#cycle21top10

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#9 – Ben’s Mitch Stone Essentials Shot

It is a shame that after this shot Ben went so downhill. I think that is one of the reasons that I always believe Matthew was robbed of being the comeback. Both were on par before the comeback, but after Matthew continued to grow, while Ben flopped. It is understandable, but definitely a shame. I wish he brought the same strength and confidence he did in this shot to his later work. It is a massive feat to outperform some girls in a shoot completely working against you, but Ben managed to do that. Every other guy struggled, but he shone.

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#1 – Matthew’s MCM Bags Shot

I can’t believe the best photo of the cycle comes from someone who placed 10th. Matthew consistently proved he was robbed of a higher placement, but I never expected something of this level to be produced. Matthew looks chic, cool and ultra-modern, which is pretty much everything the brand is. The bag looks great, but as do all the clothes. Normally I am drawn to shots that feel like pieces of art, but this just surpasses all those. It reminds me of Nastasia’s shot from Cycle 19, in that even the most commercial shoot can produce incredible photos if done perfectly.

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#2 – Shei’s HIV Awareness Shot

The top 2 this cycle were incredibly close; probably the closest since Cycle 13. I went back and forth between the two of them, and in the end I decided that since both contain stunning feats of modelling, I personally preferred the setting and styling of the MCM shoot over this one. So this shot only really misses the top spot due to being a weaker concept. Shei cannot be faulted at all; this is divine. It is one of the most stunning poses. That back arch is everything, with the breathlessness just being the icing on top of it. Shei being the one to suggest the two-toned wings is all the better too, as it shows she had a direct creative impact. Even if the paired shot was technically the final product, it is this solo shot that deserved all the praise.

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#6 – Lenox’s Frostbitten Shot

There are 2 of Lenox’s shots on this list, and this is probably the strongest technically. In fact, it is probably the strongest display of technical modelling this cycle, maybe second to Matthew’s MCM bags shot. Lenox has positioned herself perfectly to highlight every piece of clothing. This would be impressive in any location, but to remain so calm and poised on ice is insane. A well-earned first call-out, like all of Lenox’s this cycle.

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#4 – Lenox’s Futuristic Heritage Shot

This may not technically be Lenox’s strongest display of modelling skills, but it is my personal favourite. Lenox is radiating beauty here; her skin is glowing, and her legs look incredible. This was a disappointing week, as it was a gorgeous setting with very few good results. Lenox deserves praise as she turned it out when no one else did. Even if she doesn’t go down as our winner of the cycle, at least she got recognition early on for her strong performance.

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Honorable Mentions

Lenox’s Hair Flip Shot

Chantelle’s Mitch Stone Essentials Shot

Raelia’s Mitch Stone Essentials Shot

Ivy’s HIV Awareness Shot

Lenox’s HIV Awareness Shot

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#3 – Shei’s MCM Bags Shot

Yet another one of Shei’s photographs that was severely underpraised by the judges. She looks radiant in this photograph, and is emulating movement in an incredibly difficult position, yet none of that is good enough. How Shei made the final 5 is beyond me, but I’m glad she did. She may never have received the praise she was owed, but at least she got a placing someone close to what she deserved.

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#8 – Will’s MCM Bags Shot

I felt bad for Will during this week. He was wrongfully overshadowed by Keith, but then again, Will had wrongfully overshadowed others in the past, so it was probably just comeuppance. Will’s look was perfect for this photoshoot: clean, minimal and sleek, just like the setting around him. I’m glad he didn’t disappoint, and proved having a background in dance can be a massive asset in some photoshoots.

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#5 – Mirjana’s Mitch Stone Essentials Shot

I’ll keep this short: this is how I’ll choose to remember Mirjana. She was a stunning girl, who had the face and the potential to succeed, but was robbed of that. RIP.

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#7 – Shei’s Hair Flip Shot

I wish this was a concept saved for a later cycle. Such a cool idea, that just felt a tiny bit bias against the guys this cycle. The girls had a clear advantage, hence most of them succeeding where the guys failed. Still, nothing that can be down about unfairness, in fact some of the girls still suffered this week. Mostly Shei. This was probably the first case of the judges fully recognising Shei’s strength. Here she worked an outfit and styling that could easily have overpowered her, and burned through with her eyes.

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#10 – Chantelle’s MCM Bags Shot

Chantelle is a gorgeous girl, and I am not shocked she has gone on to be incredibly successful. She just has a face that can head a campaign; one that will make you want to buy anything her name is attached to. It is one of the reasons I love this shot. The bag may not be perfectly displayed, but the moment I know she is selling the bag, I want one. This photo has drama, it is dynamic and feels modern. I still adore the photography of this week, and it hurts me that the judges insulted Chantelle for creating this piece of work.