Pageantry

Back in the beginning of April, I put an ad out on Omaha’s Craigslist to advertise my maternity photography services. To this day, I still have yet to have received one single phone call or email inquiring about my services. (this is where all of my photographer friends are screaming that I need a website. Yes, I know.)

When I was in Greeley, visiting Brodie, I got an email from Nationals Inc. informing me that I had been chosen to judge the Miss Teen Omaha pageant. It would be an unpaid job, but in return, they would offer me the opportunity to promote my company (Abbey Corbett Photography) to the contestants and their families attending the pageant.

At first, I thought it was a scam. They had after all, found me off of Craigslist. I thought about it for a few days before replying. When I did finally decide to reply, I kept it short and sweet just in case it was in fact, a scam.

Right away, I could tell that it wasn’t and I was really intrigued. Shortly there after I received my official application, which I turned in that day and a day or two later I got the confirmation email stating that I would be on the judges panel. Along with the confirmation came my information packet. The first day entailed a briefing and lunch with the other judges followed by the contestant interviews. The pageant was divided into four categories, and each panel of judges was given two groups.

I was really hoping that I would get the oldest group, because I worried that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the younger kids. I was told that I needed to come to lunch prepared with at least two questions to ask each contestant during their interview. So the days leading up to the pageant, I did my research and made a short list of questions. As luck would have it, I of course, got the tiny tots so all the questions I’d come up with were a little too sophisticated for my age group. Luckily they split it up so each panel of judges would get one group of young girls, and one group of older girls. I was in charge of the 7-9 year olds (Miss Jr. Pre-Teen) and 13-15 year olds (Miss Jr. Teen).

When the first interviewee came in, I thought she was going to throw up. She was absolutely petrified. I thought that it was a little ironic because she probably had no idea that her panel of judges were just as scared as she was. After the first few contestants, we all took a deep breath and got into a groove. It was a long day of interviewing. I was a little disappointed at the end of the day to make it back to my photography table to see that not a single person had signed up, and only two people had taken a flyer.

Right then, I got it... all the other photographers had big set ups, very professional looking flyers and postcards, and give-away’s. So that night I went home, got all of the prints I had with me in NE together to create some sort of set up; got a give-away together; and even redid the prizes I had for the winners of the pageant.

The next day I showed up armed, and ready to go!

The second day of the pageant consisted of casual wear, formal wear, and the top 10/semi finals.

The second day was far more fun than the first day of interviews. It went by quickly though. The first day of interviews, my pages were filled with notes. On the second day, I’d started writing notes as fast as I could and realized that it just wouldn’t be possible.

The girls were scored on a 1-20 scale. I chose to start everyone off at a 10 and either go up or down from there, though I don’t think I ever gave anyone anything lower than a 10 and nothing higher than a 19. I peaked at the other judges sheets a couple of times... I think I’m kinda a tough judge :/

After the top 10, and the winners were announced, I can’t say I wasn’t a little surprised. The only girl who I was sure to win was in the Miss Jr. Pre-Teen group. Everyone else was quite a surprise!

When it was all over, the judges were invited up on stage to give the winners and runners-up their prizes and to have their picture taken. I chose to give away a free photo shoot to the winners. I have emailed the director of the program asking for a copy of the photo, so hopefully I’ll be able to post that at some point.

All in all, I have to give my first pageant experience a 9 out of 10 (remember, I’m a tough judge). The thing I liked most about Nationals Inc. is that they promote self confidence and inner beauty. It was clear from the start that they were not your typical “beauty pageant” pageant. We were not to judge based on looks or appearance, but rather on how they carried themselves, their confidence, and most importantly, WHY there were at the pageant. We were asked to ask the girls in a non-direct way why they chose to join the pageant. If it came across that their mother (or guardian) had pushed them into it- we would score them lower, because they wanted girls who WANTED to be there, not who were forced to being there. They really focus on raising these girls’ self esteem, teaching them interview skills, and making new friends. From the website: If you would like to gain self-confidence, make new friends, and create opportunities to achieve further success, you will find that this pageant competition is just what you are looking for. Weather it is your first pageant or your tenth, our goal is to help you feel comfortable with yourself just the way you are! Personality is the most important part of our competition. Our goal is to provide a program that empowers and encourages young ladies to succeed in today's society. Nationals will enhance each participant's self-confidence though positive competition and leadership.

I’m definitely proud that I was chosen, and pleased with the companies outlook.