THE PORTFOLIO

Important - your future

A portfolio is what people see when selecting models - it's the first time they know you exist so it needs to make an impression for you to become a model.
People remember first and last impressions - your modelling portfolio is the first impression and the only thing a person sees before deciding whether or not to contact you.
A good portfolio helps you start modelling it opens doors and gets you in front of the camera. A poor one goes straight in the bin. It's your calling card - your most important asset so be prepared to invest in it.

What is it

A portfolio or model book is a selection/collection of photos/photographs showing your potential as a model to help you get the best assignments. It covers a range of looks and backdrops.
A portfolio develops as your career does and as you gain experience replace older photos with newer ones.
It will always show your best shots and, as you get assignments, published photographs torn out of magazines (tear sheets). You will keep updating it to reflect your latest image and photographers so when you start work don't forget to ask for copies of images taken for your portfolio.

Objective: to help you become a model

Your modelling portfolio should show how attractive you are and, as importantly, your ability to portray different:

  • Characters, Personality, Age ranges and Outfits.
  • Poses, Pouts, Posture and Moods.

It should include shots clearly based around the type of model you intend being.Think about your objectives before you start modelling.

The Techical Bit

To become a model you need a presentation folder with good prints and a CD.
The prints should be 12"x 8" Colour and Black & White.
The CD should be high resolution. (which means they are good picture quality that you can send online, copy and print).

THE IMAGES

Content

A portfolio contains all different photographs nicely presented - your portfolio represents you and needs to make a positive lasting impression.
It needs to reflect you by showing creativity, skills, range, thought and ambition. It needs to differentiate you from the others who also want to start modelling.
The variables to select from are: Clothes/outfits, make up, looks/poses/pouts, hair style, back drops, inside/outside, action/still.

The different combinations should demonstrate your attractiveness, reflect your character and differentiate you from others who want to become a model. You must include:

  • 2 Head shots (close up to the face) one with a smile, one without, one inside and one outside.
  • 3 Fashion shots: one casual, one a little more formal and one action shot.
  • 3 Full length shots so people can see how well proportioned you are.
  • 3 shots to show how good your figure is. Lingerie and swimwear is good as is a leotard/bodysuit - whatever you are comfortable in that flatters your figure.
  • 2 shots with a natural look ie very little makeup.
  • Your preferred modelling shots to show your strengths, your character and your personality.

Don't forget the photos must all be different - don't use the same shot (look) twice.

How Many Pics?

A lasting impression is made with quality not quantity.
You should have a cross section of good strong pictures - don't think about mediocre ones - you are only as good as the worst picture.
Around 20 is sufficient.
Keep the best picture to the end to make a lasting impression.

THE CAMERA WORK

First photo Session

Use a professional photographer to start modelling - they are safer and can advice you about your best looks.
Be made up by beauty/makeup artist accustomed to preparing models for work under camera lighting.
Having professional shots taken for a portfolio is often a model's first modelling experience! It's vital experience that you will benefit from and it gives you an idea of the hard work involved if you want to become a model.

Agree and write down what you want to achieve before hand.
Try to create 3 or 4 different modelling looks and include the images you want to create as well as the standard ones the photographer knows are required for you to become a model.
Make sure you are comfortable with the shot. If you are uncomfortable it will show!
You should end up with a high resolution CD of all the images and prints of the images you decided to include in your portfolio.

Watch Out

Do not be late
A poor portfolio gives a poor impression - do you really want to become a model?
Don't wear tight fitting clothing or jewellery before shoots - they leave marks.
Knicker and bra lines (whether in real life or photos) can spoil a models image.
Wear undergarments that do not show or distract the viewer - you must look professional
High heels improve posture - practice.
Don't forget a selection of clothes.
Remember jewellery takes attention away from you.

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Always look the part - you're always on show - you do want to become a model.