Sisters girl wins modeling challenge

Brittney Wilhelm is nothing but smiles after winning the inaugural One Model - Bend's Ultimate Modeling Challenge, a regional talent contest searching for fresh faces.

The fashion show, held in March in Bend, included a cocktail hour where guests could mingle with the finalists and view their best photos and portfolios. Grand prize was a cover shot and two-page spread in May's Local Views and Events, distributed throughout Central Oregon.

Wilhelm, a Sisters High School senior, was elated by the prestigious award.

"I first saw the ad on Facebook and always thought modeling would be fun, so I went to the open audition back in November," she said. "I went in with a positive attitude and an open mind just to see what would happen."

With nothing to lose, she showed up for the audition in jeans, heels and a blazer. Wilhelm was immediately singled out from the collection of 35 girls for her poise and style in the walk event.

"I was ecstatic to be chosen as a finalist," she said. "I never in a million years thought I'd be selected. You get that happy feeling in the pit of your stomach, just an overwhelming sense of joy."

"We knew it was a close competition, and her winning was a tremendous success for Brittney," said her mother, Marci Leitz. "We're so proud; what mother wouldn't be."

Over the course of the ensuing months, the six finalists had three separate photo-shoots, each one with a particular theme. The first one in December was "The Natural Beauty," highlighting plain hair and makeup and a light background. The second shoot was sponsored by Gypsy Soul, a local boutique in Bend, who provided all the clothing and accessories.

"The theme was Modern Day Gypsy and I wore a cool leather jacket, a fedora and cheetah-print heels. For the last shoot, the theme was a Rocker. I used my mother's pearl bustier, some liquid leggings and black pumps."

For each photo-shoot, once the shots were put into print, people would vote on Facebook for their favorites.

"It was an empowering experience that helped discover my inner and outer beauty," she said. "Working in the fashion and modeling industry is my desired career field so this was a great opportunity to experience a taste of the industry first-hand."

During the three Facebook voting sessions, Wilhelm received the most votes overall and obtained the highest combined judges' score. She also gained high marks on professionalism and how she interacted with the head stylist, hair stylist, photographers and all the other girls competing.

"Amanda Rose was the main event photographer and she was super fun and high energy and very comfortable to work with. There was never an awkward moment. She was the founder of the whole One Model contest."

Wilhelm highly recommends the experience to other girls looking for a challenge and for a revealing peek into the realities of the fashion and modeling universe.

"It's a lot of hard work in the sense you're in front of a camera for eight hours and doing different poses," she said. "You have to work within the environment around you to come up with that perfect picture. I loved the camera, and that chemistry between us came together so naturally. One thing I learned is no matter who you are or where you come from, every girl is beautiful."