#photoofthecycle

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#1 – Ava’s Veterans Shot

It is weird to see that Ava has actually kept shorter hair since the show; the mullet may be gone, but Tyra’s sentiment about strong faces actually proved true. She looks incredible now, even if I still think this is the best I’ve ever seen her photograph. You take away the hair here, and the shot would lose a lot of its wonder. The flowing hair, along with the dress makes Ava look like some ethereal being, clutching to the stability of the veteran. The shot would still be great without the hair, but I doubt I’d be putting at the top of this list. Definitely the worst makeover of all time.

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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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#1 – Nastasia’s Nine West Shot

Somehow despite this cycle having two gorgeously artistic photoshoots (waterfall and black & wide nudes), my favourite shot is the most commercial shoot. I feel that just proves how perfectly executed this photoshoot was, from the styling to the location, and most to the performances of the models. Nastasia is just everything in this photo. Easily one of the strongest commercial images any NTM has produced. Actually, I am struggling to remember any that come anywhere as close to perfection as this.

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1 – Madison’s Kotex Shot

This may not be the expected choice, but for me this just had to be the top spot. This shoot had pretty mediocre results across the board, but Madison managed to create a photo brimmed with life, that made the gown look couture, expensive and divine. The elevation is extreme here. The shot explodes off the screen for me, with instant focus going in on her eyes. It may not be technically perfect, but the strengths of every other element make me throw those flaws out the window.

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1 – Brittani’s Landfill Couture Shot

While I probably would not have crowned Brittani myself (though to be honest I’ve never really known who I would crown for sure out of this cycle), this photo really makes me understand why they made that choice. She was professional, had a walk, and had the potential to produce pieces of art like this. It may be her only shot in my top 10, but it is still my clear favourite. Gorgeous body, radiant face, paired with one of the strongest concept and execution that ANTM has provided. Perfection.

[topmodelranking]

#1 – India’s Supermarket Shot

Cycle 23 may go down as one of the weakest cycles, but this shot, along with India as a winner, will remain one of the few great moments to come out of it. India was the only girl to have multiple shots appear on the list, and it is because she looked stunning regardless. She was a chameleon blending into her scenario. Here she gave us futuristic ice princess and managed to rock the Avant Garde like no one else. This photo was transformative, and balances high fashion with a modern edge. It would look right at home on the cover of Paper, or even in the pages of Vogue. It has been a while, but it feels right having India be one of the few winners to top this list.

[topmodelranking]

#1 – Nina’s Field Shot

Nina should have started her first call-out streak a week earlier with this beauty. The colour combinations of this shot are divine, and her facial features look unreal. She is doll-like in the best way possible. Nina had a lot of stunning shots in her portfolio, but this masterpiece really was the crown jewel in the set.

[topmodelranking]

#1 – Alannah’s Black and White Nude Shot

This might not be the most perfect shot on this list, but for my top 10 lists that doesn’t matter. This shot is just so impactful. Alannah looks incredible on the beach; not her normal sexy self, but a high fashion version. I could see this shot in Vogue, or any other high fashion magazine. This should have been the shot that sealed the competition for her, but instead it just proved she was incredibly robbed.