Pageant Headshots, Portraits, & Close-Ups | How To Maximize Your In-Studio Glam Photography Session

In this video all about pageant headshots, I discuss my top tips and tricks for getting the most out of a headshot session.
For maximum retouching capability, Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard and always worth learning. But that program has a lot of features and doesn't have the easiest learning curve because it is designed more for professional use. But if you're up for a challenge, that's the best program to use because you have a lot of more granularity and control.
If you prefer something a little lighter, here are additional resources for how to retouch your own photos and modify color. As a titleholder, you're in charge of your own branding and content strategy so I highly recommend you download different photo editing apps and learn to use them. Snapseed is my personal favorite.
IOS: Color Blast (apps.apple.com/app/colorblast...)
Android: Change Color ( play.google.com/store/apps/de...)
If you look up "color change" in your respective device's app store, a bunch of different apps come up. Other examples:
apps.apple.com/us/app/lightx-...
apps.apple.com/us/app/color-p...
apps.apple.com/us/app/color-p...
apps.apple.com/us/app/color-c...
apps.apple.com/us/app/change-...
apps.apple.com/us/app/photo-s...
Have fun trying them out and please leave a comment with the one that works best for you!

[@Yoyoyoyoyoyo718]

Hello! I followed some of your videos on pageant poses, twists and turns, transitions, what type of heels to purchase, and on and on for around 2 weeks before my pageant...and I won! Thank you so much for all the knowledge you shared and all of the tips you gave; it was the reason behind my success. I hope you will never stop making these videos because they are like the flashlight in the darkness for beginners like me. You explain everything very clearly and I'm still going to use your tips for other stage performances! Thank you again! You're amazing!

[@CrystalClues]

I am delighted to hear this! Seriously nothing makes me happier than to know that you’re reaching your goals!!! Wooohoooo! You go girl.

[@empiricaltheory6650]

You are the best pageant channel I've seen! I love how you explain things in detail. Very helpful.

[@julundagean8362]

Love your "3 dresses" photos! Great tip.

[@ayakizleriTR]

Im not even a pageant, but somehow came across your channel. Watched and loved your videos on posing, walking. And i downloaded the colour change app you recommended on this vid. It's very easy to use and practical. Thank you 🌸🌼

[@CrystalClues]

Glad it’s helpful! I’m appreciative of your comment. The clothes color changing app is a lot of fun to play with on airplanes or the tube when I have no Wi-Fi🤣

[@nataliedbode]

Perfect timing - getting my headshots in less than a week!! AWESOME video 😍🙌🏼

[@CrystalClues]

Alright 👏 Natalie! 👏 have a blast!!

[@eissinejohnnapoles3945]

Hi miss cristal hope you notice I've been watching your videos using your tips and it really helps a lot I actually have a pageant this coming dec. 17 and I think your tips on how to walk and do poses made me nail the screening thank u so much

[@ReitumetseTshabangu-sx6mb]

Hey Crystal. I've just started my modelling journey and your videos are really helping me a lot . I'm so grateful GOD BLESS YOU ❤❤❤😢

[@saizahsocoro1811]

Thank you for the tips, love those hair flying with the fan, Stay safe & God bless you.

[@CrystalClues]

The fan always makes the hair look bigger (and better) 🌬 🤣

[@SpotBentley]

"fifteen blouses for a three look session" You're my kind of model. Great video.

[@VagishaMishra]

Wonderfully narrated, Crystal.

[@CrystalClues]

Thanks Vagisha! Your nice comment makes me smile!

[@devikayadav243]

You are my favorite pagents mentor in you tube 🥰........I have learned many things from your video specifically pagents walk, turn , posing 😊.....thanku so much 😘

[@CrystalClues]

Devika, you’re so welcome my darling!

