Official Photo Shoot!

During orientation at Mrs. International, we were all given a date for the official Mrs. International photo shoot with Clay Spann in Dothan, Alabama. I wrote it down along with everything else we learned that night. Now, I was on my way to Dothan for that very shoot! It is an amazing gift to be given!

It was an entertaining evening at Bella’s!

I arrived Friday and was greeted by Mary Richardson and our Miss Teen International, Haley Pontius. After checking in to the hotel, we had time to catch up a bit.  Haley is kind to her core and such a standout.  Of course I adore Mary.  She is smart and powerful.  And she is also very funny and so interesting. We met up with Joey Rutherford and Clay Spann for dinner at Bella’s.  I am hungry just thinking about it! They took great care of us there.

I had a hard time sleeping because I was so excited for Saturday!  Joey and Terri had lined up some of the most beautiful and edgy wardrobe I have ever seen! Given Bella’s, I was thrilled I was able to fit in the extravagant clothing they selected.

Miss Terri making sure everything is in place.

And for the day, Clay worked his fingers to the bone with the help of Terri.  It was a great make over every time.  And I say, “every time,” because we shot several looks; each one very different from the other.  It is still a mystery to me how my hair does not cooperate for me the way it does when it is in hands of professionals.  Clay, Joey and Terri are a tremendous trio of talent.  I have no idea which pictures they have selected and I am glad I don’t have to make the final choices.  You will get to see some of them shortly when the brand new International website is launched.  I can barely contain my excitement for the big reveal! And then throughout the year more of their hard work will appear.

This look was shot for the Go Red for Women campaign and the American Heart Association.

Clay, “the magician,” at work!  This breathtaking gown was selected by Joey and accessorized by Terri. Loved it!

These are just a couple of pictures taken at the start of the shoot. You will have to check out the new International website for the final cuts!

Post-shoot with Joey and Clay.

Thank you to Mel and Mary for this opportunity and thank you to Joey, Clay and Terri for a magical experience!

Be the change!

Amy Gregorio 
Your Mrs. International

Cinderella's Big Day

Some of my pageant family refers to me as a “Pageant Almanac”  - I am both proud and a little embarrassed to admit my real level of pageant enthusiasm.  I grew up in a neighborhood with very few children my age and none of my schoolmates within walking distance.  Because of this, lots of summer days were spent trying to find ways to keep myself occupied.  When I started to fall in love with pageants around the late 90s, I made it my mission to become an “expert”.  I had taped countless pageant telecasts and would actually analyze the winners, the runners-up, the finalists and what they had done to stand out.  As my pageant interest continued to grow, this “research” stemmed out to looking up wardrobe designers, gown collections, photographers (ahem, CLAY SPANN) that I could only dream I would someday work with.

I am a packrat – especially since I am still the same size I was in junior high (that’s not an exaggeration).  My pageant wardrobe has stood the test of time and I have without a doubt squeezed every dollar out of each purchase made over the years.  I have a red mermaid dress I bought on the sale rack in 2003 for $15… yes, one-five… that I wore for talent two separate years, a walk-on gown, my junior prom, borrowed by two separate people, and worn again recently for an appearance.  Would I have loved to buy a new dress for every occasion? ABSOLUTELY.  However, it just isn’t always possible.

For Miss International I increased my typical budget because I knew it would be my last “go round” and I was in a place financially to handle that responsibility.  That said, my budget was still incredibly modest and I did stick to it (thanks to the New York International sponsors and some thorough bargain shopping).  For the most part I refuse to even try on anything I know I can’t leave with…

Fast Forward… I am landing in Dothan, Alabama to work with Clay Spann -the very photographer and make-up artist I had dreamt of shooting with over a decade ago - and shop at The Competitive Image where, thanks to their incredibly generous sponsorship, I get to live that Cinderella experience of really being able to dress like that princess I always wanted to – without limiting myself or feeling like I was settling (Thank you, Joey Rutherford!).

Each day I am so humbled that this really is my life and that I truly do have a “team” of people that want me to have all of the tools I could possibly need to look and feel my absolute best.  It is a testament that dreams come true with a clear focus, hard work, and living by your own rules.  The experience was everything I could have imagined it would be and so much more.

