Elimination!
So sorry for the long wait! (I recently got a job, so I'm trying to juggle all of my responsibilities, plus it was hard getting everyone back on track after the holidays.. Not to mention there were some late submissions and we didn't start deliberating until after everyone had submitted (usually we start as soon as the photoshoot goes up, so that we can get the judgements out quicker) and we had to wait for everyone to get their comments in... But here we are! Don't worry!
Six girls remained, and they all stepped down into the familiar judging room, meeting the stares of their five lovely judges, all of them seated primly behind the judging table.
"Good evening ladies, and welcome to your fifth elimination ceremony," Kyrie said with a smile and she rose from her seat, fidgeting to smooth down her skirt. "Tonight we're here to take a look at the gorgeous photos you took this week, and decide which of you will be going home. But first! Let's say hello to your fabulous panel of judges!"
"First we have Antona Mitchell, our fashionably be-striped fashion editor from En Magazine, the world's most popular high fashion magazine for years running, and years and years to come. Then we have Wren Berry, who you'll remember from Candybar's Next Top Model Cycle 0, and, currently, a signed model for Carmendy Model Inc. She used to be standing on that end of the room, but now, she's over here! Next is Jae Mytchell, CEO, head of marketing, founder and inventor of the Au Naturel makeup company, looking oh-so cute and sparkly this week! Last but not least, there's the beautiful and sophisticated Renee Carmendy, whose modeling agency has provded the grand prize for this competition. She's signed such models as last cycle's winner Bethany Turtle, as well as Cycle 0's winner Maranda Jones, and many other fabulous models, like Wren. Then there's me, but, you know me, Kyrie Elyson, fashion photographer since the birth of the sun."
"But that's all old news you probably didn't need to hear again. But I bet there may be a little something you wouldn't mind me telling you about--prizes! That's right, the winner of Candybar's Next Top Model Cycle 2 will recieve a contract with Carmendy Models Inc, one of the model world's rising star agencies, a $100,000 contract with Au Natruel cosmetics, a cover and spread in En Magazine, shot and styled by two of your very own judges, and, will appear on the Paris fashion week runway with some special coaching from our very own Wren Berry."
"Now this week you had two photoshoots; first, we had you girls do a black-and-white beauty shot, and then we had the usual fashion editorial shot where you girls were in performing in a circus. We'll call you up and judge you on both pictures, and first is..."
Holly
Jae: I really love the shot because the focus isn't your pink hair. Your pink hair is gorgeous but this looks sooooo classic. You look so mature, so vintage, so very very beautiful. It looks great.
Kyrie: Well, you're definitely getting closer to looking straight at us! You haven't yet pierced the lens with those beautiful blues, but, it's a nice stripped down picture, and, like Jae said, the focus isn't on your hair for a change. It's nice to see so much face from you. Personally, I'd like to see you with your hair pulled back one day.
Wren: I didn't know who this was when I first saw it! I think that really shows how much your pink hair has played a role in how the judges see you. Now that it's taken away, I can see a new potential in you Holly! This photo shows how much maturity you can bring into your photos. It is a very glamorous shot of you.
Antona: This is really amazing Holly! You look incredibly classic, which is hard to imagine for a girl with pink and black hair! I love how amazing you look when your focus isn't on your hair, which means that you can rock it, even without the focus on your hair.
Renee: Hooooooolly.. I must say it girl, you have climbed your way to be my favorite in this competition. Even without your signature pink hair, you stand out. This is definitely a classic pose, and you definitely have classic features. I love this picture of you, its great!!
Jae: You look like a classy showgirl! The flowers, the hair, the amazing boots, this is all SO perfect. You have got an amazing shoot here. Maybe throw on a different expression next time, but other than that I can't complain about a thing.
Renee: Seriously, could you be anymore sexier? GEEZE! This is absolutely gorgeous...the colors, the post, the outfit, everthing is spot on. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this shoot! Great job, GREAT job!
Kyrie: This is a beautiful picture, but, I feel like you didn't take it anywhere. You were given the flying trapeze.. And unfortunately, you're not really flying. Just sitting on the bar. Judging from that, it's gorgeous, but it missed the prompt almost entirely. Also, I feel like you're resting sometimes, rather than pushing through. (By that, I mean, you editing this go-around was too close to minimal for comfort.) Some of the other girls are starting to go all out.. Don't let yourself fall behind, hon!
Antona: Wow, you look like you're straight out of the Moulin Rouge! However, that's not quite what we were going for... we wanted a flying trapeze, and you're not flying anywhere. I love you in that wig with the coloring, and this is an amazing shot, just not quite what we were going for, and I think your editing is a bit minimal compared with some of the other girls, but if you can get it together, you'll do fine.
Wren: Though I love this photo, I don't really feel like it fit in with the criteria. When I think of a flying-trapeze act, I expect to see some sort of action. Come on girl, this is a circus, and you aren't entertaining anyone! Where is the action? Where is the magic? I'll give you points for your beautiful clothing and a nice elegance I haven't seen in you before...but I want to see some posing here, and posing that fits with the theme!
Ava
Jae: Super amazingly cute. I love the eyes and how you look looking at me. You look content and there's nothing I like to see more than a slightly modest and content woman. You're beautiful.
Kyrie: It's nice to see you finally looking at us with those big beautiful eyes! This picture is raw and simple, but it really captures a side of you we haven't seen before, which I like. I think it really emphasizes a softer, more feminine side of your personality.
Wren: This is your best photo yet! You really have something new going on here that we haven't seen before....it really shows how much of a natural beauty you can be! You seem to have much more confidence now too, which shows us that you are learning and growing with your new skills. Great job!
Antona: When I look at this photo I think clean and classic... who would have ever thought I'd be saying that to someone with purple hair, but you look very classic, and confident in this picture.
Renee: Very playful, and cute. You look reserved yet simple sexy. I like it, alot!
Jae: I really really love this shoot which is saying a lot because I didn't really expect it to go over that well. I love that the whip is tying the stuff together and the tattoos are amazing for this shoot. Really make you....Cirque. Your hair is perfect, and I love the new color. You're interacting with your surroundings by balencing on that pole and you look soooo good doing it. I wish the tiger were more pixelized, but that satisfies me. Your eyes are fierce and your expression REALLY captures your job. Maybe make the curve of the whip a little less perfect next time. Ai caramba, woman!
Renee: Hmmm, i'm torn between this one. I like the concept behind it, its really great...but somethings missing. I cant tell what it is, but its something. The tattoos were a good touch and the makeup looked that of a lion/tiger tamer. Overall this wasnt half bad! Good job!