[@Claireannette77]

Just came here to say that I’ve been watching your videos for a little while and I love them!! I took home 1st in my pageant last night!! It was the last time I got to compete before aging out! I made a playlist with your videos and shared it with two younger girls I was helping and one took home 2nd in her category and the other got 1st!!!💕💕💕 You’ve been a great help!💕 Thank you!!💐

[@CrystalClues]

It’s comments like this that make me do what I do! I really appreciate you watching my videos and even leaving such a kind comment with extraordinary news that you WON. All I want in this world is for young women to feel supported and get what they need to succeed. I want all women to feel like they can do anything… Because it is the truth 🙂

[@kevinhedinphotography70]

Hey Crystal, great video and VERY informative! I actually would love to show your video to all my pageant clients, HOWEVER, there are a couple tips that you give that I feel are a dis-service to photographers like myself. First, never ask for RAW photos from a photographer. If the photographer can't deliver the final product that you desire, then go with someone else. Asking for RAW images is like asking a baker for just the ingredients and not the final cake. Most photographers that I know will not give these up anyway, but its rude to ask and you may get blacklisted by that photographer. The second thing is... NOT to edit the photos that a photographer gives you. I know that many apps will allow you to edit endless changes to a photo, and that is fine if you have either taken your own photo or purchased the copyright to a photo, which is usually VERY expensive. Most photographers give you a license to use a photo the way it is presented. Always ask the photographer if they can deliver multiple iterations of the photo for you. This way, when you post edits to your original photo, you won't get in trouble with the photographer or get blacklisted. I know this may sound harsh, but is the truth in the professional photography world. Lesser known photographers or friends with a camera may not care as much, but as a professional photographer, we protect our work and reputation. I wish I could share this video without those two sections.

[@sweetiecomparison1260]

You are so helpful.

[@k.satyanarayanarao3661]

Thank you! for these amazing tips mam.

[@CrystalClues]

You are so welcome, thank you for being a quick commentor! It’s literally been just a few minutes 😮

[@ismeliadouglas9447]

Awesome

[@princesslyna6079]

Wow so beautiful❤.

[@aasiyahvangeenen703]

Thank you so much! Getting my headshot done this month! This was really helpful✨✨

[@CrystalClues]

Yay! Hope they turned out fabulous Aasiyah!!

[@savesoil3133]

Thank you indeed♡ #SaveSoil #ConsciousPlanet

[@Oak7565]

Hi crystal, i am thinking of giving pageants one more try (a third time) and i loved this video! I had no idea what I was really doing the first two times I started pageants. I have 1 more yr til I age out my next pageant is in a few months and I'll be sure to watch and rewatch all your videos! 💕

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Lena! DO IT! Think about how much you learn and grow after every single pageant, no matter what the results are. Perseverance and resilience are qualities that take you much farther in life than any single title, trust me.

[@mintymint4048]

Hi Crystal , your videos are really good content, why you don’t make anymore new videos?

[@Oak7565]

You're so kind!! ❤I did the local pageant 3 months ago and now I'm preparing for another one this March!! (Age limit raised to 28 for MAO last week!)

[@lexislatta]

Thank you!!!!

[@suhanichauhan6132]

You are doing an incredible job🥺❤️

[@CrystalClues]

Thank you Suhani ✨

[@lykamaerodriguez9869]

i really learn to this yt channel thankyousomuch

[@sopanjadhavar4480]

How sweet of u.....!! I have literally watched all of ur videos and noticed that u reply to all of ur comments on videos.....ur such an angle plus so beautiful 😍😍😍🥰💖love from India from julie

[@CrystalClues]

Thank you so much 🙂 I try to respond as best as I can, as I appreciate you spending time on my channel. Best of luck with all your endeavors Sharvari!

[@sopanjadhavar4480]

@@CrystalClues 🤗

[@RonnyWorld_10]

Omg You looked so gorgeous on those pics I was not able to remove my eyes from you...it was stanning ❣️😘😍 And Thank you very much it helped a lot... I will be waiting for your next Video and in the same time I am super excited for it....Love from India...❤️🇮🇳

[@CrystalClues]

Aw thank you Sofia, you are so sweet

[@KhushiKumari-hn3cd]

You are the best

[@CrystalClues]

Thanks Khushi!

[@nancyoma9834]

Wow this is wonderful

[@CrystalClues]

Thanks Nancy!

[@mengueblanche1449]

Hey cristal!. I'm 16 and I want to compete in my first ever pageant beauty contest. Please can you make a video on what to and not to do during the runway walk? I'm still confused about the type of walk to do and if or if not permitted to do a little dance move at the edge of the runway. Thanks for reading my request..much love!!

