PHOTOGENIC


Introducing Sydney Hayden, 2025 Feature Photo and Senior Division Winner. 

Congratulations to all the 2025 Photogenic Contest winners and thank you to all participating contestants for sharing your beautiful photos with us.

Elle Nguyen

2025 Tiny Tot Winner

Willa Kayte Wilkerson

2025 Mini Winner

Ivy Willis

2025 Junior Winner

Kelsie Cerbelli

2025 Teen Winner

Welcome to the VIP Photogenic Contest! Learning to take a professional quality headshot that highlights ones best features and shows a true and raw version of themselves is an important skill in the professional dance world. Photo quality, creativity, and composition are vital to a great photo. Presentation through grooming and wardrobe, expressing emotion through facial expressions, and use of the eyes to enchant the camera are all factors in choosing the winners of our contest.

Creating a great headshot is both an art and a science. Here are some essential tips to help you capture a headshot that stands out and makes you shine in all your photogenic contests.

01. The Setup

Lighting: Your best friend here is natural light. Try to take your photo in soft, natural light, ideally during the early morning or late afternoon. If you're indoors, position yourself near a window. Remember, the right lighting can dramatically enhance your photo.

Background: Choose a simple and uncluttered background. Neutral colors like white, grey, or light blue work best. The key is to avoid anything that might distract from your face.

Wardrobe: Opt for clothing with solid colors and simple designs. Avoid loud patterns or logos. Your outfit should complement your look without overpowering it.

02. The Photography

Camera Settings: If you're using a DSLR, adjust the aperture to blur the background slightly and keep the focus on your face. A setting like f/2.8 usually does the trick. With a smartphone, portrait mode can create a similar effect.

Angles and Framing: Experiment with different angles. Typically, a slightly above-eye-level camera position is flattering. Ensure your face is centered and occupies the right amount of space in the frame.

Post-Processing: A bit of editing can improve your photo. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color saturation for the best look. Keep any skin retouching minimal – the goal is a natural, polished look.

03. The Model (That's You!)

Pose: Stay relaxed. A natural pose with a straight posture works best. You can face the camera directly or turn slightly to one side.

Expression: Your expression is crucial. A genuine smile or a confident, neutral expression can be very effective. The key is to look genuine, approachable, and professional.

Eye Contact and Focus: Your eyes should be the focal point. They need to be sharp and clear in the photo, as they convey your personality and confidence.

Makeup: If you choose to wear makeup, keep it natural. The aim is to enhance your features subtly.

2025 Finalists...

Ryann Cummins

2025 Tiny Tot Finalist

Nyla Aderibigbe

2025 Tiny Tot Finalist

Harper Clark

2025 Mini Finalist

Kinsley Oldham

2025 Mini Finalist

Amy Peyton

2025 Junior Finalist

Lily Miller

2025 Junior Finalist

Laura Leininger

2025 Teen Finalist

Kaylah Lauderdale

2025 Teen Finalist

Maddie Kirklin

2025 Teen Finalist

Sydney Chastain

2025 Teen Finalist

Frankie Rai Jensen

2025 Senior Finalist

Brianna Staystork

2025 Senior Finalist

Past Seasons

FEATURE WINNERS

Graceann Hammer

2021

Sienna Capri Arias

2022

Allison Weber

2022

Lucie Perry

2024

  • VIP Dance reserves the right to alter any policy or rule at any time for any reason deemed necessary by VIP Dance. 
  • VIP Dance reserves the right to reject any photo for any reason deemed necessary by VIP Dance. 
  • VIP Dance reserves the right to combine categories when any one category has minimal entries.
  • Swimwear is not allowed in submitted photographs.
  • All entrants are responsible for obtaining any permissions or rights to enter the submitted photos into this contest. Should it be required that a photo is removed from the contest, a replacement photo may be submitted.
  • No refunds on any entry for any reason.
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