Tuesday, March 17, 2009

America's Next Top Model Wannabe

If I had any aspirations of being on America's Next Top Model before, I sure don't now.

On Monday, the kids and I went to a photography studio to have a photo session done, only this wasn't something we initiated. A local newspaper, The Independence Examiner, has a monthly magazine called Jackie Magazine. Imagine my surprise when they contacted me a little over a month ago and told me that they wanted to do a story on me and our family, and the cover story no less. To say I was intimidated is an understatement. Past cover stories have been prominent women in the community, so why in the world did they want to do a story on us? And when Adrianne, the reporter, told me that the story would be 2-3 pages, I wondered what in the world they would find to write that much about. I knew once she started interviewing me that she would change her mind. But she didn't.

Part of the story involves taking pictures of us to put on the magazine cover and with the story. Sounds easy enough, no? No is right! It wasn't easy, not when you add Emma into the mix. I'm sure the fact that Emma only got a 10 minute nap didn't help things but this child was a temper tantrum throwing nightmare. She wanted no part of it at all. It took us almost an hour to get several family photo shots and only a handful of those will be good. By the time we finished with the family photos, I was spent. But we weren't done yet.

America's Next Top Model time. They needed photos of just me.

Apparently models must spend a lot of time looking in the mirror to know how to hold their head and how to smile, because I needed a lot of direction. Guess I'm not spending enough time in front of the mirror.(We better not tell Bachelor #2 who was concerned about my habits.) Stick you butt out, straight back, shoulders down, now relax your shoulder, stick your neck out towards the camera, chin up, no chin down, tilt your head, hand under your chin, hand back, relax your fingers. And we haven't even got to the smile yet. She snapped some photos and then she got out the fan. How cool is that? She must have taken a million shots, well maybe about 50, using a whole lot of different poses. All in all, it was actually a really cool, fun experience. Too bad my neck is sore today. I think that will be my next Life Lesson Thursday post: When preparing for a photo shoot, practice sticking your neck out like a giraffe.

I'm already anticipating your question: When is the story coming out? The first Thursday in April which happens to be April 2. If it was on April 1st it might have been an April Fool's joke, but on me or on you?

17 comments:

The Fab 5 said...

Wow I like almost "know" a celebrity!!! That is pretty cool and believe me they will have plenty to fill up those pages with. You are a wonderful person and one to be celebrated!! What a huge compliment to you and your family!!!

The Fab 5 said...

OMG I was the first to comment!!! That is one the one fun thing tonight about not being able to sleep..........right?

The Johnson 5 said...

Will you be able to post it for us to read?
I'm so excited for you girl!!

Why in the world did you think your story wouldn't take up 3 pages?
Your "Lost" addiction I'm sure filled 2 :) I'm hoping your laughing with me on that one!!

Keep up the good mommy work!!

Crystal Oh said...

I can't wait to see the pictures! i hope you'll get proofs! Oh and I hope you'll be able to scan the article. Would love to read it but I don't like locally! Is it available online?

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

What fun! Can't wait to see the photos!

Jules said...

But did you learn to smile with your eyes?


If you're a fan of ANTM and haven't ever checked out fourfour.com's recaps-you're missing out!

And yes-I confess. I'm a huge fan! Not of Tyra really-she's pretty whack, but it's good crap TV.

Denise Grover Swank said...

Jules, I don't know if I got the "smiling with my eyes" down but I do know I had to be careful to keep my eyes open while smiling. I should be sure to tell Jenna that one-- she hates that her little eyes look closed when she smiles.

Denise Grover Swank said...

Crystal, I'm not sure if it will be available online but I'll be sure to scan it-- only if it's good!!!

Margaret M said...

sounds like an ADVENTURE! Hope the story turns out like you want it to!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the honor! You had better be scanning that picture Denise! Not all of us live in the KC area...lol.

Lorie said...

Can't wait to read the article....of course on your blog, after you scan it ...good or bad!! We have Jamie's wedding on Sat, I am sure there will be some not so happy baby photos there too, I am thinking Amelia won't get a nap...but a long time ago I was in a wedding w/a 2 year old who wanted nothing to do w/ photos, I started to sing the Barney theme, next thing you know the entire wedding party and all the people in the church were singing...she stopped crying and started smiling....just a thought for next time.

Brandy said...

Told you that you were popular! I can't wait to see the pictures!

Bramblemoon Farm said...

I am not surprised at all! You and the kids are amazing:) The photo shoot sounds stressful. Were you gritting your teeth by time they got to the photos of just you? BAHAHAHAHA It will turn out great. I can't wait to see it!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

How cool! You'll give us links right? And hopefully, they'll give you some of the photos...

Natalie said...

Hi Denise, I just found your blog while looking for another one.... but I'm glad I did. You just cracked me up. Hope your neck is feeling better. LOL
I'll have to come back for another visit.
Natalie

Kristin said...

That's so neat!! I don't know about you, but if I don't stick my chin out or my neck out or something like that when I take photos these days, I have a huge double chin. I'm blaming it on the camera! LOL

I can't wait to read about the article when it comes out!

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

Wow, way cool!! That totally would have been Ava, she wont sit still for anything. I hope you slept good that night. Cant wait to see pics from the photo shoot!