Kyrie: There's a really cool photograph going on here under all of the confusion I'm having with your photo. Is that.. A whip? Or a hoop? How exactly are you standing on that? How exactly are you standing.. Period? Why is your dress so baggy? Overall.. I'm just kind of confused. I will give you, though, that your hair, makeup, and accessories are dope, as are your tattoos. Your pose would have rocked if.. I understood it.
Antona: This is a really great photograph, your hair is amazing, your dress is amazing, your expression is amazing, your makeup and tattoos are the perfect touch. But I agree with Kyrie, your pose is confusing in that I don't see how you could stand on that part of the wagon, I don't understand your whip/hoop thing. But the entire end result is amazing.
Wren: Ava, seriously, I'm just going to go out and say this and I don't care what the other judges say. This is my favorite photo of the group. It is the only one that has an old-fashioned circus vibe...I'm thinkin' back when "freaks!" was the correct term for the deformed people showcased at them. I love the direction you took in this, and it really did you justice. Your tattoos were done excellently! Flashback to Cycle 1, Bangalore anyone? I do agree with the judges about that whip thingy though.
CJ
Jae: Have I EVER told you that your eyebrows are amazing? I love your little smirk, I love your casual pose. You're just so darn cute!
Kyrie: You look so mysterious and sensual! I love that, because it's a very little-seen side of you. You look seductive and I feel very drawn into you in the picture. (However, please keep your eyes on the anatomy--that arm looks.. ... broken and deflated, I guess, I could put it!)
Wren: I love your facial expression here. There's a little mysterious come-hither thing going on, and it really captures my attention! You totally remind me of Winona Ryder in this shot, big eyes, beautiful flawless face. (But you need to pay special attention to your editing of pixels, especially on close-ups like this. On your right arm, there is a bit of darkness that I don't think is supposed to be there. Your left arm gets a little wonky towards the bottom. And there seems to be a tiny chunk of your neck missing where it connects to your head! While your photo is amazing, those little technical glitches can be harmful.)
Antona: Wow CJ, I didn't know you had this in you! your facial expression is beautiful, but like the other judges have said, some parts of your body look a bit strange, which might not have happened if you hadn't rushed it too much!
Renee: I don't really have anything to say.. All of my points have been covered already.
Jae: Oh...um...yeah. Ouch. If you go to one of the many circuses with acrobats, you'll see exactly what you've portrayed. Most of the time though, they're wrapped around the pole. You look uncomfortable, like high in the canopies is not where you live your life. We also seem to be having issues with physics. Not only would your hair be hanging downwards, but your skirt would be too! A little more show than we expected. I love your outfit and your makeup, your hair and your idea, but honey, something's just not working for this shoot and I'm not quite sure what.
Renee: Aside from the fact that your clearly defying the rules of physics...and human anatomy it seems like (both of your hands are wonky)...I commend you for the idea you had and for your bravery by hanging upside down. I just dont think this went over well. Sorry. The dress is fantastic though! and I love your shoes too!!
Kyrie: The hair looks great, and you made a brilliant deduction that, if you were to hang upside down, then, yes, longer hair would look great. But, the physics, when it comes to your dress.. Don't exist. Are you trying to say that.. This dress.. If I buy it.. Even if I'm upside down.. Won't go up?! That would be a selling point for me, if it were.. Real. But it's not.. Also: holding your body like that: how? I would have liked to see you try something that looks more dazzling, and also.. Less unrealistic, and more entertaining.. This is just a little blah.
Wren: I only have one word for this photo. Ossification. I'm sad to say this CJ, but you've been going downhill for awhile. This is just ...not the best I've seen from you. You look stiff, floating in mid-air....and extremely awkward! I like your hair though....
Antona: Wow, that dress is amazing, but it's defying the laws of physics... it should be hanging down, as should your hair. On the other hand, it doesn't look so bad when it's upside down, and your body is right side up. It doesn't quite work, and isn't quite as acrobat-esque as I was expecting, but it's not completely horrible, the idea was good, the carrying out of the idea missed the mark a bit.
Wren: On the other hand, the other hand is backwards!
Kyrie: Thanks, CJ.
Zephyr
Jae: Love you smiling! Lookit you! You're like bright eyed and bushy tailed. Squirrelly Zephyr is adorable and it embodies you.
Kyrie: You're so very cute, but, in this picture, you're lacking just a little pizazz. I would have really liked to have seen something I didn't expect out of you.
Wren: I'm going to play it down here Zephyr...I'm not very impressed with this photo. First of all, I don't see that bubbly girl that I'm always used to seeing! You always shine brightly in your photos, yet you look tired and unmotivated here. You hand looks as though it had just been fed through a garbage disposal....and come to think of it...is it even your hand? I don't see how it's even attached to your body! Also, I'm not a big fan of the composition of this photo. I would've liked to have seen part of your torso, and a more interesting pose. You're all stuck in the bottom right hand corner, looking dazed and yawning with your mangled hand! What happened?
Antona: I love your smile, and this picture looks very cute and clean, but you are lacking a little je ne sais quoi, it's a good picture, but it's not quite there yet.
Renee: You guys are harsh.. I'm zipping the lip for now.
Jae: Cutie patootie. The pose is perfect, the smirk is adorable, and the cape is inspiration of the Gods. I wish everything were a little bit crisper though. Something's just not.....real about this picture. You pulled it off and came running in at "Just pretty good", let's make that a "Very good" next time, Honey Puff.
Renee: Hehe, this is cute! I love your outfit, I would totally wear that to a halloween bash or something. Your expression is great, and makeup even better, it tells a story. I agree with Jae, its not 3-dimensional enough, it looks too 1D...watch it next time. Overall, good job!
Kyrie: This picture is alright. I'm not completely impressed with it, but I think the pose is nice, and the outfit is good, but.. Overall, it falls flat. Your eyes are kind of crossed, and, everything is just kind of.. Blah. There's a lot of blah this week. I'm almost all blahed out.
Antona: I love your outfit, and your pose is really good as well, your one hand is turned backwards though so watch that, and I do agree that it looks a bit flat, but all in all it's not half bad, it's not amazing but it's not horrible either, so, good job.
Wren: Okay, I REALLY like your outfit and pose in this photo, but there is something not quite right. First off is that weirdness happening on the tightrope where your feet make contact. Secondly, I think the tightrope walking is a BIT too much happening all at once. I think you could've gotten a much stronger photo if you focused more on the sword-juggling and your posing concerning that. One more thing I dislike is the flatness of not only the perspective, but of your leggings and arm-pieces. This was an ambitious photo...but I think you're just short of pulling it all off. That said, I don't want to discourage you, because I do like the photo! It's just not up to par with what we should be getting from you at this point in the competition.
