TASKS:

1.) WINNER'S CIRCLE
Time for some tributes to our winners. Listed below will be the list of models (excluding the first two seasons) who were able to get the crown of the Next Top Model. On a first-come, first, pick basis you must pick a winner that you resonated with the most and portray them to their fullest.

2.) UPSIDE DOWN
This one's pretty tricky but pretty amazing at the same time, this is one of my favorite semifinals tasks to date. Your only goal here is to look amazing even upside down. Your task is to pick a photo, turn it upside down. Again your task is to present a photo that is as modelesque even if it's turned 180 degrees.

3.) UNIQUE X FLAWSOME
Again, another favorite of mine. Basically, for your task here you will pick from the two themes above (it's not the same). If you would pick "Unique", present me a photo that showcases your qualities for being uniquely yourself. Present me a photo that makes you stand out from anybody, that will be remembered in you and what makes you really special, or simply what makes you, you. If you would pick "Flawsome", so first what is it? “Flawsome,” (as the adjective suggests) is used to describe something that is awesome because of its flaws. I want you to look at your flaws and showcase them in your photos.

4.) RECREATE
It's time for second chances, your final task for the semifinals, to prove you can do better. It's time to level up your submission. Pick a certain photoshoot week you felt like you could have performed better, and what will you do? the goal is to recreate that certain week and submit what you think would have been a better submission for that week.

All of this shall be submitted within 48 hrs. Explanations for each shot is highly important. Failure to submit would affect you very much since it's the semifinals. Thank you and good luck Top 5!

WINNER'S CIRCLE (First come, first pick basis; no reservations)

Cycle 3 - Karlie Kloss
Cycle 4 - Edward Wilding
Cycle 5 - Marlon Teixeira
Cycle 6 - Cara Delevingne
Cycle 7 - Lindsey Wixson
Cycle 8 - Lucky Blue Smith
Cycle 9 - Saskia de Brauw
Cycle 10 - Augusta Alexander
Cycle 11 - Lenox Tillman
Cycle 12 - Garrett Neff
Cycle 13 - Bae Yoon Young
Cycle 14 - Jon Kortajarena
Cycle 15 - Jhona Burjack
Cycle 16 - Ajak Deng
Cycle 17 - Taylor Swift

House updates:

https://tengaged.com/group/5820-next-top-model-18-pop-culture/forum/topic/25319053/2

Tanya

1. Winner's Circle: Taylor Swift

https://i.imgur.com/FWAHTly.png
I debated if I wanted to try to do Taylor since I've not only been compared to her throughout the competition, but used her as inspiration for one of my favorite photos I've submitted this season. However, I truly love Taylor and think there are so many sides to her that Tanya can showcase through her portfolio, so I am taking a "risk" by choosing the obvious if that makes sense. In this picture Tanya represents the idealist, dreamer side of Taylor. Taylor's early years she was certainly a day dreamer with her head in the clouds. One of my favorite songs by her is "Speak Now" which is basically a day dream of what Taylor wanted to do for a guy she loved and I used that dreamer inspiration for this photo. I think this perfectly captures that side of Taylor.

2. Upside Down

https://i.imgur.com/ulDADqX.png
Whenever I look for photos of Tanya, this photoshoot in Paris always stands out to me. This particular photo I've never really thought of using because the Eiffel Tower always stood out more than Tanya. I decided to flip just to see what would happen, and I actually love this photo 100% times upside down. Despite the iconic Eiffel Tower being upside down in this shot, my eyes immediately go to Tanya's face which stands out as upside down. Turning it upside down also creates this really cool optical illusion of Tanya being caught in a net of some sort and being suspended in air because of the texture of her dress. I love this picture and am glad I decided to try flipping it for this prompt.

3. Unique

https://i.imgur.com/KktXGzX.png
This is a really risky submission because there are no crazy clothes or makeup, and the photo is black and white, but I absolutely love this picture of Tanya and have wanted to use it but no round has ever really justified using it. There's just something so uniquely captivating about this picture, from the slightly off pose, the outfit, the odd hair. However the most captivating part to me is what we don't see in the photo, what is happening off screen to make Tanya's hair blow back and her to be leaning backwards like that? I think this picture allows the viewer to create their own story in their mind and it's captivating because there is something so strangely captivating by it. Everything is "normal" yet slightly off, making it very unique in my opinion.