[@felominaplucena9138]

Thank you so much...

[@rachelgreen7245]

Crystal pleasssseee we need more vids frmmm uuuuu! ur the nly one plss

[@aarushisharma6613]

Thank you so much ma'am . Your videos are of great help for pageant preparation. It's a humble request ma'am kindly make a video on preparation schedule. Being a beginner, it would help me a lot to set my goals and work accordingly in a chronological order and also prepare for the pageant in limited time.

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Aarushi, great idea! Thanks for the suggestion! Without knowing the specifics of your areas of competition, I would suggest making a schedule like the following (this is just a sample): 1) 6+ months out, begin exercising regularly (at least weekly) 2) 4 months out, add one session per week so for example if you were doing 1 cardio hour per week, to up it to 2 hours per week 3) 4 months out, also look into getting your evening gown 4) 3 months out, purchase your evening gown if you need to account for shipping or travel time delays 5) 2 months out, start exercising at least 3 times week - every other day you should be doing strenuous activity at least 20 mins of cardio per session. At this point you should be more toned. Avoid empty calories (soda, junk food) 6) 2 months out, get your evening gown altered (wearing your heels), and write any speeches you need to deliver onstage. 7) 1 month out; all systems GO; daily workouts, "mock pageant" rehearsal for yourself once a week to go through all competition phases, read the news/listen to current event radio, eating very simply and cleanly whole foods ie lean protein, vegetables.

[@aarushisharma6613]

@@CrystalClues Thanku so much ma'am. You are such a kind and helping person! You and your videos are just amazing!🤗❤

[@angelica_ayivi]

This is the best headshot anyway

[@liwileendalupang3176]

Wow thank u❤️

[@CrystalClues]

Yw Liwileen🙂

[@OHCollinsWA]

Just a heads-up most photographers will not just give you raw files under any circumstances.

[@movebuster7038]

Great video☺️

[@CrystalClues]

Thank you, move buster! You make me wanna bust a move

[@movebuster7038]

@@CrystalClues 😄nice to hear that mam.

[@crygamingogaming7693]

hey make a video on the movement of hips and waist in a pageant walk in detail l and also on making a portfolio, types of images, etc. we would love to see your portfolio and pictures

[@CrystalClues]

Hi! Thanks for the suggestion! Now you’ve got my gears turning… I have a lot of modeling photos that I have been meaning to put up into a portfolio link. When I’m done, I plan to share it here! Thanks

[@melissahause6477]

I have a question what color dress is the best for a pageant if you have blonde/brown hair and blue eyes

[@joelly4U]

Pls ma wat app do u recommend we use to change the colour of our outfit?

[@alexanderxiong6220]

My pageant starts soon

[@harshathombre5327]

Hey Crystal, your content is awesome, we learned so many things, walk, interview i love your videos. Please upload a new video, m gonna give audition for a pagent need uh 😢

[@CrystalClues]

Thank you Harsha! I miss uploading as much as I did last year at this time...truth is, the pandemic in the US gave me a lot of time to pursue this but now I'm back to work and hoping to continue mentoring in writing (it helps me get the advice out there much faster, even though it's not the same 😭 ). If you have any questions, please let me know!

[@harshathombre5327]

@@CrystalClues omg uh replied ♥ 😍 thankuh so much for such great video. Take care of yourself ♥ we r waiting for your next video 😌 love uh ♥

[@val7145]

hey crystal, i have a pageant coming up in about 2 months. But i have braces will this become a problem? I havent seen alot of pageant girls with braces :) thanks!

[@lunawolf3635]

hi! i was thinking of competing in miss America outstanding teen but i have never done a pageant before, is that a bad idea?

[@nobuhlevilakazi7153]

How should ur legs bend cause I feel like thiers something am doing wrong

[@AmanMatharu]

Thank you for sharing! I have black hair and so if I wear red for instance with a white background would that be fine?

[@CrystalClues]

Yes, I think that would lovely!