Cati
Jae: Cutie! Bright and cheery just like I've always seen you to be. And it's nice to see you in something not black, it really emphasizes your BEAUTIFUL dark hair.
Kyrie: You look very cute and sweet but.. Somehow, I feel that this is almost an act from you, Cati. You personal style choices clearly reflected before that the Cati deep down is a little bit more wild and untamed.. I really would have liked to see that side of you, personally, rather than a sugar-sweet fabrication. As a picture, it's missing a lot of mystique and story... It seems kind of like just an actor's black-and-white headshot, rather than a model. For what it is, though, it is very nice.
Wren: This is a super-cute photo. I love how you're clasping your hands - it looks as though you had just minutes ago witnessed the cutest puppy on EARTH!!! I love the photo...but--yeah, sorry there is a but--something about this is a little too childish. Maybe it's a little too cute?
Antona: I agree with the others in saying that this is a very cute picture, but you almost look too sweet and innocent compared with the other things you have been wearing in the past, which gives you the dark and twisty side underneath the bubbly exterior... I like it, but it's missing a little somethin' somethin'
Renee: I'm going to have to agree with the others. This doesnt look like the Cati we've known throughout the comp. THis is almost too sweet and innocent looking, and we know that side of you isnt that dominant(based on your submissions throughout the comp)...so with that said, this does look, almost fake. I'm not really feeling it.
Jae: AHAHAHAHAHA. Awwwwww...AHAHAHA! Lookit the adorable creepy clown with the adorable balloons! This shoot is good! I love the streaks in your hair and all your brilliant ideas in bringing this to culmination. More pose though! We've said this a million times, or at least I feel like I have. Maybe I haven't, actually, I don't know if I have or not...but that's not the point. I want more variety! Get out your booty and your groove thing and shake them both, then let the cameras snap.
Renee: I dont get it, why are you standing outside of (what seems like) the White House??? You're supposed to be a circus clown, no?? Hmmm...I dont know about this. I think you look really cute and what not, but I dont think this is "high fashion" enough. This actually reminds me of a high school girl dressing up as a gothic clown for halloween. Fab dress though, fab!...but, I have mixed feelings about this shoot.
Kyrie: The outfit is cute and the makeup is adorable, but I'm a little worried that you're not pushing it as far as poses go. You're holding balloons in front of what looks to be.. The White House? But you're supposed to be from a circus! I think you could have done more with posing and a more high fashion outfit to make this photoshoot work better. And your setting? Yeah.. Why?
Jae: Um...maybe...the fact that the US Government is a circus! Hahahaha...I don't really get it either... Or politicians are clowns! Hahhahahahaha.. Haha.
Kyrie: ... You are a master. Please teach me your ways.
Jae: Well, Padawan, the first step is don't sleep for as many hours as you should for many consecutive days, then get hyped up on caffeine and sugar. Then you retrieve the heart of the golden scaled dragon on the western mountain of Jaeadramar. Then you get internet access and bypass the acquisition of a sanity license. I shouldn't even be out on the blag'o'blag.
Antona: You guys are nuts.. Anyway.. I really like your outfit and your idea behind the shoot of being a goth clown, but why are you standing in front of the white house? and why are you not posing? you're in the circus honey, so show us that!
Wren: Cooooool balloons!!!! Uh oh....the fact that my eye is drawn to the balloons first is not a good sign. You don't seem to stand out here Cati-clown. I would've liked to have seen a more artsy, brightly coloured outfit. This looks too halloweeny for my tastes!
Kyrie: Thanks CJ. Next is..
Leona
Jae: I really like the shoot. Sultry and gorgeous, but I really didn't like the inspiration. Frankly I think a model should be able to have their own thing. They shouldn't base all of their stuff off of another model or another celebrity. If we wanted Lindsay Lohan for this shoot, we would've shelled out the money for the real thing. Be Leona, sugar, don't always be "That one girl who kinda looks like Lohan sometimes."
Kyrie: I have to agree. I don't think you should have taken inspiration so much from a picture of a celebrity. It would be okay to pay a small homage to them in small ways, but all we've seen from you all cycle is 'Lindsay Lohan.' You really need to become your own person, Leona. You're a beautiful and talented girl, and you don't need to pretend to be Lindsay in order to accomplish that. On a more harsh note.. No one will sign you if you don't bring something fresh and original to the table. Keep bringing Lindsay Lohan, and I assure you, Carmendy Models will want nothing to do with you, nor will any other modeling agency. We're looking for the next big thing, not, 'the last thing that's dying out but she does a damn good imitation of it.' You see?
Renee: Yes ma'am Kyrie! Carmendy Models definitely doesnt want to see the same thing over and over and over and over. Thats a quick way to turn a new fresh model into yesterdays news!
Wren: You know, I haven't seen that cover of Elle, and I also (for the first time) don't see Lindsay Lohan in this shot, which is a good thing. Which is why I agree with the others that you shouldn't base your look on anyone else but you. You're lucky that I haven't seen that cover too, because my critique would've been tainted with the image of LiLo. Because of that, I am going to congratulate you on a great photo! It would've been nice to see you look at the camera for this shot, but you still manage to draw the eye in which is the important part. I'd like to point out your right arm though...the upper arm looks a little rough on the edges. I know its hard to make arms look organic, but try to make it look less ruggedy.
Antona: While it is a good shot and you look very glamorous, I definitely agree with the others in saying you don't need to rely so heavily on Lindsay's work to take a great shot, and in fact you should be trying to do your own thing so as not to be confused with LiLo, because no one likes a copycat model.
Renee: Aside from the "stop trying to be L.L.'s shadow" comments...this is a very glamorous shoot. The pose says alot, and you looking away from the camera with this pose fits the bill. This was very beautiful. Good job.
Jae: This is a GREAT shoot. I love your hair, your make up, your eyes, your pose, the fire, the beautiful box you're sitting on....you look GREAT. You coulda had the skirt ride up the thigh of your left leg, but I'm just gettin nit picky. You look SIZZLING, Mon hard boiled egg.
Kyrie: Although it took quite a bit of coaching, I think this photo turned out wonderfully. Any problems we may have had with it before were buffed out during the shoot, and by the end, I knew you'd nailed a fantastic shot. The only thing I could call out is that the makeup still seems slightly imbalanced. But the pose, your outfit, your setting, hair, everything.. A+! Although.. I think you could have done a little more fire-eating.. You're kinda not eating it, you know?
Renee: I agree with Kyrie, the makeup looks a little imbalanced, but other than that...you look smokin'!! Maybe its just me, but your legs are giving me an optical illusion, I cant tell if your left leg is supposed to be in front of your right leg, or resting against the box and is your right resting against the box too? Either way, I like it...your dress is viciously cute too!!
