Kaylen Sanborn | Miss Kirksville

After winning the crown at the Miss Kirksville Pageant, Kaylen Sanborn was in need of new head shots for the Miss Missouri Pageant in Mexico, Missouri, June 6.

The headshots are given to the judges and are also printed in the program.

Samantha Caraway | Pageant Hopeful

Samantha has big dreams for herself, and we are sure she'll make them come true one of these days. Just remember me, Sam, when you get ready to shoot your first album cover!

Samantha and her mother, Angela, stopped by last week to get a few new pageant head shots for Samantha's portfolio.

Here are some of my favorites.

Jessica the Doll

A few weeks ago, I ran into Jessica Barlow at the Miss Kirksville Pageant. She was sitting in front of me after her performance. I lovvveeeed her costume and make-up, and I thought her "get-up" would make for some awesome shots to add to my portfolio.

Here are some of my favorites. You'll notice that the images look very drmatic. I wanted to make these shots more like fine art pieces...so you'll see lots of contrast, saturation and exposure.

My baby, Lu Parker | Miss USA 1994

One of the most loving, positive, and inspirational people I've ever met is my dear friend Lu Parker, Miss USA 1994. She and I worked together at the Fox TV station (KABB) in San Antonio.

I remember my first day on the job like it was yesterday. I walked into the newsroom and found a little note on my keyboard that read, "Welcome to the family!" It was signed, "Lu," with a smiley face and a Hershey's Kiss. I didn't know who Lu was, but the small gesture made me feel a lot less nervous.



When Lu walked into the newsroom, I was stunned by her physical beauty. With her million-dollar smile, she walked right up to me, shook my hand firmly and said, "Hi! I'm Lu. Congratulations!" It was such a genuine moment. And I realized her beauty wasn't only skin deep...it coursed through her veins. We shared many, many laughs and moments of personal growth. She taught me how to see the positive and beauty in everyone.

At any rate, Saturday's Miss Kirksville Pageant reminded me of Lu and her amazing book, Catching the Crown. She wrote the book to help young women understand the complex world of pageants. Catching the Crown: The Source for Pageant Competition covers everything from preparation to the big night of competition. Lu even includes personal stories and pictures from her exciting year as Miss USA. She had the dream, conquered it, and now shows you how to Catch the Crown.



So if you are a pageant hopeful, I totally recommend her book.
Here is a link to buy the book...and to her website.

And remember if you or someone you know is a pageant hopeful, I'm waiving the sitting fee ($55 value) during the month of February as part of our "Pageant Pix" special.

P.S. Lu: My baby, my baby, my baby! I'm SO proud of you! I love you lots and can't wait to see you soon! :)

Olivia | Little Sis - Miss Kirksville Pageant

Here are some shots of our beautiful neighbor, Olivia. She's participating in the Miss Kirksville Pageant on Saturday as one of the little sisters to a pageant contestant.

I was totally inspired by Olivia's pageant dress...so we are going to offer a "Pageant Pix" special in her honor!

If you are a pageant contestant (or a little sis), we'll waive the session fee! I know...it's CRAZY...but we love pageants! I can only run this special through the end of February...so email us to set up your session!