Your modeling portfolio will be your marketing tool when you are looking for a job in this industry. In some cases, it will help you build your career or even not even get it off the ground. It is thanks to this collection of photographs that stylists will consider your overall physical appearance.
Steps
Step 1. Hire a professional photographer to take your shots
Search the internet, open the phone book or call local agencies and ask which photographers they collaborate with.
Step 2. Call or, better yet, visit any photographers you've found
Find out about their prices, the format of the printed / digital photos and how long it usually takes between the service and the delivery of the shots. Also, ask to see a sample of their work.
-
Most agencies have a list of "test photographers" that will advise you if you are looking to access one. These professionals often have experience building a general portfolio as well.
Build a Modeling Portfolio Step 2Bullet1
Step 3. Hire a professional makeup artist
If you are lucky, the photographer will take care of it for you, but remember to ask him if the cost of the makeup is included in the price or if you have to pay extra. In case the photographer doesn't have a makeup artist, look for one the same way you looked for the photographer.
Step 4. Browse fashion magazines and clothing catalogs and find the poses you like
Practice them in front of a mirror.
Step 5. Choose the amount of looks you want to create
Ideally, you should choose at least three and they should be quite different from each other (so they don't all have to be jeans and t-shirt shots !!). If you have a special skill, for example you practice ballet, you could also take some pictures in tutus, perhaps while assuming a certain position.
Step 6. Keep your hair, skin and nails in good condition as you prepare for the photo shoot
If your hair needs to be cut, go to the hairdresser.
Step 7. Once you have decided which clothes to wear, make sure they are clean and prepared in advance for the service
In theory, you should have chosen your outfits and put your clothes aside at least five days before.
Step 8. 48 hours before the shoot, call the photographer and makeup artist to make sure everything is ok
Step 9. The day before the service, make sure you sleep well and avoid alcohol
Step 10. On the morning of the service, check your bag to see if you have everything and make sure you have money for public transport or parking
Try to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment (and make sure you know when your makeup is due!). Bring the photographer's number with you and give them a call if you find yourself running late.
Step 11. Talk about the looks you want to achieve with the photographer
Later, they will probably put makeup on you.
Step 12. Have fun during your photo shoot
Listen carefully to the photographer's needs. Try not to be nervous but acknowledge that this feeling is normal: it even happens to models who have been working for years and years.
Step 13. Once the service is finished, pay what you owe according to the agreements made and write a note of thanks for the photographer and the makeup artist
Step 14. Once you have received the photos, select the ones you like and discard the ones you don't like
Ask your family and friends for advice. Remember that it is better not to overdo it: if you only have five magical shots, use them and do not think that they are few. It's better than using 25 which are just "ok".
Step 15. Buy a binder to insert the photos into
Most models opt for hardcover books with plastic folders integrated inside.
Step 16. Organize the portfolio with the aim of presenting yourself at your best and making it clear what kind of model you are
Try different combinations until you are satisfied with one.
Step 17. Remember to keep your portfolio up to date after starting to work as a model
Step 18. Ready
Advice
- Remember: your portfolio is not a photo album! If a shot doesn't "sell" you, don't keep it because an emotional value has developed.
- Also, try to laugh and smile as much as possible, as this keeps the facial muscles busy and lively, and this is undoubtedly the best quality in a supermodel.
- In theory, you should aim to have photos no older than a year in your portfolio. This could mean recreating the portfolio, so get ready!
- As you prepare, make sure you put your clothes on well, with no inverted straps or buttons inserted in the wrong buttonholes.
- It is a good idea to keep copies of the photos included in the portfolio in a safe place. You will avoid panicking if you lose your portfolio.
- Don't try new face cleansers the night before, as this can cause embarrassing blemishes!
- Share your experiences with the agency of your choice.
- If you are looking to create your portfolio with the sole purpose of joining an agency, think twice. Most agencies will ask you to do this anyway once you sign up, so this could mean you have to pay twice! For starters, it might be worth going to an agency with some face and body shots. If that doesn't get you anywhere, then consider paying a professional.
Warnings
- Remember that many photographers and makeup artists have cancellation policies. As a general rule, if you cancel 48 hours before the start of the service, you will have to pay at least part, usually all, of the costs.
- Unless you're surprisingly good at wearing makeup, hire a makeup artist for the shoot. It will be an extra expense, but you don't want to pay for expensive photos ruined by bad makeup.
- Eye tan before the service: the lines left by the costume can create problems.
- Don't assume that the most expensive photographer is the best. On the other hand, also remember that you get what you pay for. Look for a balance!
- Practicing the poses might be weird at first, but it's necessary! What you think looks good doesn't necessarily work in real life, and you want to know how to distinguish between the different poses before taking the photo shoot!