Antona: I love your hair, pose, outfit, and the overall idea of this theme, although it took a lot of coaching to get it here, you pulled it all together and delivered a great shot. The only thing I have a problem with is your makeup, and your eyes look a bit weird too, but that's my only complaint, so good job.
Wren: Woooooooo! Hot stuffs!! I love that yours worked out so well! You are lucky to have had some help this round, and I look forward to seeing more of your growth from here-on-out! You're excellent at posing, and your problems have always been with proportions. So this is a big step up for you
Max-B
Jae: Wow. Your hair turned out GREAT. I LOVE it so much because you look soooooo.....beautiful. The emphasis isn't on sex, it isn't on your clothes, it's on your gorgeous face. You look great.
Kyrie: Everything about this picture is beautiful, but I still feel like maybe it's missing a little bit of personality. All I know about you is that you're super fabulous.. But there's got to be more to Max-B than just that. This was an opportunity to show us that you're not just a cookie-cutter model, fabulous though you may be.. Hopefully you'll get another chance soon to show us something deeper..
Wren: This is my favorite picture of you. You have a very different look from most girls, tall and ethereal. I love your hair this light and airy, but one thing that I think ruins the photo is the background. I think, because you are so lightly coloured in skin tone and hair colour, that a slightly darker shade of a background is needed so that you don't disappear and become flat. Make it a mission of yours to always stand out and catch our eye!
Antona: I love the black background version of your picture because with the white background you seem to blend in with the background. I love your hair, but you're lacking a bit of personality with the expression on your face... work on that, and you'll have an amazing picture. We know you're fabulous, now you gotta show it to us with your face.
Renee: I dont know if its the pose that makes you look like your not standing up straight or that you're simply not standing up straight, but its driving me crazy. I want to go over there and push your upper back and tilt ya up a bit. That in itself is distracting me, other than this...you look gorgeous! Your face looks beautifully centered in all that frosted blonde hair. We can really see just how sharp your features are. Its like a whole other Max-B.
Jae: A-MEN! This is soooo great. The tight rope isn't right, but you look windswept, balanced and comfortable! You look like you're at home with yourself on the tightrope!
Kyrie: Yeah, that's the loosest tightripe I've ever seen in my life. It's so loose, it's an oxymoron!
Renee: Walking a tightrope in heels?!! WOW! Very talented! I agree with Jae...you definitely own this shoot and to me this says, "Check me out, this is a piece of cake..dont I look amazing!" Great job, this shoot screams attitude! I LOVE IT!
Kyrie: I'm a little concerned about how in the world you're walking that weird wiggly tightrope, but, hey, you really worked it out rather well this week! Your skirt is a little be confusing to me, and I'm working about what you're doing with fire so up high.. But really, your pose and stuff worked it out, so, I don't have any complaints.
Antona: This is really amazing, your pose, your outfit, everything is great. I'm a little worried about how wobbly that tightrope is, but it works stylistically, so I'm okay with it. and I love the shadow of you from the spotlight... great job!
Wren: My ooooonly problems with this photo is the tightrope. They call it a tightrope for a reason, sweetie! What you've got there is a loose-rope! Even so, it's not really a huge concern for me because it goes well with the action happening in the photo. And action is definitely what we need more of from you girls in a shoot such as this! The dramatic lighting is probably my favorite thing about this photo. Way to capture the magic, Max-B!
"Now that that we've seen everyone's photos, the judges will deliberate, and we will decide who is going home."
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"Seven beautiful girls stand before me, but I only have si--er, twelve photos in my hand. These photos represent the girls who are still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model."
Leona: You've really started listening to the judges, and your photos are turning out beautifully because of it. However, we want you to know that you can be beautiful without being Lindsay.. Congratulations, Leona, NOT Lindsay, is still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model.
Holly: The judges all agree that this week's photo was a little bit lazy, and didn't say 'flying trapeze' at all, but your beauty shot was beautiful, and we feel like you've shown us that cool hair isn't all you have to offer.
Ava: Beautiful pictures this week. Absolutely stunning. Just keep an eye on exactly what's going on in the picture.. Don't do the impossible.
Max-B: Remember physics, and remember to be more than just a shell.. Show us who you are with the next one. You're still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model.
CJ: Defying physics has brought you to the bottom of the pack.. But however many little flaws it had, your black and white photo was amazing. Congratulations, CJ.
"Will Cati and Zephyr please step forward?"
"I only have one photo left in my hands. The girl whose name I do not call must immediately return to the house, pack her belongings, and go home."
"With you, Cati, we've been riding the line. Some of the judges behind me say that you're amature.. Others, however, have said that you're steadily improving, and getting better week after week. You came in here today with some semi-unimpressive photos.. And worst of all, we see you hiding.. You're guessing the kind of girl we want you to be.. And not being yourself. We want your personality to be real, and to come from the inside.. For your beauty shot, you were cute, sweet, reserved.. All things we've really come to realize Cati is not. That was your chance to be daring, wild.. Show us something raw and unique and beautiful.. And instead.. You gave us a high school portrait."
"Zephyr, your problem is that we see you coming stagnant. For a while, you were on the rise so fast that you were a shoe-in for the final six before we'd even eliminated 2 girls. However, over the past few weeks we've seen you slowly decline, and you're beginning to fall out of the race. Your pictures this week were.. Okay. They're not nearly on the par as some of the girls behind you. We feel like.. Maybe Zephyr has run out of steam? Maybe there won't be any more improvement?"
"So who goes home? The girl who's come so far so fast that she may be done growing, or the girl who is trying too hard to be a people pleaser, and denying the beauty of who she really is?"
Kyrie sighed, looking down at the picture in her hands, and then turned it over.
"The judges think maybe you still have a little steam left in you, Zephyr."
Cati began to nod, looking down to mask the tears. She'd predicted something like this would happen.. And unfortunately, it did. Before she could look up again to go hug the girls, she felt arms wrap around her--it was the other models. After everyone had given their hugs and walked back over to the room where they were to stand, Kyrie and the other judges came down from the judging table.
"Cati, we love you for you... We don't want you to be anyone else but who you are.. That is the girl who can be the model.. So, when you go home tonight.. Leave that fakey bubbly girl here with us.. And go start a career as an interesting, cute but quirky and dark and mysterious girl.. Okay?"
As Cati turned to leave, she gave one last look over her shoulder at the girls who had all recieved pictures, some reacting with tears, others waving sadly to their lost friend. Heaving a sigh, she left the room.