4. Recreate
https://i.imgur.com/iq5Bfl5.gif
https://i.imgur.com/iq5Bfl5.png
For this category I decided to recreate Photoshoot #7 "The Society". It is my lowest placing in the season following my initial 1st callout and even though I liked my picture submission that round, it was a bit of a stretch for the category and I had a hard time explaining my thought process. So for this, I am taking a stance against the social construct of masculinity and femininity. Although gender constructs are slowly becoming more fluid in society, there is still a major stigma behind people going against gender "norms" which I find ridiculous. I believe people should dress and act how they feel, regardless of their assigned gender at birth. In this picture Tanya takes on a more masculine persona with her clothes and pose, as well as her "stern" and "strong" facial expression which is generally associated with masculinity. I also think this shows a completely different side of Tanya as I have never submitted a photo like this before for her!

==Malaika Firth==

01. Winner's Pick

https://ilarge.lisimg.com/image/7008798/1118full-malaika-firth.jpg

Originally I was gonna go with Ajak here has we're both african born models and we both showed amazing photos however thinking and reflecting on it now the winner that I actually resonate with is Jhona why? Because through out this whole competition I feel that his brand has matched me perfectly next to the brand that I was labeled under. "Resilient" he even won all stars as a underdog against two winners which proved his resilience so here I'm gonna show my resilience, this semi-finals is going to be a war and I'm leading these horses into battle ready to fight my way to the finale.

02. Upside Down

https://i.imgur.com/sn6qaI5.png

With the upside down photoshoot I wanted to go with something beautiful and also gave the illusion that the photoshoot could possibly be meant for being upside down, so here I'm embracing the upside downess and it looks like I'm hanging with the garments flowing off me.

03. Unique

https://iv1.lisimg.com/image/6693738/740full-malaika-firth.jpg

I wanted to show a different side of me as you all see me as my brand in which is royalty. So I'm serving up something unique here with my orange colored hair, with my unique outfit going on but I still feel like I'm owning it and I'm not going to apologize for it

04. Recreate

https://iv1.lisimg.com/image/8441595/700full-malaika-firth.jpg

Speaking of brands one challenge that I feel that I needed to do better on is funnily enough last challenge, I mean it was my brand and it almost sent me home, so I'm not gonna make that mistake twice, royalty can come into all forms and I think here I was able to capture the attention better than I was last week and so hopefully this would be my redemption

1) WINNER'S CIRCLE - Saskia de Brauw

Saskia is an inspiration! She is probably one of the most well-known models for slaying the entire competition! I know it's a big risk choosing her but I really wanted to capture her dark, high-fashion sense of style and her signature hairstyle, of course! My photo is definitely one that Saskia would slay, it's edgy, editorial and high-fashion!


2) UPSIDE DOWN

I feel like this is a picture that looks even more stunning upside down than it does right side up! I am posing with my entire body from my face to my hands to my feet!

3) UNIQUE X FLAWSOME - Flawsome

My submission for this theme is a very pulled back and vulnerable version of myself that I will be presenting to you. My clothes seem incomplete and I'm sitting in a very vulnerable and exposing pose. Even my expression has a hint of sadness. However, as an overall shot this picture is awesome, as it's very editorial and embraces my natural beauty and showcases my emotional side.


4) RECREATE - Disney Week
Now, it's true that I have had a few ups and downs in this competition but honestly the one shoot I wish I had done differently was the Disney shoot where we could choose our own characters and portray them! I originally chose Cruella DeVille, and that was cute, but I really wish I had gone with Cinderella, and here's why! I think the shot I have submitted for RECREATE is a perfect representation of Cinderella at the ball! Her dress is stunning, but there is a hint of worry and nervousness on her face as she knows she has until the clock strikes 12 to leave. Therefore, as her timer counts down, she flees from the ball in a blur so fast that it's like she was never even there.

