Model Portfolio Photo Shoots
Your first portfolio
The best way to start and build a modelling portfolio is to find a photographer who's work you like and negotitate a photo shoot with them.
By paying for your portfolio photo shoot, you call the shots and the photographer has to deliver what you want in the agreed time. So be prepared to pay for what you want and consider it an investment in your future.
I do not recommend any of the large national chains that provide a photo shoot service. Whils't these studio's produce some good images - they are all produced in the same way regardless of who you are or what you really need. They are not individual and usually very expensive - often over £1000!
By working with several photographers for the same money you will get an individual and unique portfolio full of variety.
Developing and designing a modelling portfolio takes time. You can produce the basics at the first session but it is essential to extend it as soon as possible to include pictures taken at different times, with different settings, different themes and where possible with pictures taken by many different photographers.
Equally important, you need to keep your portfolio up to date. When your 'look' changes - so should your portfolio!
The basics for a models portfolio should include only strong pictures - you are only as good as your worst picture! Models should aim for quality not quantity!
For new models 6 - 12 pictures is adequate to present yourself to an agency - 20 should be a maximum! Avoid using 2 pictures of the same look. Include - a casual head shot, styled head shot, body shot (conservative swimsuit or lingerie), a fashion shot (sexy), action shot, an editorial shot and even a catalogue shot.
You can add additional images that show what types of modelling you do and what you are good at. For example fashion, lingerie, swimwear glamour and nude, if that is your intention. Some models can also specialise in body parts such as legs, hands and even teeth making them available for modelling stockings, shoes, nail cosmetics and dental products.
Less is best - you will not impress with quantity!
Portfolio examples
The sampler sheet above, contains only seven shots from a single photo shoot. It shows typical of photographs that could easily appear in a modelling portfolio and 'Z' card selection. Each picture is appealing, interesting and demonstrates exactly what is intended - portrait, fashion, figure, glamour and commercial modelling!
Building a Portfolio
The first basic photographic session for a model will only be the start of a modelling portfolio and the best way to expand a portfolio is for a model to push very hard for modelling work. This can be difficult at first and one posibility is to work with photographers on a time for prints basis (tfp) where the model gives her time in exchange for portfolio prints.
Being available at short notice, working at the photographers convenience and agreeing to extend a photo shoot will also pay dividends over time as these 'favours' should be rewarded with a few extra images.
Every minute a model can have in front of the camera presents opportunities to extend the variety of pictures and images in her portfolio. Time in front of the camera also increases the models experience and modelling abilities and is more likely to lead to more working opportunities.
Portfolio presentation
Your models portfolio should be available in at least two different ways including prints in a portfolio case, ready for auditions and other meetings, and digital images for use on the internet and similar web pages.
To produce good quality prints you need 'high resolution' images which are also suitable for Z cards. See the link below to Z cards.
For website and web pages 'low resolution' digital images, suitably watermarked to protect copyright are needed. These images are also good for sending by email.
The CD from your photo shoot will include both 'high resolution' and 'low resolution' versions of your selected digital images.
Digital variations to a portfolio
With the introduction of digital photography it has become easier to vary a photograph. The same photographic image can be converted to provide black & white, sepia and other effects. This can help to give variety to a basic set of portfolio images.
Digital photographic images can also be airbrushed and retouched to remove blemishes. They can even be adjusted to enhance or diminish physical features - in other words I can pull you in and push you out.
I am pleased to give you any advice including the content and production of your modelling portfolio and models website, so please feel free to ask.
It is then over to you, 'the model', to promote yourself, be reliable and always at your best.
Contact us
Tel: 01588 620933 or 07873 657815