The Pageant

This is a series of environmental portraits of young Canadian women who have participated in beauty pageants. Each image features the subject in their pageant gowns, shot either in their home, or a location that they deeply identify with. The photos are meant to juxtapose very personal and intimate aspects of each girl, with their very public image as an ideal of beauty. Some characteristics of each subject is revealed through their environments, and the way they occupy a familiar space. I wish to unveil the ostentatious and idolized nature of the pageant persona each person may, or may not embody as they step in front of the camera.

Featured in the Globe and Mail.

Natasha Euteneier is a 27 year-old sales professional and entrepreneur from Georgetown, Ontario. She recently competed in Miss Galaxy Canada, representing Halton and will be competing in Miss Europe Continental this November. Photographed in Natasha’

Natasha Euteneier is a 27 year-old sales professional and entrepreneur from Georgetown, Ontario. She recently competed in Miss Galaxy Canada, representing Halton and will be competing in Miss Europe Continental this November. Photographed in Natasha’s home in Georgetown, Ontario.

Alice Li, reigning Miss Intercontinental Canada 2018, at her office. She works full-time as an accountant while also doing pageants, and busking at TTC stations and other public spaces around Toronto for charity. Alice will be competing in the Miss I

Alice Li, reigning Miss Intercontinental Canada 2018, at her office. She works full-time as an accountant while also doing pageants, and busking at TTC stations and other public spaces around Toronto for charity. Alice will be competing in the Miss Intercontinental international pageant in Manila in January 2019.

Grace Diamani, 26, is currently living in Ottawa and attending Carleton University for Sociology. She was crowned Miss Grand Canada 2018, and is currently competing in Miss Universe Canada. Taken in her childhood home, Whitby, Ontario.

Grace Diamani, 26, is currently living in Ottawa and attending Carleton University for Sociology. She was crowned Miss Grand Canada 2018, and is currently competing in Miss Universe Canada. Taken in her childhood home, Whitby, Ontario.

Vanessa Nash-Gale is a 39 year-old sewing and leathercraft teacher from Newfoundland. She was the winner of Miss Fuller Woman Canada in 2016. Photographed in Vanessa’s home in Toronto.

Vanessa Nash-Gale is a 39 year-old sewing and leathercraft teacher from Newfoundland. She was the winner of Miss Fuller Woman Canada in 2016. Photographed in Vanessa’s home in Toronto.

Juiliana Qian, 24, works as an administrator, but identifies more as a dancer and model. She was the first runner up for Miss Chinese Toronto in 2015. She still performs and models, but is not sure if she wants to do another pageant in the future. Ph

Juiliana Qian, 24, works as an administrator, but identifies more as a dancer and model. She was the first runner up for Miss Chinese Toronto in 2015. She still performs and models, but is not sure if she wants to do another pageant in the future. Photographed in Juliana’s home in Scarborough, Ontario.

Kate Briones is a 17-year-old highschool student from North York, Ontario. She says that pageants has helped her with her confidence and speech impediment. She hopes to go into Child and Youth Work in the future. Photographed in Kate’s home in North

Kate Briones is a 17-year-old highschool student from North York, Ontario. She says that pageants has helped her with her confidence and speech impediment. She hopes to go into Child and Youth Work in the future. Photographed in Kate’s home in North York, Ontario.

Danielle, 20 (Copy)

Danielle, 20

Miss Teen Canada World 2012 Finalist
Miss Teen Barrie World 2012

Katie, 22 (Copy)

Katie, 22

Miss Teen Canada World 2008 Winner
Miss Universe Canada 2012 National Finalist
Miss Supranational 2012 Finalist

Chantelle, 20 (Copy)

Chantelle, 20

Miss Teen Canada World 2012 Participant
Miss Earth Ontario 2013 Participant

Christina, 18 (Copy)

Christina, 18

Miss Teen Canada World 2012 Finalist
Miss Teen GTA World 2012
Miss Earth Ontario 2013 Participant

Cheskie, 16 (Copy)

Cheskie, 16

Miss Teenage Canada 2014
Miss Teen Canada World 2012 Finalist
Miss Teen Southern Ontario World 2012