Taya A Teen

Top picture is Taya two years ago..... just starting her pageant work.  Now she is the ripe old age of 13 :)

 Now she is a pageant winner.  Missouri Perfect Junior Teen.  We did another series of portfolio shots as she gets ready for Nationals.

 Great fun to work with her... she has a great personality and loves taking picture.

 Some application of digital powder. Slight lightening of eyes and teeth.  Removal of fly-aways... and that's about it for post processing.

 Studio shots with the Nikon D800 and 105mm macro lens.  ISO 100, F16-18, 1/200th shutter.  Two lights to four lights depending.

 Kauffman Gardens.  Nikon D800, 70-200mm lens for all shots, F56 mostly, ISO 400.

 These two above and below used fill-flash... most others available light.

 Above is Taya's favorite.  I can't pick a favorite.

 Although I really like the one above and the next two.

Two Winners In More Ways Than One

My two most recent pageant photo subjects competed last weekend in the Miss American Coed Pageant in St. Louis. Amber, above, won Miss Photogenic (yea me) in the Miss Missouri Teen Division. And Taya, below, in only her second pageant ever was 1st Runner Up in the Sweetheart Division. She also won Miss Photogenic and Best Hair, Best Smile, Best Gown, Best Interview and the Spirit of America Award.
Congratulations to both girls on their success.... they are both extremely nice in front and not in front of the camera.... also, congratulations to their coach Lorenzo who has more winners than any other coach in the midwest.....