Lauren Brie Harding

Thirty women are selected to strike their fiercest pose at the Top Model Institute of Technology; one reveals that she is transgender; after 14 finalists are determined, they tackle their first photo shoot.

Benny Ninja returns to teach the models about posing, but one of the women takes contorting her body a little too far; two models get close in the hot tub while others have a confrontation about discrimination; one model is eliminated.

Paulina shows the contestants how to model unflattering clothes with style; Jay asks the models to pose as Los Angeles' "natural" disasters, including an earthquake, a heat wave and a traffic jam.

Tyra surprises the models with a one-on-one photo shoot to teach them how to find their most flattering pose; some contestants question if they have the look and drive to continue in the competition; one model is sent home.

The remaining models travel around by boat for their go-sees; Tyra is behind the camera during this week's photo challenge; one model screams at the judges during elimination.

The models practice their struts down a catwalk while wearing blindfolds; one model shocks the judges when she lifts her dress while posing; in the photo challenge, the ladies pose with their eyes.