10 Competition & Pageant Tips
1. Entry
Almost all competitions and pageants will ask for a set of pictures being 1 face (Head) shot & 1 Full length shot (top to toes) - they will NOT want you to spend out large sums on pictures. They will also require your age, date of birth, stats (Bust , waist , hips measurements), and if you are under age 16 and in some cases under age 18 will require parental consent forms to be signed, along with terms an conditions of entry forms to be agreed to.
2. How do I look ?
Most competitions are happy to see you as you are and looking natural but do make some effort clean hair, looking fresh, clean teeth, and clean clothes. For pageants usually a minimal amount of makeup is advisable before you start snapping with the camera, but for MOST model competitions they want to see you without any makeup to check out the contours of your face, like a blank canvas. If you feel too bare then just a wisp of mascara and lip balm and you will be OK.
3. Avoid Scams
Be cautious of "Win a makeover worth £...... " style of headlines, as these are usually a company trying to sell you a very expensive photo shoot package. They used to send leaflets through every household door and a number of companies were often featured on BBC Watchdog and Rogue Traders but now the Internet saves them money and time and gets their call out to many millions of naive hopefuls.
Do also be wary and check out people approaching you in clubs or on the street and handing out business cards. Always stay safe and NEVER go to a person’s house, hotel room or office alone for a promised audition, photo shoot or meet them in cafes, bars, or clubs. Some competitions are held in clubs and hotels but no-one would expect you to go along when the event is not running, on your own. Be suspicious and stay safe and check it out with ALBA first.
4. Your Conduct
Stay in control of yourself and your actions. Bad attitude, bad behaviour, bitchiness or tantrums will not be tolerated and it makes you look awful to not only the judges but to others behind the scenes and it will be noted. Be kind to others and nice things will come to you. Parents should also avoid causing trouble otherwise the contestant will be disqualified.
5. Health & Welfare
It appears that models and celebrities are all partying 24/7 with wild lifestyles, but don't be fooled they do get their sleep. Good skin, healthy hair, clean teeth and nails are essential, nails don't have to be talons' but keep them clean and tidy. Smoking, alcohol, 24 hour or late night partying will take it's toll and damage your body. It will leave you feeling and very much looking drained plus you and your breath will not smell so good either ! So do keep a check on your lifestyle and eat lots of healthy food and drink healthy drinks too.
6. Nerves & Stress
Don’t get worked up into a jittering mess, there is no need – relax and enjoy this experience, everyone will have a twinge of nerves, despite their calm exterior but don't let it get you into a state. Deep breathing helps and make sure you keep yourself hydrated and DO make sure you eat.
7. Comments
If you receive comments about your look, performance or attitude from judges, listen and learn. Don’t get defensively aggressive these people are only trying to give you constructive advice to help you achieve your goals.
8. Envy
Is an ugly thing to have or have it aimed at you, shrug it off the moment it arrives, if someone says or does something, they may be feeling inferior or threatened, so smile and be pleasant that person will just look a fool. Do NOT retaliate it will make you look bad, DO rise above it.
9. Failure
Not everyone can win the event, if you do win or get placed as a runner up then fantastic, but be kind to your fellows that did not make it that time. If you did not win, don't take it too badly be gracious and move on to the next one, never start shouting "fix" or bad mouth the judges, think about what you did enjoy about the event, people you met friends you made. It is about the participation so don't be a diva or bad sport treat it as a learning curve and look towards the next event and if at all, take some time out to consider how you can improve. Remember if you post comments on websites saying a pageant was a fix just because you didn’t win, other organisers will see this and may view you as trouble and not invite you to enter their Pageant
10. Have a Go
You have to be in it to win it - so DO have a go and have fun!
Watch out for bogus competion scams - see our advice here