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So sad to have to eliminate you, Cati, as it is with all of the girls! But please come back and join us again in the future with a new model! :) There's always room to grow as a model!
For an extra special treat, here are the black and white photos the judges took for fun!
Six girls remained, and they all stepped down into the familiar judging room, meeting the stares of their five lovely judges, all of them seated primly behind the judging table.
"Good evening ladies, and welcome to your fifth elimination ceremony," Kyrie said with a smile and she rose from her seat, fidgeting to smooth down her skirt. "Tonight we're here to take a look at the gorgeous photos you took this week, and decide which of you will be going home. But first! Let's say hello to your fabulous panel of judges!"
"First we have Antona Mitchell, our fashionably be-striped fashion editor from En Magazine, the world's most popular high fashion magazine for years running, and years and years to come. Then we have Wren Berry, who you'll remember from Candybar's Next Top Model Cycle 0, and, currently, a signed model for Carmendy Model Inc. She used to be standing on that end of the room, but now, she's over here! Next is Jae Mytchell, CEO, head of marketing, founder and inventor of the Au Naturel makeup company, looking oh-so cute and sparkly this week! Last but not least, there's the beautiful and sophisticated Renee Carmendy, whose modeling agency has provded the grand prize for this competition. She's signed such models as last cycle's winner Bethany Turtle, as well as Cycle 0's winner Maranda Jones, and many other fabulous models, like Wren. Then there's me, but, you know me, Kyrie Elyson, fashion photographer since the birth of the sun."
"But that's all old news you probably didn't need to hear again. But I bet there may be a little something you wouldn't mind me telling you about--prizes! That's right, the winner of Candybar's Next Top Model Cycle 2 will recieve a contract with Carmendy Models Inc, one of the model world's rising star agencies, a $100,000 contract with Au Natruel cosmetics, a cover and spread in En Magazine, shot and styled by two of your very own judges, and, will appear on the Paris fashion week runway with some special coaching from our very own Wren Berry."
"Now this week you had two photoshoots; first, we had you girls do a black-and-white beauty shot, and then we had the usual fashion editorial shot where you girls were in performing in a circus. We'll call you up and judge you on both pictures, and first is..."
Holly
Jae: I really love the shot because the focus isn't your pink hair. Your pink hair is gorgeous but this looks sooooo classic. You look so mature, so vintage, so very very beautiful. It looks great.
Kyrie: Well, you're definitely getting closer to looking straight at us! You haven't yet pierced the lens with those beautiful blues, but, it's a nice stripped down picture, and, like Jae said, the focus isn't on your hair for a change. It's nice to see so much face from you. Personally, I'd like to see you with your hair pulled back one day.
Wren: I didn't know who this was when I first saw it! I think that really shows how much your pink hair has played a role in how the judges see you. Now that it's taken away, I can see a new potential in you Holly! This photo shows how much maturity you can bring into your photos. It is a very glamorous shot of you.
Antona: This is really amazing Holly! You look incredibly classic, which is hard to imagine for a girl with pink and black hair! I love how amazing you look when your focus isn't on your hair, which means that you can rock it, even without the focus on your hair.
Renee: Hooooooolly.. I must say it girl, you have climbed your way to be my favorite in this competition. Even without your signature pink hair, you stand out. This is definitely a classic pose, and you definitely have classic features. I love this picture of you, its great!!
Jae: You look like a classy showgirl! The flowers, the hair, the amazing boots, this is all SO perfect. You have got an amazing shoot here. Maybe throw on a different expression next time, but other than that I can't complain about a thing.
Renee: Seriously, could you be anymore sexier? GEEZE! This is absolutely gorgeous...the colors, the post, the outfit, everthing is spot on. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this shoot! Great job, GREAT job!
Kyrie: This is a beautiful picture, but, I feel like you didn't take it anywhere. You were given the flying trapeze.. And unfortunately, you're not really flying. Just sitting on the bar. Judging from that, it's gorgeous, but it missed the prompt almost entirely. Also, I feel like you're resting sometimes, rather than pushing through. (By that, I mean, you editing this go-around was too close to minimal for comfort.) Some of the other girls are starting to go all out.. Don't let yourself fall behind, hon!
Antona: Wow, you look like you're straight out of the Moulin Rouge! However, that's not quite what we were going for... we wanted a flying trapeze, and you're not flying anywhere. I love you in that wig with the coloring, and this is an amazing shot, just not quite what we were going for, and I think your editing is a bit minimal compared with some of the other girls, but if you can get it together, you'll do fine.
Wren: Though I love this photo, I don't really feel like it fit in with the criteria. When I think of a flying-trapeze act, I expect to see some sort of action. Come on girl, this is a circus, and you aren't entertaining anyone! Where is the action? Where is the magic? I'll give you points for your beautiful clothing and a nice elegance I haven't seen in you before...but I want to see some posing here, and posing that fits with the theme!
Ava
Jae: Super amazingly cute. I love the eyes and how you look looking at me. You look content and there's nothing I like to see more than a slightly modest and content woman. You're beautiful.
Kyrie: It's nice to see you finally looking at us with those big beautiful eyes! This picture is raw and simple, but it really captures a side of you we haven't seen before, which I like. I think it really emphasizes a softer, more feminine side of your personality.
Wren: This is your best photo yet! You really have something new going on here that we haven't seen before....it really shows how much of a natural beauty you can be! You seem to have much more confidence now too, which shows us that you are learning and growing with your new skills. Great job!
Antona: When I look at this photo I think clean and classic... who would have ever thought I'd be saying that to someone with purple hair, but you look very classic, and confident in this picture.
Renee: Very playful, and cute. You look reserved yet simple sexy. I like it, alot!
Jae: I really really love this shoot which is saying a lot because I didn't really expect it to go over that well. I love that the whip is tying the stuff together and the tattoos are amazing for this shoot. Really make you....Cirque. Your hair is perfect, and I love the new color. You're interacting with your surroundings by balencing on that pole and you look soooo good doing it. I wish the tiger were more pixelized, but that satisfies me. Your eyes are fierce and your expression REALLY captures your job. Maybe make the curve of the whip a little less perfect next time. Ai caramba, woman!
Renee: Hmmm, i'm torn between this one. I like the concept behind it, its really great...but somethings missing. I cant tell what it is, but its something. The tattoos were a good touch and the makeup looked that of a lion/tiger tamer. Overall this wasnt half bad! Good job!
Kyrie: There's a really cool photograph going on here under all of the confusion I'm having with your photo. Is that.. A whip? Or a hoop? How exactly are you standing on that? How exactly are you standing.. Period? Why is your dress so baggy? Overall.. I'm just kind of confused. I will give you, though, that your hair, makeup, and accessories are dope, as are your tattoos. Your pose would have rocked if.. I understood it.
