The 11th season begins in Los Angeles with 30 would-be models being trimmed to 14 finalists and one of the contestants revealing that she is transgender. The 14 ladies move into a house and participate in their first photo shoot, which revolves around hot-button political issues. Later, the first person is eliminated.

Benny Ninja gives the models tips on posing. For the photo shoot, the ladies swing on a rope ladder. The judges eliminate one contestant.

The ladies receive makeovers and go to Malibu, Cal., for a swimsuit shoot with model and designer Susan Holmes. Later, the judges eliminate one contestant.

The models wear blindfolds while practicing their runway walks. For the photo shoot, the ladies pose with their eyes. The judges eliminate two contestants.

Paulina shows the ladies how to stylishly model unflattering clothing. For the photo shoot, the models pose as natural disasters common to Los Angeles, including an earthquake, a heat wave and a traffic jam. And the judges eliminate another contestant.

Tyra directs a photo shoot and instructs the ladies on discovering their best pose. Later, the models attempt to reveal raw emotions during a fake awards presentation. The judges eliminate one contestant.

Highlights from the first half of Season 11 are presented, including unaired footage.

Season 10 winner Whitney Thompson gives the models tips on shooting a cosmetics commercial. After one contestant is eliminated, Tyra reveals the remaining ladies will be traveling overseas and announces the location.

The ladies travel to Europe and partake in a scavenger hunt, and then they model clothes in a storefront window.