Ashleigh wins Studio Elle Miss Photogenic

“The more you do, the more you can do,” said Ms Ashleigh McGhee, winner of the Miss Photogenic title at Miss Newcastle 2013.

Ashleigh (21), a swimming instructor in the afternoon and studying during the day, is a self confident and motivated young woman. She exudes maturity and comes across as a humble and wise person.

“This years’ event was a lot of fun. Compared to last year, their was a very friendly vibe and everyone got along really well,” she said. “It wasn’t so stressful. It was also fairly judged, and I feel that Amy Bushell will be a good ambassador for Newcastle.”

Ashleigh, who is studying to become a maths teacher for grade six and seven pupils, never regarded herself as a model.

“Someone asked me if I wanted to take part in the competition last year. I thought it would be a good place to meet new friends and it would be something fun to do,” she said.

Ashleigh values friendship. “In life you will always need friends. Just to chat, or to be there for you when you need someone.”

“This year the contestants were all very supportive of each other. At times it didn’t feel like a competition at all. I made some new friends which is really great,”she said.

In her free time Ashleigh likes to watch Fashion TV, and she loves to bake. “I like to keep busy. I have a lot of things that I do every day. I study in the mornings and then swimming in the afternoons.”

Not one to sit still, Ashleigh found the competition exciting.

“It was a lot of fun. Everyone was so nice and I really enjoyed the experience,” she said.

“My dad isn’t very big on things like Miss Newcastle. But he is very proud of me and my achievement, he was kind of shocked at how well I did!” she laughed.

“I would love to say thank you to my parents, my mom helped me so much! Also thanks to the Lions Club ladies and my sponsor, Mica Dulux. To the other contestants who made it so much fun and last, but not least, thank you to my boyfriend. He was there for me through everything,” she concluded.