How Our Pageant Photography Brand Was Born (When We Had No AC, No Bookings, and No Plan)
Every business has a beginning, and ours wasn’t glamorous. In fact, it was sweaty—literally.
Last summer at Aloft Studio, our beautiful, light-filled space had no air conditioning. The days were sticky and hot, and to be completely honest… we had no bookings on the calendar. No clients meant no new work to post on social media. And if you’ve ever been a business owner staring at an empty feed, you know the sinking feeling that comes with it.
But here’s the thing about us: when we get stuck, we get creative.
Kaila looked at Audrey and said:
“Let’s just shoot some fun stuff.”
And that moment changed everything.
From “Fun Shoot” to First Pageant Gown
Our first idea was a boho-themed session—something laid-back, creative, and a little outside the box. Kaila asked her past client Leslie to model for us. Leslie said yes, and when she arrived, she didn’t just bring herself—she brought gowns. Pageant gowns.
Audrey had photographed fashion before, but never a pageant contestant in competition gowns. At first, she felt unsure. Pageant photography had its own established “look,” and she didn’t know if she could capture it in that way.
But here’s the magic: she didn’t try to do it the “pageant” way. She photographed Leslie like she would one of her portrait clients—using simple lighting techniques, posing, and emotion to bring out her personality.
The results? Stunning.
The images felt fresh, authentic, and powerful. And when we shared them, people loved them.
The Carroll County Girls
That first shoot opened a door we didn’t even realize was waiting for us. Soon after, we had the chance to photograph the Carroll County titleholders together before their state competition (Miss Maryland America.) It was our first official “group” pageant session, and we fell in love with it.
Seeing those girls hype each other up, laugh in between takes, and look at their photos with pride reminded us why we do what we do. Photography isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about the experience, the memories, and the confidence that comes with seeing yourself captured in a new light.
We realized that most pageant contestants never get proper photos in their gowns. Sometimes they get event pictures on stage, but that’s not even guaranteed. Picking the gown is such a big, emotional moment for these women and it felt wrong to not offer this option for them to immortalize their experience. At 11:00pm one random August evening, Kaila and Audrey came up with the name, logo, branding, and mission for The Gleam Co.
One Year Later
Fast forward one year, and that little sweaty, no-AC “fun shoot” has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined.
- We’ve worked with contestants from numerous states.
- We’ve built a portfolio filled with pageant headshots, gown photography, and branding content.
- We’ve created social media content libraries that contestants use to stand out.
- And most importantly, we’ve made countless memories with incredible women who inspire us every day.
What started as a spontaneous idea has become a pageant photography brand that’s different by design. We’re not here to make cookie-cutter images. We’re here to highlight what makes each contestant unforgettable—whether it’s in a crown, a gown, or behind the scenes with their best friends.
Why We Love Pageant Photography
Pageants are about more than just competition—they’re about confidence, growth, and sisterhood. As photographers, we get to be part of that journey. Our approach is rooted in portrait photography, which means we focus on:
- Personality – We want the real you to shine through, not just a polished pose.
- Variety – From glamour gowns to natural headshots, your gallery tells your whole story.
- Memories – Every session is designed to be fun, uplifting, and unforgettable.
The Start of Something Bigger
Looking back, it’s wild to think this all started with no air conditioning, no bookings, and no plan. But sometimes that’s how the best stories begin.
Today, we’re proud to say we’re more than just photographers. We’re storytellers, hype women, and artists who believe every pageant contestant deserves to feel like the main character in their own story.
And this? This is just the beginning. We’ve started to work with families via the pageant girls to offer them luxury portrait sessions together, since glam is usually loved by everyone in the family.
👉 Interested in booking your own pageant session? [Contact us here]. We’d love to create magic with you.