Antona: This is a really great photograph, your hair is amazing, your dress is amazing, your expression is amazing, your makeup and tattoos are the perfect touch. But I agree with Kyrie, your pose is confusing in that I don't see how you could stand on that part of the wagon, I don't understand your whip/hoop thing. But the entire end result is amazing.
Wren: Ava, seriously, I'm just going to go out and say this and I don't care what the other judges say. This is my favorite photo of the group. It is the only one that has an old-fashioned circus vibe...I'm thinkin' back when "freaks!" was the correct term for the deformed people showcased at them. I love the direction you took in this, and it really did you justice. Your tattoos were done excellently! Flashback to Cycle 1, Bangalore anyone? I do agree with the judges about that whip thingy though.
CJ
Jae: Have I EVER told you that your eyebrows are amazing? I love your little smirk, I love your casual pose. You're just so darn cute!
Kyrie: You look so mysterious and sensual! I love that, because it's a very little-seen side of you. You look seductive and I feel very drawn into you in the picture. (However, please keep your eyes on the anatomy--that arm looks.. ... broken and deflated, I guess, I could put it!)
Wren: I love your facial expression here. There's a little mysterious come-hither thing going on, and it really captures my attention! You totally remind me of Winona Ryder in this shot, big eyes, beautiful flawless face. (But you need to pay special attention to your editing of pixels, especially on close-ups like this. On your right arm, there is a bit of darkness that I don't think is supposed to be there. Your left arm gets a little wonky towards the bottom. And there seems to be a tiny chunk of your neck missing where it connects to your head! While your photo is amazing, those little technical glitches can be harmful.)
Antona: Wow CJ, I didn't know you had this in you! your facial expression is beautiful, but like the other judges have said, some parts of your body look a bit strange, which might not have happened if you hadn't rushed it too much!
Renee: I don't really have anything to say.. All of my points have been covered already.
Jae: Oh...um...yeah. Ouch. If you go to one of the many circuses with acrobats, you'll see exactly what you've portrayed. Most of the time though, they're wrapped around the pole. You look uncomfortable, like high in the canopies is not where you live your life. We also seem to be having issues with physics. Not only would your hair be hanging downwards, but your skirt would be too! A little more show than we expected. I love your outfit and your makeup, your hair and your idea, but honey, something's just not working for this shoot and I'm not quite sure what.
Renee: Aside from the fact that your clearly defying the rules of physics...and human anatomy it seems like (both of your hands are wonky)...I commend you for the idea you had and for your bravery by hanging upside down. I just dont think this went over well. Sorry. The dress is fantastic though! and I love your shoes too!!
Kyrie: The hair looks great, and you made a brilliant deduction that, if you were to hang upside down, then, yes, longer hair would look great. But, the physics, when it comes to your dress.. Don't exist. Are you trying to say that.. This dress.. If I buy it.. Even if I'm upside down.. Won't go up?! That would be a selling point for me, if it were.. Real. But it's not.. Also: holding your body like that: how? I would have liked to see you try something that looks more dazzling, and also.. Less unrealistic, and more entertaining.. This is just a little blah.
Wren: I only have one word for this photo. Ossification. I'm sad to say this CJ, but you've been going downhill for awhile. This is just ...not the best I've seen from you. You look stiff, floating in mid-air....and extremely awkward! I like your hair though....
Antona: Wow, that dress is amazing, but it's defying the laws of physics... it should be hanging down, as should your hair. On the other hand, it doesn't look so bad when it's upside down, and your body is right side up. It doesn't quite work, and isn't quite as acrobat-esque as I was expecting, but it's not completely horrible, the idea was good, the carrying out of the idea missed the mark a bit.
Wren: On the other hand, the other hand is backwards!
Kyrie: Thanks, CJ.
Zephyr
Jae: Love you smiling! Lookit you! You're like bright eyed and bushy tailed. Squirrelly Zephyr is adorable and it embodies you.
Kyrie: You're so very cute, but, in this picture, you're lacking just a little pizazz. I would have really liked to have seen something I didn't expect out of you.
Wren: I'm going to play it down here Zephyr...I'm not very impressed with this photo. First of all, I don't see that bubbly girl that I'm always used to seeing! You always shine brightly in your photos, yet you look tired and unmotivated here. You hand looks as though it had just been fed through a garbage disposal....and come to think of it...is it even your hand? I don't see how it's even attached to your body! Also, I'm not a big fan of the composition of this photo. I would've liked to have seen part of your torso, and a more interesting pose. You're all stuck in the bottom right hand corner, looking dazed and yawning with your mangled hand! What happened?
Antona: I love your smile, and this picture looks very cute and clean, but you are lacking a little je ne sais quoi, it's a good picture, but it's not quite there yet.
Renee: You guys are harsh.. I'm zipping the lip for now.
Jae: Cutie patootie. The pose is perfect, the smirk is adorable, and the cape is inspiration of the Gods. I wish everything were a little bit crisper though. Something's just not.....real about this picture. You pulled it off and came running in at "Just pretty good", let's make that a "Very good" next time, Honey Puff.
Renee: Hehe, this is cute! I love your outfit, I would totally wear that to a halloween bash or something. Your expression is great, and makeup even better, it tells a story. I agree with Jae, its not 3-dimensional enough, it looks too 1D...watch it next time. Overall, good job!
Kyrie: This picture is alright. I'm not completely impressed with it, but I think the pose is nice, and the outfit is good, but.. Overall, it falls flat. Your eyes are kind of crossed, and, everything is just kind of.. Blah. There's a lot of blah this week. I'm almost all blahed out.
Antona: I love your outfit, and your pose is really good as well, your one hand is turned backwards though so watch that, and I do agree that it looks a bit flat, but all in all it's not half bad, it's not amazing but it's not horrible either, so, good job.
Wren: Okay, I REALLY like your outfit and pose in this photo, but there is something not quite right. First off is that weirdness happening on the tightrope where your feet make contact. Secondly, I think the tightrope walking is a BIT too much happening all at once. I think you could've gotten a much stronger photo if you focused more on the sword-juggling and your posing concerning that. One more thing I dislike is the flatness of not only the perspective, but of your leggings and arm-pieces. This was an ambitious photo...but I think you're just short of pulling it all off. That said, I don't want to discourage you, because I do like the photo! It's just not up to par with what we should be getting from you at this point in the competition.
Cati
Jae: Cutie! Bright and cheery just like I've always seen you to be. And it's nice to see you in something not black, it really emphasizes your BEAUTIFUL dark hair.
