Start with your platform (if you don't have one, there will be a blog on that later) or what charities you are already familiar with. Visit different charity's websites and look for "Volunteer Opportunities" or "Get Involved" (you should find this from the search bar or the bottom of the website). From there you should be able to find what opportunities are available and what age restrictions there are. Some charities have updated their site with Covid information and if there are still volunteer opportunities or additional suggestions. ​

There are a lot of opportunities out there, you just have to find them. Although we're in a pandemic and there are limitations for in-person opportunities, you can still find ways if you do your research and get creative. And when in doubt, look to your pageant sisterhood for ideas! 

2 - Research the pageant system
Whether you're competing in a local, state, or national pageant you should always do your research in all aspects of the pageant - including headshots. Check the organization's website, social media, and even the current titleholder's social media accounts to get inspiration from their headshots. Take note of the level of editing, makeup, styling, and even facial expressions. Consider what the headshots say about the titleholders too - is she confident, approachable, sexy, the girl next door?
Consider the examples below: Miss USA 2020 contestants are the top 3 headshots, and Miss America 2018 contestants are the bottom 3 headshots. What differences do you notice? (*Note: as Miss America has changed their headshots the last two years I referred back to the last year they had typical pageant headshots)

Image source: Miss USA

Image Source: Miss America 2018 Contestants

 When it comes to a professional hair and makeup artist, some photographers have one that they work with that is part of their package, while others have ones they recommend. Consider using the recommendations - they're provided for a reason (they know the artist's work will show up well with their lighting and overall desired results).  You might know someone who does hair and makeup and is going to give you a great deal, but that doesn't mean they have the knowledge for pageant-style hair and makeup. ​

The same goes for coloring your hair or cutting it significantly shorter. The judges want to see that the girl in front of them is the same girl they saw in her headshot before meeting her.

5 - Plan ahead
I cannot stress this enough - plan ahead! Photographers and hair and makeup artists book out in advance, some by a month or two. The images also aren't available immediately after the shoot - some edit themselves or send them to their editor (and you want someone that will edit with care - remove flyaway hairs across your face, touch up blemishes, etc). Editing for most photographers is between 1 to 2 weeks. With that said, this is a process, so pay attention to the deadline you're given by the director and plan ahead. I've had clients pay rush fees to have their headshots completed in time and I've had potential clients unable to shoot with me because my time has already been booked and they need their headshot in 2 weeks. 

​You should also plan to bring someone with you. Back in 2010, I had the opportunity to have my headshot sponsored by a well-known photographer that had recently moved to my city. I was so excited and he came recommended to me by an out of state pageant sister. The photographer seemed displeased with the fact that I brought my boyfriend and was annoyed that I wouldn't change in front of him stating that girls do all the time. Long story short I was uncomfortable, stayed because I didn't want to hurt the relationship he had with my friend, but I should have left. Nothing happened because thankfully my boyfriend was with me, but this is why you should always bring someone, especially if you haven't worked with that photographer before. ​

I'll be posting more headshot tips including ideas for what to wear (the biggest question I get). Be sure to follow along on Instagram and subscribe above to the email list so you don't miss out!

Fast forward to today, after years of competing, and being a local director, judge, coach, and photographer, I am here to tell you how important your headshot is. For many pageant systems, this is your first impression on the judges. That means that the judge's opinion about you is formed based on your headshot and resume/bio that they receive - well before even meeting you. What does your headshot say about you? What do you want your headshot to say about you? Did you follow the guidelines the director provided? Is the headshot professional? Does the style and editing of  your headshot match the pageant system's brand?

Would you believe me if I told you that judges have asked contestants about their headshots? It's true! Judges have asked contestants about their hair being real, asked why a contestant doesn't look like her headshot (think harsh editing, hair color is completely different, or even too much makeup), and even why their headshot has filtered out their skin tone so much. This is not a topic you want to spend your valuable interview time discussing with the judges.

For starters - do your research. Decide what pageant you are competing in and look at the local, state, and national headshots. Focus on your age division and pay attention to the hair and makeup, wardrobe, accessories, and style of editing. This will help you determine what photographer you will want to work with. You'll also want to be sure to follow any guidelines that the pageant director provides to you (some systems want a particular color backdrop, or even the chest facing forward).

Be sure to follow along on Instagram and subscribe to the email list below so you don't miss out on tips (things you haven't even thought of), outfit inspiration, and more!