Welcome to my Blog! I finished the last Blog post with my upcoming Pageant photo shoot scheduled for January 25th. I must say I was a little hesitant to agree to photograph another pageant. The last one I did was over two years ago. When the director, Paige Lessard, contacted me to sponsor this Pageant I thought sure, I can donate some studio sessions for the winners. Paige liked my photography from when she was a contestant, that she then asked me to be the photographer for the day of the pageant. This is a big obligation, and one I did not take lightly. I would be at the pageant location from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm., making it a long day. 

I am not sorry I agreed to be their photographer. Paige was fantastic, and had sold mini-sessions and "day of the pageant" DVD's before I even arrived. Her organization skills were very impressive. She took a lot of the burden off of me, and all I had to do was set up the lights and backdrop and start scheduling the young ladies. They were a very enthusiastic group, and were thoroughly enjoying the event. Paige and her helpers were teaching them the opening routine, as well as how to present themselves on the runway. 

The Miss Southern Maine Pageant is an official preliminary pageant for the Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant (MASP)! The titleholders move on to compete for the USA National Miss titles at the September state pageant! The pageant Titleholders promote an anti-bullying platform named "The Crown C.A.R.E.S." (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools) and works with Unite Against Bullying ME.org to educate others. The titleholders are trained and available to make appearances to promote the platform by reading to school-aged children, talking about preventing bullying, and also to help promote local businesses, especially during special occasions or festivities. In addition to their web site, please check out their facebook page!

The day began with mini-headshot sessions for those that wanted current photos while their hair and makeup was pageant ready. These are always fun and fast. I try to coax the best look I can from each of the young ladies. I really do not want to refer to them as girls, as the ages range from toddler to the Mrs. Division, and everything in between.

Brooke Maloney - Miss Southern Maine Pageant 2020 ContestantBrooke Maloney - Miss Southern Maine Pageant 2020 Contestant
The mini-headshot sessions went well. I brought a red background and one studio light with me. In most cases, I prefer a one light setup. It works well with fashion and beauty photos, when you want to keep the shadows to a minimum. It is best to have a space assigned that is out of the line of traffic, but easy for the ladies to get to for their scheduled appointments. 

I also offered a package that included a DVD of photographs of the day. With this, I would include photos of all the ladies during the opening number, the talent portion, and the runway competitions (Casual Wear, Fitness Wear, and Evening Gown). Also included is the awards and Crowning in the various Divisions.

While not as stressful as a wedding, nor as lucrative, it is important to make every shot count, and not miss any of the young ladies on the runway. After all, as in a wedding, there is no do over. The contestants, and their families, count on seeing themselves on the DVD. Not everyone can win, and you feel the disappointment for those not chosen in their division. 

Division Winners - Miss Southern Maine Pageant 2020Division Winners - Miss Southern Maine Pageant 2020 Several of the Division Titleholders have already scheduled their one hour photo session in my Studio in Lewiston, Maine. Samples of these photo sessions can be seen on my facebook page, as well as my instagram account; @walkerj56.

I know that Pageant Photography is not for everyone, but it can be rewarding and is good word of mouth advertising when you turn out a good product and the ladies and their families are happy. Good quality Headshots are an asset to your portfolio also.

Until next time, have a good March!