If
you looking to get into the modeling industry, one of the most important things you will need is a strong up-to-date modeling portfolio. Aspiring models are often unsure how to put this together or end up adding images that are not suitable for booking the work they aim to do. Consider the following steps when looking to create a workable portfolio to develop your business.
Determine the type of modeling work you aspire to do: The images you place in your portfolio should reflect this type of work. One of the biggest mistakes models make is shooting images that don’t resonate with clients with whom they wish to work. For example, let’s assume you feel like you are well suited to model for a company that promotes family fitness. It’s unlikely that this company will want to see anything in your portfolio that is overly revealing. If you hope to book work that requires you to wear swim wear it’s appropriate for you to include an image in a bathing suit but make sure it’s conservative and tasteful. If it’s in your portfolio, clients will assume that’s the type of work you want. If you are looking to book work that represents fitness products or accessories, your portfolio should contain images shot in a gym, in exercise wear, in situations and scenarios that mimic something the client would produce. When in doubt, Google the company and look at the type of advertising they do. Shoot images that reflect that. The client needs to be able to easily see you in their ad or marketing material.
Find a photographer: Hiring a qualified photographer is critical to your success. There are many people who might offer to shoot you for free but it’s imperative that you keep in mind that these images are a reflection of your abilities. A good photographer will help you on camera, understand lighting, be professional, thoroughly attempt to understand your goals, help you in securing good locations and secure permits as necessary, and have a solid background in shooting images similar to that which you wish to create. Ask for recommendations and make sure the photographer is responsive. There is nothing worse than hiring someone who fails to return calls, respond to emails or provide your images to you in a timely manner. Additionally doing an extensive online search about the photographer you are considering can be very revealing.
Determine your wardrobe: Once you have an idea of the type of clients for whom you wish to work you are ready to create a vision for your images. Arm yourself with as many ideas as possible. Look up talent on model websites to find ideas, ask agents or others involved in the industry. Go through ads, look at catalogs and surf the web for eye-catching images. Pay careful attention to look for models that look like you! For example, let’s assume you want to work for companies associated with fitness nutrition. What do those people look like? What are they dressed in, how is their hair styled, is their outfit conservative or revealing, what types of accessories they have on? You are going to aim to dress like this. Furthermore, you should look at the props that are often featured. Do not incorporate so many props that they distract from your image, but do consider using something. Bring a lot of items. You can never have too many choices! The photographer will sometimes say the color doesn’t work or the texture isn’t good on camera. In this case you will want to have back-ups.
Come prepared: Arrive on time with everything you need. Have a list of questions for your photographer. Bring the research you have collected to share with the photographers. This will give them an idea of what you hope to capture. Do not, under any circumstances, let the photographer convince you to do anything you don’t feel represents you well. Assuming you’ve done your research in picking a photographer this is likely not going to be a problem. Never-the-less, keep that in mind. I walk into every photo shoot now thinking about the clients for whom I wish to work. If they were standing here right now would they like this picture I am taking? It’s as simple as that.
Make sure one of your images is a strong head shot. If you want to do professional modeling nearly every client will ask for a headshot and sometimes that is all they ask for. A headshot should look exactly like you. Wear a solid color shirt, have your hair styled simply and make sure the shoot is not taken with a distracting background. Headshots typically only show people from waist up. You’re headshot is the most important image you have in your portfolio. Make sure you get something that represents you well. Once you have your images back you will want to purchase a portfolio. There are several portfolio options available on www.amazon.com. Simply search for “modeling portfolio book” and you will find options. Have your pictures professionally printed and add them to your book. Make sure you also get web images as there may be times you are required to submit photos online. Comp cards are important. Have them professionally designed and printed on quality paper.
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