[@AmanMatharu]

@@CrystalClues Thank you :)

[@ls8609]

Hey ik you don’t really post anymore but by any chance could you do a teen interview question video, like just ask a question and give us 30 sec to answer then just keep doing that? I am competing in a miss America teen prelim this year for the first time so this would help a lot! If you don’t want to post anymore I understand, just let me know ❤

[@lexiebrasher7707]

the linkedin pic i laughed ahhaha

[@arin7981]

When Crystal Lee was standing holding hands with Nina Davuluri....the host comes and asks her how are you feeling??... Crystal Lee:- Aa...Aa.....Aah..Aah. . I still remmber watching that 😀

[@tojovidhi2006]

Which types of questions may be asked during pageant auditions

[@btwkiki4527]

What type of jeans we should wear if we have skinny legs

[@swekreteekdh5482]

Hey crystal ❤️ Just a question , Nowdays I hear a lot of people say that almost all the international pageants they are all money games and the contestants that wins are the one who has big endorsements, big brands and big names What do you think about ?? Does it even matter ??

[@CrystalClues]

Hi! This is a good question. Anytime there is big money or opportunity involved, people will try to find a way to game the system. Pageants I’m sure are subject to this as well but the organizers have to protect the brand of the contest and preserve the illusion and appearance of fairness or else all the contestants will dry up. The answer is yes, sometimes money plays a big role. But for many of the more prestigious international pageants with a global viewership and fan base, the organizers would be foolish to expose themselves to a scandal as they have more to lose long term by playing that game. It’s better to keep it fair and it’s easier to do that at the elite level because they have an easier time securing sponsorships already and the top 5-10 contestants are already excellent and would all be reasonably deserving.

[@jessicalim4755]

Love the tip about micro movements! Coco Rocha does the same and she can do like 50 poses in 2 minutes.

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Jessica! So good to see you on KZbin! Happy new year to you and your fiancé 🥰🥰

[@neotlholoe4229]

When are you uploading more videos on pageantry

[@jayprakash3841]

Hey can we use instant body whitening spray in pageants

[@CrystalClues]

Instant body whitening....I am more familiar with the opposite (instant spray tans) but I don't see why you couldn't spray yourself to become lighter! I would just be concerned about my nice fabric gowns getting ruined.

[@piyagadhvi1221]

For participating in pageants whats is more important sports or dance?? As I am confused that what should I learn for pageants can you plss give me a suggestion .mam can u please reply to me as its for my career 🥺🥺.

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Piya, for pageants, dance is usually the more conventional and common route. Traditionally, dance is seen as more feminine and statistically speaking, more winners have dance backgrounds than sports backgrounds.

[@piyagadhvi1221]

@@CrystalClues ok thanks mam now I will definitely learn dance 😊😊

[@nehatomar4204]

Mam plz make a video on lava walk Soo much love from India

[@CrystalClues]

Thanks Neha, a lava walk - I’ve got it on my list!

[@simranjeetkaur4747]

Waiting for new video mam. Where are you mam

[@aryaaishikapanda4878]

Hello❤ How can I stand out in pageants when I am the shortest contestant ?

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Aryaa, you can stand out by connecting with the judges in your interview and also by making sure all your clothing is tailored perfectly. I have seen petite contestants who have won in the past who are just outstanding in every area. Your height is out of your control but how hard you work is your choice!

[@Abeer-Essa]

What happened to this channel? It sure was unique 😢

[@rosematoka4830]

What kind of questions do the emcee usually ask

[@adarshranjan8054]

Please also make a video on how to convence conservative parents for pageantry

[@CrystalClues]

Adarsh, great idea! I like it :) thanks... it’s on my list now!

[@PredatorZone]

💋💋😘😘😘

[@CrystalClues]

Usually wouldn't think I'd be coming

[@madelinekatemathews325]

I need help! Im doing pageants, and I’m good on stage but we do group judging and I have no clue what to do during this time. Can you make a video on what to do or respond to this comment.

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Madeline! Wow this sounds interesting...group judging? Can you share more about how this works? Is it a group interview?

[@madelinekatemathews325]

@@CrystalClues So after everyone does their walk on stage we all walk out together, and show the back of our dress and the front. It’s usually when they place in different categories and decided who won. I have no clue what to do with my arms or how to pose or how to turn.

