How To Make a Modeling Portfolio

If you want to come into modeling, having a portfolio to present to any modeling agencies is necessary. It serves as your resume and showcases your body of work to attract them that you are really a good model. If it’s your first time in the modeling world, of course you have no idea of putting together a portfolio for your self and it might seem intimidating. On the other hand, if you have the basic knowledge of what any agencies expect to see in portfolios will help you a lot to put together a portfolio that shows off your good or hot looks and you will get yourself booked for modeling jobs.


Putting together your portfolio is one of the most important aspects of your career, but before even attempting to put together a 

modeling portfolio, it is important to know what type of modeling you can do. There are two kinds in modeling career; models signed to agencies and freelance models. For models signed to agencies, your agent will assist and advise you as to what types of images should be in your portfolio (another term is book). 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. Going outside the channels, there is possibility that your agent may not like the photos, resulting in a waste of time, effort and a portfolio your agent can’t use. While freelance models, can turn to online modeling communities as well as other outlets to find local photographers to work with. Be sure and careful 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, send them an email or give them a call to set up a meeting or shoot.

 

           Before your shoot, make sure you have everything you need packed so you don’t forget anything. Your hair and makeup should have done professionally as well to guarantee the best images as your asset. Represented models in agency 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. Once you have taken your photos, review, choose and pick the best and make sure to have the following among your images: full body shot, ¾ body shot and headshot. Different outfits in different locations to show diversity as well. Take with different poses and give a variety so that your model portfolio will not be boring.

           After all the key images have been selected, you can buy a portfolio case (if your agent doesn’t provide you with one). As the modeling career progresses, update your images in your books (portfolio) to reflect your most recent work in order to show that there are improvements and development in your poses. Additionally, regular modeling photos include any tearsheets you get. These are pages taken directly from the published work you have appeared in. Tear sheets are essential to a model’s book because it showcases actual work, which is very impressive to clients or patrons.

Happy modeling. J      For more info, check out www.modzed.com/blog/