How To Win A Modeling Contest

Does your child have what it takes to win Lexington's Star Kids Modeling Contest?

I'll bet he or she does! There isn't a single child we've ever photographed that has not been beautiful and worthy of being called so. Winning a modeling contest isn't so much about perfect looks and flawless skin as it is about showing off and capitalizing on your child's particular beauty. Here are a few tips on preparing for, picking out, and producing a photography session that will send your child's image right to the top of the list!

1. Style Matters

There are two distinct styles for Star Kids Modeling Contest: Reality and Imagination. It matters not only because they are judged separately, but because you want to choose the style that best suits your child's look and personality. Is your son a real dreamer who likes to play pretend and perform for you at home? Then the Imagination style will allow us to capture him in his best moments. Is your daughter down to earth with a quiet smile and a tendency to talk rather than play? Then the Reality style will present her in a much more suitable way. When deciding think less about what you want to see, and more about what's going to best showcase your child.

2. Planning Ahead Makes A BIG Difference

This might be common sense, but don't go into your portrait session completely unprepared. You'll want to make sure that your child's outfit fits the background/set you doing. Talk with the photographer (call the studio and ask who your photographer is going to be) and discuss the session with them - that helps a LOT! Get your son or daughter plenty of rest the night before his/her session (trust me, this one is huge!). For all these details, check out our video learning center (choose the "preparing for the shoot" video).

3. Act the Part...

Regardless of which style you choose, it's important that your child is really fitting that style to make it really work. This is beyond the personality and outfit we've already mentioned, this is about having your child pose and act appropriate to the scene. For Reality images, this means more traditional poses, less big goofy smiles and more soft natural faces, and strong eye contact with the camera. For Imagination images acting the part is extra important - let your child's imagination really run wild! If she's a mermaid, do your best to encourage her to imagine herself as one and discover the ocean world; if he's a cowboy, we're looking for rugged poses and snarls. The very best thing you can do is to really let the photographer set the pace of the session and to encourage your child in the same way.

4. ...but Be Natural

As important as it is to "act the part," what you must be wary of is the tendency to be fake. One of the most destructive thing a parent can do for a child's portrait session is to tell them, "now make sure you smile really big!" Kids stick out there chins and give us a great big "CHEEEEEEESE!" ... which is cute, but it's not going to win a modeling contest. Likewise, if your child is being forced to behave a certain way he or she is more likely to freeze up and not look right at all. You have to let kids be themselves; if they are goofy let them be so, if they are shy that's okay - the important thing is to let them be them. All kids are beautiful, but not all in the same way - you want to let your child's individuality really come through in the portraits.

5. Show Off Your Child's Best Features

Like we just said, it's very important to showcase your child for who he/she naturally is. To bring out their natural beauty, we want to highlight their best features. Not every 18 month old is doe-eyed; if yours is, then we'll make sure we spotlight some close ups, but if not then pick whatever distinguishing features your child does have and highlight those instead. This is where picking the right pose comes in to play: the photographer will photograph your child in a number of different poses, from a number of different angles; it's ultimately your job to pick the pose that gets submitted to the contest. You'll want to pick the one that really spotlights your child's best features.

6. Uniqueness vs. Perfection

As far as picking a pose goes, your photographer will help you and give you suggestions as to which he/she thinks is the best pose, and often that's enough. But you'll have to make a judgment between a more candid, personality filled image and a more posed, traditional looking image. I hate to tell you this, but there is no "right" answer, it's a judgment call - and the winning portraits will often have both. Typically, however, you need to have the perfection in place before you have the uniqueness. What I mean is, you may see a shot that "is just so your child!" but it may not be a great pose, or may show his/her face in a less than ideally flattering way. Well, as much as you love that shot, don't submit it to the contest - buy it for yourself at home. Look for the poses that are primarily good poses/looks, and secondarily have a unique flair about them.

Another word about uniqueness: many times the modeling contest will result in a number of people in the same few poses...because they work. A pose that isn't often seen, though, will stand out in a judges mind. Anything you can do to have the judges remember your child or look at his/her image for a few extra seconds is an advantage. So, if there is a pose that you haven't seen much before and it's got the markings of perfection (mentioned above), then it might be a good one to choose.

7. For Goodness Sake--Have Fun!

This may seem trivial (after all, it's a competition, right? We want to WIN!), but you have got to have a good time! There's nothing good that comes from a portrait session with a miserable child. So if they're not having fun it's essentially a bust. Did you watch that video on our learning center yet? No? Okay, watch it now by clicking here. One of the most important points is to relax and tell your child that this is a fun thing, NOT a big serious deal...because it's not. Star Kids is a casual, relaxed event that is intended to raise money for UK Children's Hospital - it's not pageantry. Though there are some substantial prizes, it's more about fun. So, relax and have fun, and let your child have the time of their life doing it!