[@CrystalClues]

Ahhh I see I see, this is a critical time onstage because you are side by side next to your competition. If you have already watched all my videos on posing and walking, I would recommend you watch the evening gown competition of miss universe 2019; the one in which South Africa wins. I recall that all of the contestants in the evening gown competition All walk out at the very end and pose on stage as sort of a “last look.” Study them and copy them. Look up other international pageants and examine the body language of these finalists and look out for anyone wearing the same style of dress as you, or has the same body type as you. For group judging, the most important thing is that you want to exude confidence and a “look at me” energy that’s commanding and self-assured. That means lots of eye contact with the judges and knowing exactly how you are going to pose ahead of time so that you don’t look shaky or unsure.

[@madelinekatemathews325]

@@CrystalClues thank you so very much!! This helped a ton and I will watch and study all I can find!

[@neerjadixit05]

I have gaps in my teeth and I have never seen a pageant having gaps so 'm worried that I might not make it due to this pls give some guidance. Also I don't want a treatment bcz I was born this way and inherited these from my father.

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Neerja, You could always be the first! You have to believe in yourself but also be realistic about what you were willing to do and what you were not willing to do to increase your own confidence in yourself. Often times, when people get treatments and procedures to make themselves look a certain way, it’s really all done for themselves because it affects how they feel when they look in the mirror. I implore you to ask yourself that question… “Do I like what I see looking back at me?” You could be the most beautiful girl in the world but if you don’t like what you see looking back at you, none of it matters. In your case, the opposite is also true. You might not have seen many pageant winners with gaps in their teeth but let’s say you blow away all the other competition in the other areas of the pageant, and you win this whole thing. Think of all the other women who will be so inspired by you!

[@neerjadixit05]

@@CrystalClues I am so grateful for the path you have shown me. Thank you so much and I love your videos. Keep guiding us please 😇♥

[@CrystalClues]

Neerja, you the future! I’ll always be here for you 🥰 keep up the good work and asking all the right questions

[@neerjadixit05]

@@CrystalClues love you ♥

[@honeyverma3964]

You are so beautiful dii 😘

[@CrystalClues]

It takes a person who possesses beauty to acknowledge it in others 😌

[@honeyverma3964]

@@CrystalClues right 👍

[@beautyby_oreo]

Hi, I am having my close door meeting with my pageant judges tomorrow, can you help me with any close door interview tips?

[@CrystalClues]

The same rules apply for most any pageant interview; whether it’s a closed door interview 1:1 or a speed-dating style interview format where the contestants rotate to different tables for a short meet and greet with each judge. But engaging, warm, ready to tell stories. Don’t talk too long or spend much time on any single question. You want to solicit as many different questions as possible so that your interview reveals a varied and diverse picture of the multidimensional and interesting human being that you are! 💕

[@beautyby_oreo]

@@CrystalClues thank you so much

[@soroshha]

Do you cooperate with Bello Models Academy Company in Paris?

[@kittydl9276]

0:52

[@alexanderxiong6220]

Hey can I join the pageant

[@tinyhope4289]

Another good topic is What underwear should we wear for different types of gowns.when wearing a swimsuit to avoid camel toe,when wearing for example a red dress do we wear red briefs incase of a malfunction,and to hide nipples etc

[@CrystalClues]

I love that idea! It would probably be a primarily direct to camera talking video and less b-roll 😂 crystal in her underwear on the internet will be 🥴

[@anoushkapoudel97]

Hello, Crystal, I really hope you are well. I haven't seen you upload new videos, so I was worried. I have a few questions I wanted to ask you. Is there a way for me to contact you in an email?

[@CrystalClues]

Hi Anoushka, thanks for noticing 🥺 I started this channel during the pandemic when I had much more free time and I was on a work hiatus but now I’m back to working full time so it’s been harder to upload. But I will! My email is [e-mail]

[@debolinasahaxii-a2roll-996]

I am Debolina Saha from India.. I am preparing myself for Ms.India. For me only way to learn the things needed is through youtube as i cannot afford a pageant trainer. I learnt many things from your videos and others as well but still i need a person who will guide me and with whom i can discuss my preparations and queries. I cannot share my dream with my family because they will never allow me to do it and if they come to know about this they will make sure that i never get to prepare myself. So i will not let them know about it till there is no other way. I would be really grateful if you can be the person i need . I am really confused. Looking forward to your reply.. plzz help me..

