Greetings from Jamaica Redskins fans! Jordan W. here to tell you all about my experience at our 2017-2018 calendar shoot! Rookie year has already brought me so many amazing experiences, the calendar shoot was no exception!
I quickly learned how much goes into producing a swimsuit calendar. The week was filled with bright and early mornings (well hair and make-up actually began before the sun was up), practices in the Jamaican heat and some unexpected rain. Despite any undesirable weather or early wake up calls our team moved forward with tenacity. I was truly touched by every person who helped with my first shoot as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader.
The morning of my shoot I woke to the sound of my alarm at 4:00 AM and started making my way to the hair and make-up room. I sat down with our make-up artist Germaine. She had done my make-up for WRC auditions, at that time we talked about how Germaine had been on many calendar trips with the WRC but for me it was still a dream. It was so surreal to be working with her again, this time preparing for my first shoot!
Next our hair stylist Harley began working on my hair. It slowly started to set in that soon I'd be in front of the camera and so did my nerves. Like clockwork some of my teammates appeared. Their smiles and support helped turn those nerves into excitement (the coffee they brought me may have helped a little too).
Once our stylists ensured every detail was perfect, which included straightening my hair three times to fight the humidity (talk about tenacity). It was then time to put on my beautiful Yandy suit. I loved seeing our directors and stylists' vision come to life.
I headed out to the shoot location at the resort's pool. As the photographers worked to set up, I thought about how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to not only be apart of the calendar shoot but be apart of something much bigger, the Washington Redskins Cheerleader organization. I'm so excited to see the final product of our calendar and continue to enjoy all that rookie year has to offer!
One Love,
Jordan
Hey Redskins family it's Ashley C. here and just wanted to tell you all a little about my experience as a rookie. Growing up I came from a gymnastics and cheerleading background. I lived in the gymnastics gym and competed up until age 16. In the mix of it all I also took up cheerleading which lead me to where I'm at today. I always dreamed of becoming an NFL Cheerleader and after graduating college I knew that this is what I wanted to do and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.
From auditions, to the first draft day performance, to here in beautiful Jamaica shooting for our 2017 calendar has been nothing but amazing. Our trip to Jamaica started early Tuesday morning when we arrived in gorgeous Negril. Everyone here has treated us with such hospitality. Thursday I had my photo shoot which started off at 3:00am with hair and makeup. I was extremely nervous but with the help of my squad buddy, Javai, she helped me feel relaxed and ready to go. I had the opportunity to shoot with well known photographer Richard who has been working with the Redskins organization for the past 18 years. The photo shoot took place at the wonderful Riu Palace Resort. The scenery was in between two bushes, it was very tropical. I followed up with a fun shoot with Tyler in the pool.
I also had the opportunity to assist my squad buddy Javai with her photo shoots. We started at 3:00 am with hair and makeup. Javai had the honor to recreate a throw back calendar shoot that our Director Jamilla did years ago. She looked fabulous and nailed it on the first shot. Overall this whole experience has been nothing but incredible and I can't wait to see what the rest of season has in store!
Hail to the Redskins,
Ashley C.
