#cycle16week3

And here we have the first actual change for my call-out this week. For the most part I agree with my past self, though I think I needed to knock Kasia down a spot for being another model who really seemed to make this more of an individual assignment. Molly and her reflect each other in the poses, but besides that there is little connecting them. This shot would be far stronger too if Molly had just been edited out, which I don’t think should be the case. Kasia has still made the dress look good, but the real strength of the shot is the face. It is weird that this is very reminiscent of her shot last week, but the slightly vacant eyes and open mouth instead contribute to the fantastical vibe the shoot has, so work so much more.

I think Hannah’s shot nicely compliment Brittani’s, as while they went more understated, Hannah took the more typical ANTM high fashion posing style. The slightly hunched physique, and the way the arm is posed. It could be seen as a bit cliché, but it works in making the dress look good. I think the real strength of the photo is the close-up; an incredible beauty shot once again from Hannah. There is a slight sense of madness that feeds into the brief in the eyes, and that jawline is superb. Definitely the overall strongest shot of the week, even if I think both were outshined by a few other models.

While I definitely didn’t agree with Alexandria’s first call-out, it was mainly due to her attitude. The actual photo is really good, and would be a contender for first if she had just interacted more with Monique. So many of the duos just felt like they were standing next to each other, I just want something else to bring them together. Alexandria herself looks gorgeous. The expression perfect fits the vibe of the shoot, and I really like the way she is playing with her hair. Really just wish she had played off Monique better.

What a redemption from Dalya, after two weeks of questionable shots, she produces this mesmerising photo. As I said with Jaclyn’s shot, the two of them have worked so beautifully together, creating something that genuinely feels like a piece of art. It has a level of whimsy that is just missing from the other shots this week. Dalya gets the top spot though as I just find myself drawn to her more, it is pretty equal between them in reality and I fully understand other preferring Jaclyn. I live the direct eye contact with the Camera, and that level of intensity of the stare. Even with the camera glare, I instantly connect with her face. The pose feels elegant too, and perfectly showcases the dramatic gown. All in all it just such a sensational photo.

I don’t know why I didn’t have Jaclyn in the top 2 last time I did this, as now it seems so obvious that her and Dalya deserve the top praises this week. It is unfortunate Dominique so heavily drags down this shot, as without her this would be easily my favourite photo, and one of my favourites of the season. The two of them just meld together so beautifully, properly playing off each other and elevating the shot. Jaclyn has taken a softer more youthful vibe, contrasting with Dalya’s energy. I love how she has lifted the gown slightly, and the contrast with her skin and the dark colours of the gown and her hair. Jaclyn’s face has also photographed incredibly, very strong jawline and a defined expression that clearly reads in such a wide shot. Overall just such a sensational showing from Jaclyn, and her first standout moment so far this season.

Brittani and Hannah probably have the strongest total shot, and while it doesn’t seem like there is much teamwork, they compliment each other nicely. They really could be flipped in either spot, but my eye has always just gone to Hannah that little bit quicker when I look at this shot. Brittani has the more extravagant dress, so I think it was a smart choice to go for such an understated pose. There still feels like conviction in her pose, so it doesn’t feel haphazard like Mikaela or Rune’s shots did. Her face is also absolutely beautiful, her makeover looks great framing her face. Brittani continues to showcase herself as a very strong model.

Every week so far my main takeaway from Mikaela’s shots is that she is absolutely stunning, as it is all she has really proven. This is another week where her beauty shot is gorgeous because of her natural bone structure. For how poorly she was performing on set though, I was surprised she got a shot this strong. I actually like the downward glance, as paired with the slight wind blowing her hair it makes the photo feel like a caught moment. But this was clearly a coincidental lucky shot. As for the body, the dress looks good but there is no active attempt to make it look better. Mikaela has gotten this high out of luck really, and I think her bottom 3 placement was honestly fair.

Molly has everything working against her this week. This is the beginning of the era of that makeover, her styling is probably some of the weakest of the shoot, and Kasia has one of the strongest dresses. I don’t think she has done terribly, but the shot just feels a bit basic. After her masterclass last week, I am disappointed. Kasia went for this dreamy vibe which felt more on brief, whereas Molly has more intensity. I wish she had tried to mirror Kasia’s choice, it would have helped link to the two more besides the simple mirroring of the post. Would have elevated the entire shot, and Molly’s performance especially, as right now she is the weaker half.