Emily Brook's Photoshoot
My official photoshoot as Mrs. North Dakota International was an
adventure! We headed west about four hours to Natural Impressions: Photography
by Justine’s studio in Hazen, ND. My husband and I decided to stay over in
Bismarck, which is close to Hazen, so we could relax and enjoy some dining out
together during the trip.
There were
quite a few clothing options I brought with me to the photoshoot with Justine. I
loved having both of my Pageant Directors, Janelle Steinberg and Jessie Aamodt,
with me in the studio. They did an amazing job of helping me pick out my
wardrobe for each look. From my earrings to my shoes, they gave their expert
opinions. They smoothed my hair and helped make any adjustments needed during
the photos. I told them that I wished everyone could have the same experience
that made me feel like royalty.
While
taking the photos, Justine had some really great ideas for background,
lighting, and posing. I enjoyed the way she made me feel comfortable in front
of the camera. She turned on some great music, which of course led to dancing
on my part. I love all of the different looks from my photoshoot, but my very
favorite was the bonus photos at the end. Justine set up some lighting that came
straight from above, which created a real contrast between the different
elements in the photos. They turned out so artistic!
Incorporating
my platform into the photoshoot was really special for me as well. I wore a
tank top with the American Mother Inc. logo that my mom bought for me when we
attending our first AMI Convention together. There was another look that
featured a gold sequin Mac Duggal gown. I held an American flag behind me in
the background against a white backdrop. Justine was able to capture some
really amazing photos of me twirling in the gown with the flag.
One really
meaningful experience I’ve had with my pageant involvement so far was getting
to wear a very special gown for my official Mrs. North Dakota International. When
I was 17, I competed in a pageant and wore the same gown. My on-stage question
for the Mrs. North Dakota International Pageant was, “What have you learned
about yourself through your involvement with this pageant?” My answer spoke of how I’ve realized that
it’s never too late to revisit a dream. It really made the whole moment come
full circle for me.
Sharing a mother’s love,
Emily Brooks
Mrs. North Dakota International
2021
