Putting Together A Modeling Portfolio
When it comes to modeling, your portfolio serves as your resume and showcases your body of work. Whether you are signed to an
agency or area freelance model, putting together your portfolio is one of the most important aspects of your career.
Things You'll Need:
• Photographer(s)
• Outfits and Accessories
• Portfolio Case
• Photos
• Portfolios
1. Before even attempting to put together a modeling portfolio, it is important to know what type of modeling you can do.
Freelance models have greater flexibility in this area but should focus on a main category they will receive the most work in. If you
do glamour or swim wear, then those are the types of photos you should have in your portfolio. High fashion models should have
high fashion images in their books (another term for portfolio). Be realistic. If you are too short for fashion, stick to commercial/print
and lifestyle images.. Use magazines and other publications as reference guides for the types of images you'll want to include in your
portfolio. This will help you get an idea of the type of shoot you'll need to set up. For models signed to agencies, your agent will have
a sit-down with you and advise you as to what types of images should be in your portfolio. They will also recommend photographers for
you to work with that the agency trusts. It is in your best interest to go with the photographer referred to you by the agent. If you go
outside the channels, your agent may not like the photos, resulting in a waste of time, effort and a portfolio your agent can't use.
Freelance models can turn to online modeling communities as well as other outlets to find local photographers to work with. Be
sure to look at the photographer's work and choose one who specializes in the type of images you want to include. If you are
satisfied with their work, shoot them an email or give them a call to set up a meeting or shoot.
2. Once you have found a photographer you want to work with, meet with him/her before your shoot to discuss the themes, concepts
and/or looks you are going for. Explain what types of photos you'd like to try. From here you two can agree on locations, outfits, date,
time, etc. Make sure you have everything you need packed before your shoot so you don't forget anything. You should have your hair
and makeup professionally done as well to guarantee the best images. Agency represented models often have the comfort of having
a makeup, hair and wardrobe stylist present during the portfolio shoot, while freelance models may have to do it themselves or get it
done somewhere prior to the shoot.
3. Once you have taken your photos, it's time to review them and pick the best. Out of the bunch you'll want to make sure to have the
following among your images: headshot, ¾ body shot, full body shot. You'll want different outfits and locations to show diversity as
well. Play with poses and give a variety...if you have the same poses over and over your portfolio will be boring. After the key images
have been selected, you can purchase a portfolio case (if your agent doesn't provide you with one). You can find them at any office
supply store and the prices range from very affordable to very expensive so you'll be able to find on that fits within your budget. It's
best to buy one that can hold between 15-20 8"x10" photos.
As your modeling career progresses, update your images in your portfolio to reflect your most current work. In addition to regular
modeling photos, include any tearsheets you get. These are pages taken directly from the published work you have appeared in.
Tearsheets are vital to a model's portfolio because it showcases actual work, which is very impressive to clients.
Becoming a model: Things to Know
Things You'll Need:
• Fashionable shoes
• Fashion magazines
• Business cards
• Business card holders
• Designer fashion
• Makeup kits
• Healthy foods
• Photographers
• Career counseling
• Portfolios
1. Determine whether you have any distinctive features.
2. Work on having clear skin, healthy hair and straight teeth.
3. Consider your mental attitude: You should be ambitious, confident, organized, willing to travel or move to foreign cities,
able to spend and invest wisely and able to take rejection
4.Visit local modeling agencies to find an agent willing to help you build a portfolio
5.Go to castings and "go-sees" with your portfolio in hand to win potential clients and get modeling jobs
6.Be prompt and professional. Exhibit the confidence that you will use to sell products |