Reece Semi Finals

#1: Winner’s Circle

https://marriedbiography.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/8ef42a28-1724-44be-8f29-1c21bd774315-758x1024.jpg

I’m taking inspiration from Cara Delevingne. Her photos give me “rose with thorns” energy, meaning she looks absolutely elegant but will destroy you if you got too close. For this photo, I tried to look stunning and intimidating at the same time.

#2: Upside Down

https://imgur.com/a/ocYJmtW

I thought this photoshoot was a fun concept. As we are still in Japan, I thought this was a fun way to incorporate one of the nations cultural traditions: tea. A “Japanese Tea Ceremony represents respect, purity and tranquillity”, all aspects I tried to portray in this photo.

#3: Unique

https://dazedimg-dazedgroup.netdna-ssl.com/560/azure/dazed-prod/1270/2/1272781.jpg

Throughout this competition, I have been unapologetic about my self expression. I will continue to fight against society’s gender norms, this time through paint. I think the digital editing and color combinations make this a unique shot. The blurred images next to me don’t steal the spotlight, but enhance the emphasis in the center. This might just be me, but with one eye I’m looking off longingly into the distance while maintaining direct eye contact with the other, which is something I don’t see everyday.

#4: Recreate

https://imgur.com/a/77boVr0

The stock photo challenge during Week 6 was the toughest one for me. My problem with choosing to do a “Con Artist” is that there are so many interpretations for what this could be and I did not pick a specific direction in my description. Therefore, it looked like I just picked a random photo and called it a day. For my second attempt, I wanted to erase any doubts about hitting the theme. This looks like a scene from a movie where I just got caught trying to steal a valuable brief case and in a last ditch effort, tried to camouflage in my surroundings.

He Cong

1. Winner’s Circle - Bae Yoon Young

I feel as though Bae and I are similar models and the obvious similarity’s how Bae literally dominated her season through winning challenges and multiple best photos! Yes, we are both asians but that’s not why I went with her … from the previous week I was giving the quality “Supreme” because in my eyes I have dominated this season even with a minor hiccup with my previous elimination. Common words that I’ve seen of Bae Yoon Young are: bad-ass, confident and a straight- shooter.

This shot you can say is straight-forward because my primary goal this season and my modelling career is to dominate, but it’s not only about winning it’s about finding yourself a career that NEVER IN ANY DAY would it feel like a job. You can see the photographer in where naturally my heart would be placed because I really want this so much … deep deep in my heart.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/444f25_dcf74d4f1fa44a04b0c62daeb83185fd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_871,h_1220,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/444f25_dcf74d4f1fa44a04b0c62daeb83185fd~mv2.jpg

2. Upside Down

I wanted to play with 2 character traits and a story line for this theme. In the normal orientation of this shot, you would see me in a calmer state and more tranquil character trait, however my alternate or 180 degrees form is much darker and “evil” form. Why you may ask the fire from the chandelier is more focused and covering the face of the more diabolical side … well it’s because I’m trying to erase that part of my side *giggles*. Slowly but surely, pieces by pieces I’m trying to eradicate my alternate form before it consumes me and reaches my actual dimension.

https://i.ibb.co/3s8rGYm/01-004-orig.jpg

3. Unique

One thing that I’m proud of myself is that no matter what situation I’m in I’m able to get across the “He Cong” brand which is strength, power and efficacy! In this photo I’m exuding all these qualities into my shot to show that I’m truly made for this and as always MY POWERFUL AND ALLURING STARE.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55f45174e4b0fb5d95b07f39/1525358384163-OCRFC5RXY3IMA069EO0I/Emma+Summerton+The+Enchanted+Garden+for+Vogue+China+May+2018++%282%29.png?format=1500w

4. Recreate

“Everything 2021”

I wanted to recreate this photoshoot theme because it basically paved how I was viewed right from the start. I find that I wasn’t certain about how I wanted to brand myself and looking back to that photo it was very meh and not as exciting as I’ve progressed to be.

