Hey ANTM fans! Here's a unique perspective from our America's Next
Top Model guest video blogger, professional petite model Isobella Jade!
Each week she'll be sharing her insights about Cycle 13 with us here at
BuddyTV from her vantage point as a pint-size model trying to make it
in the industry.By Isobella JadeThis week was all about standing tall, on the runway and in front of the camera. The girls faced their runway challenge with pride, even after
learning they would have to walk with giraffe models. Sundai especially surprised me with her
confident take-no-sh*t expression. Overall, they succeeded: no one fell,
and everyone worked it, though Ashley didn't have as much
attitude as I hoped, and Erin
needs a lesson walking in heels. Not all made the cut according to Miss
J and the editor of
Seventeen, Ann Shocket. Ann chose Brittany
as having the best walk, but I didn't think her walk was all that. Was
I the only one who noticed Brittany almost stepping on the tall girl
she walked with down the runway?
The Photo ShootThe concept of the photo-challenge was appearing taller, even if you
are super short. I thought the concept was a good one since petite
models need to understand their proportions and how to cheat length
beyond just wearing heels.
I think
Brittany looked the best in her photo-challenge result image,
even though the judges dissed it and made fun of her short legs.
They
picked
Erin (I think she also should have stayed a
brunette) as one of the top images, though her legs didn't look as long as
they could have. Her legs are obviously there, but her back leg should
have been cocked out a little more to give more depth and make her legs
seem longer. Not so impressed.
Rae has been having great photos each challenge, and I think it was just
her turn to be told she was too short. If you look at her photo, she doesn't look short at all in the last challenge with her
maroon dress and long legs. She got smacked down for no reason.
Nicole looked tall but also Mormon-cleaning-out-the-garage, and a bit
boring in her result photo.
Kara just looked awkward wrapped in the
ropes. You can tell she is not comfortable or confident in
this about-to-fall-pose.
Jennifer looked elegant in her white and
fade-to-black gown, but her face is up to the ceiling, and I don't
understand why. I wish she was looking at the camera. (Tyra may have
gotten over her eye issue, but it is a shame the whole nation knows
about it, jeez Tyra!)
Sundai is always looking away, tilting her head, giving a profile. I
want to see her full face at the camera next time.
In
Ashley's photo, her legs were way too spread and forced, although her
expression was coy and calm. It was a mix of sexy and innocent, which
can work sometimes, but her legs looked out of place.
Bianca has a great face and I think straight on is her best look, the
side profile doesn't do her justice and balancing like a trapeze artist
is a waste of time for her portfolio.
Laura looked elegant in her green
gown, but her hand was not looking comfortable and it was obvious no
one on set had her back for this one.
Getting the Most Out of All Your Inches
Since the show didn't go into detail about how to pose your body for length, here are 5 easy ways to make your legs look longer:
1. Look in the mirror before you shoot and get a handle on your body. What happens when you move your arm a certain way? Turn your body a certain angle and notice what happens. Hold a product while you practice, like a handbag, and pose with it. Get a grip on how to work with products to make you and the product look good.
2. Always create space between your legs, arms, and limbs when in front of the camera. Not extreme space, but you will want to create some to give your limbs length. The closer you hug your body, the bigger you will look. Focus on creating slight spaces between the elbows and the body. Remember that something as simple as a bend at the knee or keeping one leg closer to the camera can make you appear longer. Arching your back slightly and stretching your neck upward are important for looking taller. Focus on your posture.
3. Look at magazine ads and get some inspirational images in mind before you shoot. It is good to learn from observing examples before you shoot. Reenact the pose, but remember a shorter girl should be focusing more on a commercial print vibe, not so high fashion.
4. Don't try TOOOO hard. You still want to be you! Feel relaxed, not tense and uncomfortable. The goal is not to be a weird contortionist.
5. Work with a photographer who KNOWS how to shoot shorter girls. A professional will. An amateur usually won't.
Boo-hoo, Lulu!Last night we were reminded that the more you talk smack on
America's Next Top Model, the more you risk getting kicked off. Lulu learned that the hard way last night when she was eliminated from
America's Next Top Model
Cycle 13 after talking trash about Bianca. With beautiful facial features and cute bangs to
compliment them, Lulu fit the look of a hair model or cosmetics model,
but Tyra said "No more" to Lulu, and off she went with her tattoo and
Audrey Hepburn-like-swagger.
Lulu may not have had the fashion appeal Tyra was looking for but her portrait photos could be cropped and she could use them for beauty modeling and her commercial print portfolio if she pursues it. It seems that to be
America's Next Top Model, you have to conform to what Tyra wants, which might not always be what is best for a shorter girl. Pursuing high fashion when you have assets that work for commercial print isn't a bad thing, but you do have to have the will to chase it.
In modeling, as in any pursuit, having an upbeat personality, and being
willing to share more than a so-so response when asked "tell me about
your self," does matter. Being approachable and putting your
personality into your work is always a benefit.
I am not sure it is
fierceness that makes a girl
America's Next Top Model, but I think the
girl with the most self esteem who can handle Tyra's beatings, keep her
energy and spunk, will become the winner of Cycle 13.
Keep Standing Tall,
Isobella 