Miss New Mexico USA winner Alexis at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Great runway presence starts with simple practice. Every confident walk begins with practice. Learning how to move, turn, and carry yourself takes time, repetition, and guidance. Confidence on stage is built long before the spotlight.

This model is 5’2”, but in this image she looks statuesque and elegant. The right wardrobe, strong posture, and careful posing can completely transform how height appears in photographs. Long lines, extended posture, and confident presence help create the illusion of length and grace. While high fashion runway has strict height requirements, there are many other paths—pageants, commercial work, and print modeling—where confidence and presentation matter more than inches.

Pageant Portraits by Hollywood Modeling School These are the images that appear in the pageant magazines, programs, and promotional materials—the photos that introduce each contestant before she ever steps on stage. My goal is to create portraits that capture attention, highlight natural beauty, and help each girl stand out in her own unique way. The right image can make people pause, look closer, and remember her. In pageants, every contestant is a winner for having the courage to step forward, represent herself, and be seen. My job is to make sure her portrait reflects that strength, confidence, and sparkle. Because sometimes, your image speaks before you ever say a word. 📽️https://www.youtube.com/@FreeFallin1989

This is Lena — Miss Teen New Mexico USA. I met Lena when she was just 16 years old. We started working together on her portfolio, and from the very beginning, I could see something special in her. She had this quiet confidence and determination that went far beyond her years. At the time, I was photographing for Miss Earth and Miss Teen, and I loved helping young women prepare for the stage. Lena may only be 5’2”, but what she has in heart, presence, and spirit is larger than life. She proved that you don’t have to fit a certain mold to shine. Watching her grow, step into her confidence, and do so well in the pageant world made me incredibly proud. Moments like these are why I love what I do—being part of these journeys and helping young women see their own beauty and strength. So proud of you, Lena. ✨

Where Pageant Dreams Begin Every crown has a story behind it. Every winner started with a first pose, a first photo, and a moment where someone believed in them. For seven years, I was the photographer for Miss New Mexico USA, and I’ve watched contestants grow from nervous first-timers into confident young women who walked away with titles. I’ve seen what works, what wins, and what makes a contestant unforgettable in front of judges and the camera. Pageants aren’t just about beauty. They’re about confidence, presence, posture, expression, and the way you carry yourself when the spotlight hits. Inside this pageant section, I’ll be sharing real guidance, real posing techniques, and real experience from behind the camera—so you can present your strongest, most confident image on stage and in photos. If you’ve ever dreamed of competing… If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stand out… If you’re ready to feel more confident in your image… You’re in the right place. Your pageant journey starts here