#cycle16week2

I will say Rune was the only one wearing the earrings who really knocked it out of the park, but I do think they were probably the most difficult accessory. That just makes their showing even more impressive. The angle they displayed perfectly showcases their bone structure in a massively different way from last week, as well as making the product look beautiful. I adore the facial expression too. Delicate and controlled; perfect hooded eyes and parted lips. I could do with a little bit more life in the eyes, but it is such a minor concern. I also need to say how much I hated Rune’s makeover, I thought the length they had their hair was perfect for their facial structure, especially how it was styled here, and the short length was just narrowed their potential too much.

Brittani’s shot is super bizarre and almost extraterrestrial in the most fabulous way. I adore her insanely long neck and the way she’s hunching her back. Her eyes are smoldering so powerfully, she easily has the most intense eye contact out of anyone this week. Yet again her bone structure has been captured so well, and there’s a primal quality to her expression that immediately makes this stand out to me. Similar to Monique with the necklace, Brittani is selling the heck out of her headband and the two of them definitely had the best fashion images this week. Brittani completely nailed this photoshoot and produced such an eye-catching photograph.

Again we see that Mikaela does not need to do a lot to take a great photograph. I loved that this was at a slightly different angle from last week, showcases that her bone structure can shine when photographed different. It is simple but it showcases the necklace, so is doing the job she was set. The expression is the only thing I am left wanting more from, her eyes do currently give me something, but it isn’t enough to carry such a simple pose. The make-up is, styling and natural beauty are carrying this photo, and it is just something that she can’t constantly be relying on.

A lot of my ranking this week shifted while I was writing, but Monique’s top spot was never disputed. This is perfection. It still sends shivers down my spine. I remember when I first saw Monique’s first shot, I was concerned she couldn’t push past her round features, but here she looks like an entirely different model. Despite not having the most defined bone structure, the angle and lighting of this shot showcase her jawline and cheekbones fully. The cold sneer fits perfectly with the dark makeup, and the elongated neck allows the jewellery to shine. This is a perfect shot conceptually, editorially, and in terms of showcasing Monique’s beauty. I would change nothing about it.

Another exceptional beauty shot from Dominique. While last week she was fully resting on her natural strengths, there is a bit more active modelling here. From the angle she has chosen, to the slight hooding of the eyes to create a sensual edge, there are so many smart choices that just elevate this photo. The hands seem to be the most disputed aspect of this shot, but of the models to use their hands, Dominique’s feel the most graceful, and add something to the photo. The only negative comment I have is that this is another photo where I feel the slightly open mouth detracts from it; it isn’t as immediately noticeable due to the dark lipstick, but I still think her mouth being closed would have perfected this shot.

I’ve really come around to be somewhat obsessed with this photograph. The slight hunch, the way her face has photographed, that mysterious dreamy look in her eyes. It all comes together to produce an incredible shot for both Molly and the product. There is something athletic here with his skin glistening, almost goddess like here. Feels like I am looking at a modern interpretation of something out of Ancient Greece. The one thing I am still uneasy on is the open mouth. If that had been closed, I think this would be an easy second call-out for this week. I am stunned I had it seventh before.

It hurts me to put this shot down at 6, as I do genuinely think as a photograph it is mesmerising. Hannah took this shoot somewhere else, but that is kind of the issue. As a photo of Hannah it is beautiful, as an ad it is flawed. The jewellery is an afterthought here, and while I commend her for showcasing an angle that beautifully shows her jawline and features, it wasn’t the right choice. It is a shame Hannah wasn’t given the necklace or earrings, as those would have worked perfectly with what she has done. As a photo of Hannah though, there are so many strong elements. The swan-like neck is perfection, and the hand is almost perfectly delicate. The tears are obviously a controversial element, but as an artistic shot they give it so much more depth. I can see why it got first call-out, as it definitely stands out, but I personally would not have gone that far with this shot.

My top 7 remains unchanged as a group from last time, but has shifted slightly. I still think all these photos are incredible, and Brittani dropping just really comes down to personal taste. Brittani continues to excel at nailing her job. The jewellery is the first thing my eye goes to in this photo, then it goes down to her stunning face, with that gorgeous expression. It is just the body that knocks this down for me. The line of the neck into shoulder is just confusing for me, and distracts me. It does give the photo an alienesque vibe, but I’m just sure that is the best choice for this shoot. I prefer the more regal photographs.