back of the ballroom or a bald spot scoring you? You must look the judge in the eye to be taken seriously. Again, no scary stares, please, but send me the message that you are confident in what you are doing on that stage. And for heavens sake, don't 'turn it on' when you are directly in front of the judges; use that walk on time wisely too.

You can always add a smile in that interview room or on stage too! A smile is the best way to put your best foot forward. Just like yawns or sneezes, smiles can be contagious too. While a judge is asking a question or you are preparing on walk on stage, smile. Break the barrier. While on stage, always smile. Avoid creepiness, as always, but smile to say "I'm approachable," "I'm happy to be here", and "I'm confident".

Combine that smile and direct eye contact and you can definitely improve your score. Radiate and give off the idea that you are confident, happy, and approachable; that's never failed anyone.