Kyrie: You look very cute and sweet but.. Somehow, I feel that this is almost an act from you, Cati. You personal style choices clearly reflected before that the Cati deep down is a little bit more wild and untamed.. I really would have liked to see that side of you, personally, rather than a sugar-sweet fabrication. As a picture, it's missing a lot of mystique and story... It seems kind of like just an actor's black-and-white headshot, rather than a model. For what it is, though, it is very nice.
Wren: This is a super-cute photo. I love how you're clasping your hands - it looks as though you had just minutes ago witnessed the cutest puppy on EARTH!!! I love the photo...but--yeah, sorry there is a but--something about this is a little too childish. Maybe it's a little too cute?
Antona: I agree with the others in saying that this is a very cute picture, but you almost look too sweet and innocent compared with the other things you have been wearing in the past, which gives you the dark and twisty side underneath the bubbly exterior... I like it, but it's missing a little somethin' somethin'
Renee: I'm going to have to agree with the others. This doesnt look like the Cati we've known throughout the comp. THis is almost too sweet and innocent looking, and we know that side of you isnt that dominant(based on your submissions throughout the comp)...so with that said, this does look, almost fake. I'm not really feeling it.
Jae: AHAHAHAHAHA. Awwwwww...AHAHAHA! Lookit the adorable creepy clown with the adorable balloons! This shoot is good! I love the streaks in your hair and all your brilliant ideas in bringing this to culmination. More pose though! We've said this a million times, or at least I feel like I have. Maybe I haven't, actually, I don't know if I have or not...but that's not the point. I want more variety! Get out your booty and your groove thing and shake them both, then let the cameras snap.
Renee: I dont get it, why are you standing outside of (what seems like) the White House??? You're supposed to be a circus clown, no?? Hmmm...I dont know about this. I think you look really cute and what not, but I dont think this is "high fashion" enough. This actually reminds me of a high school girl dressing up as a gothic clown for halloween. Fab dress though, fab!...but, I have mixed feelings about this shoot.
Kyrie: The outfit is cute and the makeup is adorable, but I'm a little worried that you're not pushing it as far as poses go. You're holding balloons in front of what looks to be.. The White House? But you're supposed to be from a circus! I think you could have done more with posing and a more high fashion outfit to make this photoshoot work better. And your setting? Yeah.. Why?
Jae: Um...maybe...the fact that the US Government is a circus! Hahahaha...I don't really get it either... Or politicians are clowns! Hahhahahahaha.. Haha.
Kyrie: ... You are a master. Please teach me your ways.
Jae: Well, Padawan, the first step is don't sleep for as many hours as you should for many consecutive days, then get hyped up on caffeine and sugar. Then you retrieve the heart of the golden scaled dragon on the western mountain of Jaeadramar. Then you get internet access and bypass the acquisition of a sanity license. I shouldn't even be out on the blag'o'blag.
Antona: You guys are nuts.. Anyway.. I really like your outfit and your idea behind the shoot of being a goth clown, but why are you standing in front of the white house? and why are you not posing? you're in the circus honey, so show us that!
Wren: Cooooool balloons!!!! Uh oh....the fact that my eye is drawn to the balloons first is not a good sign. You don't seem to stand out here Cati-clown. I would've liked to have seen a more artsy, brightly coloured outfit. This looks too halloweeny for my tastes!
Kyrie: Thanks CJ. Next is..
Leona
Jae: I really like the shoot. Sultry and gorgeous, but I really didn't like the inspiration. Frankly I think a model should be able to have their own thing. They shouldn't base all of their stuff off of another model or another celebrity. If we wanted Lindsay Lohan for this shoot, we would've shelled out the money for the real thing. Be Leona, sugar, don't always be "That one girl who kinda looks like Lohan sometimes."
Kyrie: I have to agree. I don't think you should have taken inspiration so much from a picture of a celebrity. It would be okay to pay a small homage to them in small ways, but all we've seen from you all cycle is 'Lindsay Lohan.' You really need to become your own person, Leona. You're a beautiful and talented girl, and you don't need to pretend to be Lindsay in order to accomplish that. On a more harsh note.. No one will sign you if you don't bring something fresh and original to the table. Keep bringing Lindsay Lohan, and I assure you, Carmendy Models will want nothing to do with you, nor will any other modeling agency. We're looking for the next big thing, not, 'the last thing that's dying out but she does a damn good imitation of it.' You see?
Renee: Yes ma'am Kyrie! Carmendy Models definitely doesnt want to see the same thing over and over and over and over. Thats a quick way to turn a new fresh model into yesterdays news!
Wren: You know, I haven't seen that cover of Elle, and I also (for the first time) don't see Lindsay Lohan in this shot, which is a good thing. Which is why I agree with the others that you shouldn't base your look on anyone else but you. You're lucky that I haven't seen that cover too, because my critique would've been tainted with the image of LiLo. Because of that, I am going to congratulate you on a great photo! It would've been nice to see you look at the camera for this shot, but you still manage to draw the eye in which is the important part. I'd like to point out your right arm though...the upper arm looks a little rough on the edges. I know its hard to make arms look organic, but try to make it look less ruggedy.
Antona: While it is a good shot and you look very glamorous, I definitely agree with the others in saying you don't need to rely so heavily on Lindsay's work to take a great shot, and in fact you should be trying to do your own thing so as not to be confused with LiLo, because no one likes a copycat model.
Renee: Aside from the "stop trying to be L.L.'s shadow" comments...this is a very glamorous shoot. The pose says alot, and you looking away from the camera with this pose fits the bill. This was very beautiful. Good job.
Jae: This is a GREAT shoot. I love your hair, your make up, your eyes, your pose, the fire, the beautiful box you're sitting on....you look GREAT. You coulda had the skirt ride up the thigh of your left leg, but I'm just gettin nit picky. You look SIZZLING, Mon hard boiled egg.
Kyrie: Although it took quite a bit of coaching, I think this photo turned out wonderfully. Any problems we may have had with it before were buffed out during the shoot, and by the end, I knew you'd nailed a fantastic shot. The only thing I could call out is that the makeup still seems slightly imbalanced. But the pose, your outfit, your setting, hair, everything.. A+! Although.. I think you could have done a little more fire-eating.. You're kinda not eating it, you know?
Renee: I agree with Kyrie, the makeup looks a little imbalanced, but other than that...you look smokin'!! Maybe its just me, but your legs are giving me an optical illusion, I cant tell if your left leg is supposed to be in front of your right leg, or resting against the box and is your right resting against the box too? Either way, I like it...your dress is viciously cute too!!
