First Impressions

First Impressions

A pageant headshot is the very first impression the judges have of the contestants, and that is why you want to make sure it is a good one. The purpose of the headshot is to give the judges a representation of yourself, but it can also help you stand out if it is done correctly. 

Pageant headshot’s will differ a lot in style when it comes to what type of pageant you are competing in. If you are doing a Full Glitz pageant your headshot maybe more touched up rather than a Natural headshot which will only have minor retouches such as the darkness under your eyes, fly away hairs, and fixing of blemishes. 

For a headshot you should wear a solid color that pops and works with your skin tone. Stay away from prints….they tend to be way to distracting and you want the judges focusing on your face. Now whether you smile or not you need to make sure you have welcoming eyes, in a photo your eyes can do all the talking. 

Here are a few photographers I have personally worked with and some examples of their work:

Sarah Dumbas: Photo #1

David Captain: Photo # 2

Deanna Meredith: Photo # 3 & 4.. photo number four is more touched up and is for a glitz pageant. 

Sarah Dumbas

David Kaptein 

Deanna Meredith 

Deanna Meredith

From Butt Glue to Bobby Pins, All your pageant weekend necessities

Pre- Pageant Packing Checklist

Lets just try to cover the basics....

1. COMPETITION ATTIRE & OTHER CLOTHING

- Interview Outfit 

- Interview Shoes
- Interview Accessories (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
- Formal Dress
- Formal Shoes
- Formal Accessories (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
- Optional Competition Outfits, Shoes, and Accessories
- Arrival Outfit, Shoes, and Accessories
- Rehearsal Outfits
- Swimsuit, Shoes, and Accessories
- Comfy Pajamas
- Garment Bags!!!! These are very very IMPORTANT. Be sure to keep your gown safe and labeled with you first and last name.

2. HAIR NECESSITIES

- Hair Dryer..in case the hotel does not provide one for you
- Curling Iron or Straightener
- Hot Rollers or Sponge Curlers
- Hairspray! LOTS OF IT
- Mousse/Gel
- Comb and Brush
- Teasing Comb
- Bobby Pins
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Ponytail holders
- Clips 
3. COSMETICS

- Make-up.. everything you use on a daily basis and the extra things you may use for onstage events
- Make-up Remover
- Make-up mirror, this I found is very helpful because there are limited mirrors in dressing rooms
- Cotton swabs and Cotton balls
- Cosmetic brush kit and sponges
- Facial cleanser, moisturizer
- Acne/skin medications if needed
- Manicure and pedicure items

Make sure all the makeup you use on pageant weekend you have tested out or used prior to this weekend. You do not want to be having a reaction to new makeup at the pageant.

4. BACK UP KIT / EVERYTHING ELSE

Keep a small travel sized kit to take care of any last minute problems, especially in the fitting rooms.

- Butt Glue; keep that bathing suit bottom in place

- Clear nail polish, this can stop runs in nylons
- Band aids ( just cause you never know!)

- Deodorant (make sure it is the clear kind) 

-Extra buttons, hook and beads, rhinestones, and backings

- Breath mints or Listerine Strips

-Lip Gloss for last minute touch ups

- Snacks; it is so crucial that you keep your energy up

-Mini Tooth brush

-Clothing rack

-Perfume

Well I hope we covered just about everything...better to be safe than sorry! Enjoy your pageant weekend and make every minute count!

First post and Introduction!

Adventures Of A Beauty Queen!

I am finally diving into the wonderful world of blogging! I figured this would be a great way to post all I am doing through out my reign and answer any questions or write about current hot topics in the wonderful world of pageantry. 

Here's a little introduction about myself and my journey with NAM. My name is Phoebe Yankowski I am 18 years old. Im a shopaholic, dog lover, instagram junkie ( P.S FOLLOW ME @phoebsxoxo ), AND I am the current National All American Miss Teen from New Jersey. I first began competing in NAM in 2012 at the New Jersey state pageant, that year I placed top 15 and was the 2012 Cover girl. That year I went to the National pageant and placed 3rd runner up to the national title. I came back in 2013 for the state pageant again, determined to bring home that crown, I ended up placing as the first runner up. I guess you could say fate had something else in store for me. Before I knew it I was on the next flight to Hollywood, California vying for the title of National All American Miss Teen 2013. To my surprise I won. Even in my wildest dreams I never saw that one coming. 

Now here I am serving under the wonderful National American Miss system and could not be more thankful!