The most important thing to consider before starting a portfolio
Be realistic about the kind of modeling you are going to do. If you are petite, you will not be a fashion model, so don’t shoot pictures that make you look like one.
Unfortunately, you don’t get to pick the jobs you will do. The industry picks you and the clients will decide if you are right for any given type of modeling. Be sure to do your research and be honest with yourself about where you fit. Being realistic from the very beginning will insure that you don’t waste time and money and will hopefully limit the chances for rejection.
Should I use a modeling agency’s photographer
Important: Do your own research. Do NOT contact a modeling agency before you have your portfolio, otherwise you simply risk making a bad first impression.
The only time you should consider an agency’s photographer is if you have asked the modeling agency for recommendations and they give you the names and contact information of a few good photographers in your area. As long as they have not told you to use a specific one and they are not asking you to pay them to set up the photo shoot, it is probably an honest list of recommended photographers.
If a modeling agency is asking you to shoot your portfolio with their photographer, they are probably just interested in your money. If you do some research, you will probably find out that their “photographer” is not a full-time professional and is probably being paid an hourly fee to take your photos. In other words, the pictures might be bad and the modeling agency will make a ton of money from your photo shoot.
Finding the right photographer
Search for “commercial/advertising photographers” or “portrait photographers with a great portfolio in modeling shots” in your area or the closest major city. They understand how to create photos of you that look like they should be in ads.
Do I need a makeup artist?
Although not a must, but its recommended to get a professional hair and make-up artist for your portfolio shoot. A professional can add a lot of value to your portfolio images and make you look even better with the right styling of your hair and make-up. Remember, your model portfolio is your big step forward and it’s best to get it right the first time.
Should I also include photos with no makeup
Yes. Make sure the lighting is soft and flattering this case. Light from a north facing window is awesome for this purpose. Do not retouch these photos too much. Make sure the backgrounds are simple and whatever you do, do not make them look like a Facebook selfie!
What kind of clothing should I bring
You should stick with solid colors. Prints and/or patterns are a not a good idea as they will take attention away from you.
Keep it simple and basic. The photographs are trying to sell your ability to model – NOT the clothing you are wearing.
Make sure the clothing fits properly and is flattering to your body.
Even if you are tall enough to be a fashion model, when you do your fashion shots – keep it simple, remember that the shots are selling you and your ability, not the designer clothing.
Deciding which type of photos you need
Your portfolio needs a variety of shots, including headshots and full length photos, as well as three quarter length and full length images. You should have a good balance of shots done in the studio as well as shots done on location in natural lighting.
Plan your wardrobe changes to show your versatility (swimsuits for great body-shots or a well-fitted pair of jeans and a tank top. The term “Body shot” doesn’t mean SKIN. It means a shot to show your figure, how you are built and an evening dress for those advertising clients).
Remember to include shots that show you are the characters that you will be hired to model as.
Don’t forget different expressions in every photo and some variations with your hair.
How many photos does my modeling portfolio need
Between 6 to 20 photos is appropriate for a modeling portfolio.
Typically, a printed portfolio is 8” x 10” size (other common sizes are 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12, 11 x 14), but preferences may vary depending on which city you are in. In markets like New York and Los Angeles, the 9×12 and 11×14 inch books are most popular. In most other markets like Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas and Chicago, 8.5” x 11” books are the most common.
Should all the photos be in color
No. It is okay if all of your shots are in color. There is no rule here. It is okay if you have one or two black & white photos in your portfolio to help add an additional dimension to your book but don’t go crazy with b&w because you think they are so cool.
Create your online modeling portfolio website
While printed portfolios are great for in-person meetings, most agencies and clients will end up seeing your portfolio online. This is where your portfolio website comes in. Make sure that you choose the right platform for your portfolio website that lets you achieve the unique style that best represents your personality. Your modeling portfolio website needs to be not just stunning but functional as well.
Start marketing yourself
It should be your biggest priority to get your modeling portfolio in front of the right agencies and clients. It’s definitely much easier with an online modeling portfolio website. You can share the link to your portfolio website with anyone. You also need to start using social media like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get discovered. Also, create your profile on websites such as Model Mayhem, Fashion Model Directory, One Model Place. There you can get the right exposure.
Most of all, enjoy the journey and work constantly, with every change you make to your appearance, on new up to date photographs.