Antona: I love your hair, pose, outfit, and the overall idea of this theme, although it took a lot of coaching to get it here, you pulled it all together and delivered a great shot. The only thing I have a problem with is your makeup, and your eyes look a bit weird too, but that's my only complaint, so good job.
Wren: Woooooooo! Hot stuffs!! I love that yours worked out so well! You are lucky to have had some help this round, and I look forward to seeing more of your growth from here-on-out! You're excellent at posing, and your problems have always been with proportions. So this is a big step up for you
Max-B
Jae: Wow. Your hair turned out GREAT. I LOVE it so much because you look soooooo.....beautiful. The emphasis isn't on sex, it isn't on your clothes, it's on your gorgeous face. You look great.
Kyrie: Everything about this picture is beautiful, but I still feel like maybe it's missing a little bit of personality. All I know about you is that you're super fabulous.. But there's got to be more to Max-B than just that. This was an opportunity to show us that you're not just a cookie-cutter model, fabulous though you may be.. Hopefully you'll get another chance soon to show us something deeper..
Wren: This is my favorite picture of you. You have a very different look from most girls, tall and ethereal. I love your hair this light and airy, but one thing that I think ruins the photo is the background. I think, because you are so lightly coloured in skin tone and hair colour, that a slightly darker shade of a background is needed so that you don't disappear and become flat. Make it a mission of yours to always stand out and catch our eye!
Antona: I love the black background version of your picture because with the white background you seem to blend in with the background. I love your hair, but you're lacking a bit of personality with the expression on your face... work on that, and you'll have an amazing picture. We know you're fabulous, now you gotta show it to us with your face.
Renee: I dont know if its the pose that makes you look like your not standing up straight or that you're simply not standing up straight, but its driving me crazy. I want to go over there and push your upper back and tilt ya up a bit. That in itself is distracting me, other than this...you look gorgeous! Your face looks beautifully centered in all that frosted blonde hair. We can really see just how sharp your features are. Its like a whole other Max-B.
Jae: A-MEN! This is soooo great. The tight rope isn't right, but you look windswept, balanced and comfortable! You look like you're at home with yourself on the tightrope!
Kyrie: Yeah, that's the loosest tightripe I've ever seen in my life. It's so loose, it's an oxymoron!
Renee: Walking a tightrope in heels?!! WOW! Very talented! I agree with Jae...you definitely own this shoot and to me this says, "Check me out, this is a piece of cake..dont I look amazing!" Great job, this shoot screams attitude! I LOVE IT!
Kyrie: I'm a little concerned about how in the world you're walking that weird wiggly tightrope, but, hey, you really worked it out rather well this week! Your skirt is a little be confusing to me, and I'm working about what you're doing with fire so up high.. But really, your pose and stuff worked it out, so, I don't have any complaints.
Antona: This is really amazing, your pose, your outfit, everything is great. I'm a little worried about how wobbly that tightrope is, but it works stylistically, so I'm okay with it. and I love the shadow of you from the spotlight... great job!
Wren: My ooooonly problems with this photo is the tightrope. They call it a tightrope for a reason, sweetie! What you've got there is a loose-rope! Even so, it's not really a huge concern for me because it goes well with the action happening in the photo. And action is definitely what we need more of from you girls in a shoot such as this! The dramatic lighting is probably my favorite thing about this photo. Way to capture the magic, Max-B!
"Now that that we've seen everyone's photos, the judges will deliberate, and we will decide who is going home."
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"Seven beautiful girls stand before me, but I only have si--er, twelve photos in my hand. These photos represent the girls who are still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model."
Leona: You've really started listening to the judges, and your photos are turning out beautifully because of it. However, we want you to know that you can be beautiful without being Lindsay.. Congratulations, Leona, NOT Lindsay, is still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model.
Holly: The judges all agree that this week's photo was a little bit lazy, and didn't say 'flying trapeze' at all, but your beauty shot was beautiful, and we feel like you've shown us that cool hair isn't all you have to offer.
Ava: Beautiful pictures this week. Absolutely stunning. Just keep an eye on exactly what's going on in the picture.. Don't do the impossible.
Max-B: Remember physics, and remember to be more than just a shell.. Show us who you are with the next one. You're still in the running towards becoming Candybar's Next Top Model.
CJ: Defying physics has brought you to the bottom of the pack.. But however many little flaws it had, your black and white photo was amazing. Congratulations, CJ.
"Will Cati and Zephyr please step forward?"
"I only have one photo left in my hands. The girl whose name I do not call must immediately return to the house, pack her belongings, and go home."
"With you, Cati, we've been riding the line. Some of the judges behind me say that you're amature.. Others, however, have said that you're steadily improving, and getting better week after week. You came in here today with some semi-unimpressive photos.. And worst of all, we see you hiding.. You're guessing the kind of girl we want you to be.. And not being yourself. We want your personality to be real, and to come from the inside.. For your beauty shot, you were cute, sweet, reserved.. All things we've really come to realize Cati is not. That was your chance to be daring, wild.. Show us something raw and unique and beautiful.. And instead.. You gave us a high school portrait."
"Zephyr, your problem is that we see you coming stagnant. For a while, you were on the rise so fast that you were a shoe-in for the final six before we'd even eliminated 2 girls. However, over the past few weeks we've seen you slowly decline, and you're beginning to fall out of the race. Your pictures this week were.. Okay. They're not nearly on the par as some of the girls behind you. We feel like.. Maybe Zephyr has run out of steam? Maybe there won't be any more improvement?"
"So who goes home? The girl who's come so far so fast that she may be done growing, or the girl who is trying too hard to be a people pleaser, and denying the beauty of who she really is?"
Kyrie sighed, looking down at the picture in her hands, and then turned it over.
"The judges think maybe you still have a little steam left in you, Zephyr."
Cati began to nod, looking down to mask the tears. She'd predicted something like this would happen.. And unfortunately, it did. Before she could look up again to go hug the girls, she felt arms wrap around her--it was the other models. After everyone had given their hugs and walked back over to the room where they were to stand, Kyrie and the other judges came down from the judging table.
"Cati, we love you for you... We don't want you to be anyone else but who you are.. That is the girl who can be the model.. So, when you go home tonight.. Leave that fakey bubbly girl here with us.. And go start a career as an interesting, cute but quirky and dark and mysterious girl.. Okay?"
As Cati turned to leave, she gave one last look over her shoulder at the girls who had all recieved pictures, some reacting with tears, others waving sadly to their lost friend. Heaving a sigh, she left the room.
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So sad to have to eliminate you, Cati, as it is with all of the girls! But please come back and join us again in the future with a new model! :) There's always room to grow as a model!
For an extra special treat, here are the black and white photos the judges took for fun!