Another Top 10 Most Memorable America's Next Top Model Photoshoots
In the world of professional modeling, the camera reveals both stars-in-the-making and spectacular disasters. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we'll be counting down our picks for Another Top 10 Most Memorable America's Next Top Model Photoshoots.
For this list, we're looking at more entertaining and outlandish photoshoot moments from Tyra Banks' influential reality series. If you didn't see a photo shoot you thought would be on the list, be sure to check our original video on the topic!
#10: Wild Boyz & Girlz “The Girl Whose Boyfriend Is Cheating on Her”
During Cycle 5, the models receive a variety of surprises. First, there’s the glamorous Hollywood Hills location. Then, MTV’s Wildboyz show up for the “entourage gone wild” theme. With Nadia Pandolfo behind the camera, many of the girls are distracted by the moment, as the guys actually show more skin and personality than the models. Well, except for Lisa D’Amato, who feels right at home with the boys and steals the show by showing up in a diaper. When Lisa takes a public pee, her pee-rs realize that they’re dealing with some formidable competition: a model who is arguably MORE wild than the Wildboyz.
#9: Scared Guppies “The Girl Who Is a Model, Not a Masseuse”
In Thailand’s Floating Market, the Cycle 6 models all share a special fragrance: fish. They’re literally flipped upside down, seemingly more concerned with not falling over than Jaturong Hirankarn’s camera and direction. For this shoot, the girls are once again forced to adapt on the fly, as they try oh-so-hard to maintain their model mojo, instead of looking like scared guppies. The concept is fishy, along with Jay Manuel’s feedback. While models often manage to smile through difficult shoots, the pain was real during this Thai production. #8: Candy-Coated “The Girl Who Cries All the Time”
During this Cycle 8 shoot, the girls expose themselves to photographer Joseph Cultice. But it’s a tasteful concept, as they’re partially covered with candy. Some girls are uncomfortable with the idea, and for good reason, while others fully embrace their edible personal accessories. As a result, it’s a memorable shoot for all the polarizing reactions, and how a select few showcase their fabulous shapes and personalities. Jaslene has no problem with her “dulce le leche” look, and it’s this type of poise that helped her win the entire competition.
#7: Up the Ladder “The Ladder of Model Success”
Top 20 Memorable America's Next Top Model Photoshoots
For this Cycle 11 shoot with Mike Ruiz, the “America’s Next Top Model” competition reaches a new dimension. The models don’t actually seem fazed by the Hot Air Balloon concept, but the idea is eventually scrapped because of some windy weather. Rather than dangling from the sky, the contestants stay closer to earth. Some bring their A-game, while others struggle with their ladder mojo, even the model-turned-mainstream-actress Analeigh Tipton. The revised idea is more basic than the original, and the shoot is a mixed bag of poses, with a few memorable exceptions.
#6: Hakuna Matata “The Girl Who Is Rushed to the Emergency Room”
Near the end of Cycle 6, the contestants arrive in beautiful Thailand and meet an enormous yet “gentle” elephant. For this Venus razors project, Pongsak Tangtiwaja snaps the photos, and the girls hilariously try to be graceful alongside their rough-skinned friend. At times, it’s not entirely clear which model is more nervous, beauty or beast, yet the contestants do seem to appreciate the unique opportunity. It’s a nerve-wracking photoshoot, but one that looks amazing when it’s all said and done. For this jungle production, America’s Top Models are truly in touch with nature.
#5: Adams & Eves “The Girl Who Overslept”
In the Cycle 2 premiere, Tyra surprises the contestants by returning them to their natural state. In collaboration with Fresh Look contact lenses and the show’s own Nigel Barker, the shoot begins badly when Jenascia fails to wake up for work. Yet, the gig must go on. Fortunately for the models, there are plenty of Adams to complement the Eves, resulting in a revealing and exotic photoshoot. But it’s the behind-the-scenes drama that makes it a classic, as the contestants clash with each other and their photographer.
#4: Underwater with Matthew Rolston “Matthew Rolston” Early on in Cycle 15, Tyra’s beauties pose with some underwater uglies. For this shoot, the contestants are super excited to work with the iconic Matthew Rolston, making them a little more at ease for the sea creature shoot. Jay pulls some Jedi mind tricks by suggesting the models are in “the club”; and it somehow works, as the contestants bring their best. For this shoot, there’s some extra energy on set, as the photographer has a special way of connecting. Just when everything seems on point, though, some petty complaints ruin the vibe. Still, it’s one of the more focused “Top Model” shoots.
#3: A Top Model Horror Story “The Girl Who Changes Her Attitude”
For this macabre shoot, photographer Mike Rosenthal seeks high fashion with a dark concept. It’s an original idea, but a horrific one, too, and the premise leads some contestants to a real dark place. For the most part, though, the models have fun and fully immerse themselves into the vibe. This is a different way to challenge the contestants mid-way through the season, and it toughens them up for the final leg of the cycle. Furthermore, it suggests that aspiring models should be ready for anything, even it terrifies them.
#2: Drag Queens “The Girl Who Takes Credit”
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After styling themselves in this Cycle 8 episode, the contestants receive some light-hearted criticism from Jay Manuel. But, it’s merely a set-up for a gender-bending shoot with photographer Richard Reinsdorf, as the models take on male personas and pose with actual male drag queens. Some of them overthink the premise and struggle with the direction. Overall, though, it’s one of the more comedic Top Model photoshoots, if only because the contestants are challenged to view themselves differently and mostly have fun with their new personalities. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Not the Bees! “Alek Wek” Falling Fairytales “The Girl Who Kissed the Roach” Abandoned Suspension “The Girl Who Can Cry at the Drop of a Hat”
#1: Welcome to the Circus “The Girl Who Joined the Circus”
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In Cycle 8, photographer Mike Rosenthal memorably directed a crime scene shoot. But one cycle previously, he provoked the contestants – and viewers - with a photographic circus. Shortly before the shoot, Tyra discusses hopes and fears, educating each model about the demanding world of high fashion. During the shoot, the contestants forget about their insecurities and lock into Circus Mode. The presence of Seventeen Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief inspires them even more. Hey, the modeling business can be like a real-life circus, so this playful desert shoot was the perfect way to prepare – and motivate – the talent.
