#cycle2

#4 – Shandi Sullivan

The top 4 was completely clear. Never any doubt in my mind about that. Their order was a lot more questionable. It is one of those time I’d be happy with pretty much any outcome, as it really was that close this time around. Shandi was the original transformation; she was exactly what ANTM was about. Taking a plain Jane with potential and turning them into the next top model. Shandi had all the raw ingredients, and after her makeover polished her off she took off. She started strong, but over time just became more refined, elegant, and like an actual top model. It was pretty much an upward climb all cycle, and Shandi really performed throughout. She managed to excel where no one would expect, like the music video. Shandi was just killing it. Her runway walk was the most questionable area, and sort of remained questionable until the end. It certainly did improve though, and with time I believe Shandi could have slayed the runway with the same force she killed photoshoots. She had the body and look; it was just time and practice needed. Shandi definitely proved she was a threat though.

Shandi’s look fit more into the blank canvas role, with a slight high fashion edge, so it is no surprise she killed pretty much every photoshoot. The underwater shoot was probably the roughest spot, but I don’t hate the photo. Shandi looks pretty, even if there is a little bit more drowning woman than I would have liked. Had the limbs been fully extended I think Shandi would have nailed it though, so not much needed to change. Her best photograph is a toss-up between those she took in Milan. Her Solstice Sunglasses shot is just incredible; she nailed the body language, while keeping the face strong too. That is probably her strongest individual piece of modelling, but her nude shot with Yoanna is my favourite photo of her. She may not look as good, but the connection between her and Yoanna just pushes it over the edge. Shandi contributes as much as Yoanna did, and deserves as much credit for creating a sensational photograph.

3. Sara