[@CrystalClues]

Not having family support is really hard since it sounds like you’re a minor. Your best bet would be to prepare yourself now so that the moment you gain independence, you can do what you want. Will you be able to reach that point at a certain age or time?

[@debolinasahaxii-a2roll-996]

@@CrystalClues I am 18+ in India it is the point where you r accepted as an adult but coming from an semi orthodox family they do not allow me to do anything i want. I have already started preparing through youtube as i said before but still it's a great challenge to me as i was not exposed to any extra curricular activities other than swimming since childhood and another problem is i get nervous frequently even if i know i can..

[@CrystalClues]

A lot of these challenges (getting nervous, etc) are normal as you’re just starting out. The only way to overcome that is life experience and also practice. I think your best strategy right now to both satisfy your extracurricular passions while also fitting in with your family’s expectations is to walk the fine line between preparing yourself and keeping a low profile about it in your family (you know best how they will react.) The best mentor for you will be someone who understands your culture and ideally is someone Indian. I come from a background that is much more liberal so I’m afraid I won’t have the cultural competence to properly advise. 😞

[@debolinasahaxii-a2roll-996]

@@CrystalClues I searched indian people who could help me and i found one who is a professional trainer and does videos on KZbin as well . I contacted her asked her some questions regarding the pageant , first day she replied but from nxt day she didn't.. on a special note i didn't find a guide ( a friend as i want ) to discuss my preparations.. Your videos r so much friendly and I feel so much connected to you.. that gave me the guts to approach you.. I don't think that you need to know about my culture.. as i want to discuss the things like What I'm doing? What should i do? The things that should be corrected in me, what's my progress?? And stuff like this .. through whatsapp or Instagram.. I also convinced my dad to let me play basketball and I'm learning dance with help of a youtube channel. And also exercising regularly as I'm a little overweight..

[@debolinasahaxii-a2roll-996]

@@CrystalClues 😔

[@surprisephotography3802]

If you ask for RAW images, expect a larger fee.

[@SB-rw8hp]

I want answer of my question

[@alexanderxiong6220]

Hi 👋

[@Sekhmet245]

Can we shoot on our own ? 😭

[@SharTiesSity]

When you watch all the video, early and still don't know what to comment😞... I'm just gonna say thank you though for all these tips

[@CrystalClues]

You are such a sweetheart 💞 It doesn’t matter what you write in a comment because I can sense your gratitude and kindness.

[@cviacvia253]

Your videos are really great!!!Plz don't forget to check our business collab inquiry email, thanks -- Moon from VOCOSI 👠😊

[@beautyby_oreo]

Also you didn’t give us the app for editing our dresses

[@CrystalClues]

Mary, I had put in the names of two different apps in my description. Here are a few others that you can try out. These are App Store recommendations but if you copy/paste the names into an Android store you’ll see either the Android version or a similar app for your device. apps.apple.com/us/app/lightx-photo-editor-retouch/id1400740705 apps.apple.com/us/app/color-pop/id1437605303 apps.apple.com/us/app/color-pop-effects-photo-editor/id940508574 apps.apple.com/us/app/color-change-r-recolor-pop/id1146054512 apps.apple.com/us/app/change-color-of-photos/id1280712659 apps.apple.com/us/app/photo-splash-photo-editor/id417582128

[@beautyby_oreo]

Thank you

[@krystalannawilliams2653]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰

[@eissinejohnnapoles3945]

Hi miss cristal hope you notice I've been watching your videos using your tips and it really helps a lot I actually have a pageant this coming dec. 17 and I think your tips on how to walk and do poses made me nail the screening thank u so much

[@mrunalinipachpute5442]

Wanted to know about Miss Teen INTERNATIONAL. Age, When are they functioning , Awards , Money.. Can you tell where must we search all this. Is there is site or book for the same?? By the way you are doing great job. Love from India.

[@CrystalClues]

Do they have a website? Usually the info should be easily searchable online or via social media.. if not, then the organizers might not be totally ready (either in timeline or in overall preparation.) if they are not prepared, you might want to ask yourself, is that an organization you want to represent? 😅

[@mrunalinipachpute5442]

@@CrystalClues ok thank you 😘