Clay, Joey, and Ms. Terri made me feel like an absolute bombshell!  Looking around the studio walls, nerdy me was beyond starstruck to see all the faces of former queens and contestants that I had admired for so long – am I really a Clay Spann girl like all of them?!  The looks that Joey and Clay picked and accessorized for me were beyond my wildest imagination.  They are the gold standard!

Jesse Ladoue

Back in Alabama!

Getting to go see Clay Spann and Joey Ruthaford the first time was amazing, but getting to go see them twice?! I think I just might be the luckiest girl in the world. I had literally been counting the days until this trip to Dothan Alabama. One, because I knew I would get to work with Clay and Joey and take more incredible pictures that I would never have a chance to do if it wasn’t for my title, and two, because I was meeting up with my sponsors Thomas and Drew from Stand Out Salon to get my extensions put it! Yay! I don’t think I can type into a keyboard how excited I was about getting hair. Caroline shared in my excitement and said,” Mama, I’m gunna look like a mermaid!!!!”

Thomas and Drew from Stand Out Salon were so much fun. They constantly had me laughing, poking fun at our northern and southern differences. The hair extensions they sponsored were beautiful, high quality, and professionally fused into my hair. This service plus the hair is worth thousands of dollars and I am so grateful for their generosity. I feel so pretty and feminine with my super long, super thick hair. I had nice full hair of hair before the extensions but now, its pumped up to the extreme, giving me that barbie doll look. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop touching it, fluffing it, bouncing it, whipping it... pretty much showing it off to anyone who would look my way. Now that I have returned home, I am still obsessed with my hair. It does take a bit longer to dry and style but its worth it! I get compliments everywhere I go.

Clay and Joey were all ready for me when I stepped in the door. Joey had pulled a rack of fabulous gowns for me to try on and pick for the photo shoot. This time, we were shooting looks for the program book and ad pages at the 2013 pageant, and for Donna K the jewelry sponsor. Clay glamed me up with his fantastic make up line and gave my new hair big, sexy, tousled waves. As I have said before, Clay is so effortless at making you look incredible. During our photo shoot, every once and awhile he would turn the camera around and show me a shot he liked and I would get so excited and happy and amazed that I was looking at myself! He is so good at making you look different, but still you, a more polished and defined you. 

I hung out at The Competitive Image while Caroline and Sarah had their sessions with Clay. Get ready everyone, because the 2013 program book covers are going to be knock outs! Little Miss Caroline had some drop dead gorgeous shots and even though Clay had to teach me how to do a sexy face, Caroline had the sexy serious face mastered! She is such a sweet down to earth girl. I was so happy I got the chance to get to know her better and spend time with her and her mother Denise. We spent about 5 hours in a hotel room together, myself, Caroline, Denise, Mary, Thomas and Drew getting our hair extensions put it and I don’t think we stopped talking or laughing for one second. We had so much fun! I even witnessed a few of Mary Richardson's “A-dork-able” moments, but we will save those stories for my goodbye speech, hehe. 

Mermaid hair <3 p="">

Thank you with all my heart Thomas and Drew, Clay and Joey, Mary and Mel, for giving me opportunities that would only be possible through the International Pageant. I love you all and can’t wait to reunite in Chicago!

With all my love and never-ending gratitude, 

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012

Photo Shoot Tips

So far, along with Miss International 2012, Krista Wanous, and Mrs. International 2012, Sarah Bazey, we have covered several aspects of the Miss International pageant. Hopefully, we are able to use our experiences to help you better understand competition week and feel more prepared when you arrive!

One aspect we have not covered is photography! As a titleholder, you are required to submit head shots for various pages both online and in the program book.

If you are selected as one the 2013 International queens, you will be granted the wonderful opportunity to shoot with renowned photographer, Clay Spann! Although the concept seems simple, a great photo requires preparation. Below are some helpful tips to make the most of your future photo shoots.

• Choose a top or dress with an interesting neckline. An interesting neckline is aesthetically pleasing; it also helps focus the viewers on the most important aspect of a head shot…your face!
• Bring fun jewelry! A great way to express your personality is through accessories. I have participated in pageantry since I was a toddler. Looking back on my photos, some of my favorite included a fun headband or flashy neck piece. 
• Prepare your skin, teeth, and hair several weeks before your photo shoot. Whether your hair needs a trim, you need a facial, or maybe you like to whiten your teeth, make sure you do not wait until the last minute. Sometimes, my skin reacts oddly to products I have used my whole life. Preparing in time helps ease your stress and allows you to enjoy your experience!
• Be comfortable with yourself! I often wonder if I look awkward during a photo shoot. However, I always remind myself that a great photo often involves going outside of my “comfort zone”. A unique photo requires a unique approach.

