Backstage at Miss USA: A Black & White Look at Competition Night
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to go backstage at the Miss USA state pageants across the Midwest—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For someone like me, who lives and breathes the pageant world through my camera lens, this was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Most photographers see the pageant from the front row, capturing the spotlight moments on stage. But I was given unprecedented access to the other side of the curtain—the place where the nerves, the laughter, the happy tears, and the quiet determination all unfold. It’s where contestants transform adrenaline into courage, and where sisterhood is often more real than rivalry.
Why Black & White?
I made the decision to shoot everything in black and white. For me, that choice was twofold:
Emotion First. Removing color let me strip everything down to raw feeling—the nerves before a walk, the smile after a strong performance, the shared hugs between friends.
Real-Time Storytelling. Working in black and white also allowed me to edit and share images instantly. As the night was unfolding, I was posting to Instagram in real time, giving audiences a glimpse into a side of competition most never get to see.
What I Saw
Backstage was electric. I witnessed moments of sheer joy when contestants nailed their walk, moments of relief when they came off stage, and yes—plenty of tears. But most of those tears were happy ones, born from the overwhelming realization that they had just proven something powerful to themselves.
These young women gave it their all, then stepped back knowing it was now in the judges’ hands. The mix of emotions—the release, the pride, the vulnerability—was exactly why I loved being there with my camera. Every click felt like I was freezing a sliver of truth that words couldn’t capture.
Looking Ahead
This project reminded me why I love what I do. Photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about telling stories that people feel. Going backstage at Miss USA state pageants was one of the most unique experiences of my career, and I truly hope I get the chance to do it again.
Until then, I’ll be carrying the memories of the laughter, the hugs, and the quiet moments of strength with me. And every time I look back at those black-and-white frames, I’m reminded that sometimes the most colorful parts of life are best seen without color at all.