Instead of focusing on asian culture through clothing, I wanted to bring more awareness to the state of mind when people go through this sensitive issue! Asian hate is such a destabilizing feeling and unnatural because no one wants to feel unwanted as we are all the same. This shot brings on emotion and what you can say is abstract because I’m trying to shield myself from it all, but it still comes through and can happen no matter how much you try to avoid it.

New photo: https://i.mdel.net/i/db/2018/6/932524/932524-800w.jpg

Old photo: https://c6oxm85c.cloudimg.io/width/1400/png-lossless.fgaussian0.foil1/https://az617363.vo.msecnd.net/imgmodels/models/MD20000663/3099769a4547cc4267fa569b091ca56deba.jpg

XXCLOSEDXX

The assigned judge for each task are:

TASK 1: Winner's Circle - Jerard, Garrett, and Guest Judge Marlon
TASK 2: Upside Down - Garrett, Jon, and Guest Judge Lucky
TASK 3: Unique x Flawsome - Jerard, Jon, and Guest Judge Francisco
TASK 4: Recreate - Jerard, Garrett, and Jon

Panel rescheduled:

I will see you on January 14, 6 AM EST for our panel.

Francisco: Glad to be back judging you 5, well done all of you for making it this far.

Tanya - I think this shot is extremely vulnerable and unique. Really could have worked for both options. Overall it is a really solid shot, the body looks a little awkward but it works for the photo.

Malaika - I am a little confused by this shot with your description. You mentioned you wanted to showcase something that is not on-brand for you but this entire category of being unique is to be your brand and how your brand is unique from everyone else. I really like the shot but I'm not sure if I get unique in the sense you are trying to portray. I think this would work in so many categories but maybe not this one.

Sasha -  The only one to pick Flawsome and I love that, it is such a big risk to take a stab at something that is meant to be imperfect. I think you did a really good job of showcasing flaws but still being yourself through it. There are a few things I would try to change like the headcover cause it looks a little odd but overall amazing job.

Reece - REECE! This would have been such a great image for Flawsome, cause it looks like the paint is highlighting elements of your body to look perfect and I legit would have given you more points for identifying that cause it would work so well in this category. It is still a great image for Unique though but just think about small details when it comes to conveying the story from your image.

He Cong - I'm a little torn on this image as well because you mention the power and strength is in your brand and I love that but the image is from a high angle that makes you look a little vulnerable just based on the angle. Loving the setting and the outfit but just wish it was from a lower angle where we look up at you.

Overall good job peeps, this is hard to judge and we really need to find the difference between a good and great photo. All of you are bringing it though.

Tanya: This feels very pedestrian, your not really doing much to stand out and i gotta say its disappointing

Malaika: I was a big fan of you in the week i judged Nd i just dont think you put your best foot forward which is sad to see, you feel like more incidental then actually impacting the photo

Sasha: I really like this photo, I think you did a good job capturing saskias off beat nature and are great at catching the eye

Reese: you are also someone i was very excited by in the week i judged and this just feels.... basic, i know youve got more to give then something this simple and your just not giving enough

He: your fine, its really nothing special and the awkwardly edited in camera is offputting though and i really cant say you did anything special

I know you guys are all much better then this from looking at your past submissions, we all have our off days but this could be an off day that costs 2 of you

GARRETT'S COMMENTS (1/3)

Task 1: Winner’s Circle
He Cong (humanwebjet1): This shot certainly does scream Bae Yoon Young. I love the extraness and the overall dynamic that comes along with this shot, so good job!

Malaika Firth (spinfur): I don't know, Malaika; this may be one of if not my favorite shot from you up to this point. I love the confidence that you exude just by looking at the shot. Jhona didn't have an easy route, and some could say neither did you, but for me, I love this shot and fantastic way to kick things off.

Reece King (IceBear): Reece, I'm not a fan of this shot. I don't see where or what exactly you're portraying here.

Sasha Pivovarova (nateclove): This is undoubtedly a Saskia-type shot. I love the high fashion sense here in this shot. I also love the dark overlay that comes with this shot, so overall, great job!

Tanya Dziahileva (Sebbers): This is a Taylor Swift type of shot; if you didn't know better, you might've thought it was Taylor, so Tanya, job well done with this one.