I was able to catch a glimpse of Miss Teen West Coast International’s photo shoot with Clay Spann recently.

Love,

Caroline Crowley

Clay Spann Photo Shoot

Southern hospitality is alive and well in Dothan, Alabama! The fabulous Competitive Image team of Joey, Clay, and Terri could not have made me feel more like a Queen during my first photo shoot with the talented Clay Spann.

From the moment I arrived, Joey was an amazing host taking care of the details and assuring that I was transported safely, well fed, and most importantly dressed in some gorgeous frocks! Clay has a gift for both creating amazing looks with hair and make-up in his chair, and then bringing that look to life from behind the camera! And, we cannot forget to mention the fantastic Terri, who assists with hair and make-up, and takes meticulous notes of each Clay Spann Face product that is custom selected.

What made this experience even more wonderful was the time that was spent with the phenomenal Mary Richardson and the sweet Caroline Crowley! It is hard to describe the gratitude I feel toward both Mary and Mel for taking the Mrs. International title to the level it is today. And Caroline is a charming young lady with a southern style that makes me smile every time she says, “yes ma’am.”

With love and deep appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

My Visit to the Competitive Image

Two weeks after winning the Miss International 2012 title, I was flown to Dothan, Alabama for my first official photo shoot with Clay Spann!I was excited, but nervous. I knew Clay was a phenomenal photographer from what I had seen on his website and from friends of mine, but would I be pretty enough? Mary Richardson and I headed over to the Competitive Image studio first thing in the morning.

It was pageant heaven! Racks of beautiful gowns and jewelry! Then, further into the store was Clay's studio area. There were pictures of beautiful women Clay had photographed plastered all over the walls.This was going to be a challenge keeping up with all the stunning, elegant and beautiful women.

Joey had picked out a few options for me to try on, but I’m keeping the details of each outfit a secret! Needless to say, each dress they had picked for me was more gorgeous than the next. Somehow, they had chosen pieces that reflected my style even though this was our first time meeting.  After the wardrobe was chosen, Clay and Terri started beautifying me!

Clay just looked at my face for a second and then poof! It seemed like magic. He picked colors and shades that looked great and he did my make up in a way that reflected my own personal make up style, but better! Now, I must tell you, I am pretty particular when it comes to my make up. I don’t use a lot of eyeliner - especially on the bottom. I must pencil in my brows, I need big lashes and big lips, and lots of contouring because I have a very round face and big cheeks! He did all those things without even having to ask! Every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I got more and more giddy.

Terri followed along as Clay chose colors, wrote them all down for me, made notes of products I still need to buy, and put together my make-up kit. She’s a doll! They both helped explain where and how each product and color is applied. They also introduced me to rollers. I have never used them before because in the past, they never hold the curl or they are falling out constantly. So frustrating! They showed me how to put the rollers in, what product and size to buy, and wala! After a half hour in the rollers, my hair was soft, wavy, and touchable. No hair spray helmet here! Clay lightly spritzed some flyways and gave the crown a tiny bit of backcombing and we were ready to go!

Clay's work area is awesome! You can tell that this is his calling. It just seems to come so naturally for him. He has different levels of props to sit or stand on, and big reflectors. Every once and awhile he would turn the camera around so I could get a look and the shot we just took and WOW! It was like looking at a glamorized movie star – but it was me!! I cannot wait to see the final photos. The shot for the website should be up soon so make sure you check it every few days.

Oh, I forgot to mention how awful my skin is. I have lots of break outs and nothing seems to help, I have red rosy cheeks,and I am oily and dry at the same time so I am of course, very picky about the type of make up I wear. But, I have been using Clay's make up almost every day since I got it and I love it! It lasts all day and keeps a dewy fresh look. It matches my skin perfectly, and I always get compliments about it. Sending a huge hug and big THANK YOU to Clay, Joey, Terri and Mary! I had a wonderful couple of days working with you and getting to know you. They really are the nicest people ever! I am so excited to see the final photos!

Krista Wanous