A model portfolio is really important for models. It’s their business card, their CV, and what they use to get attention. A model portfolio is a way for models to easily show potential employers their best work. It’s basically a photo book full of the best pictures the model has taken in the past. Images should vary as much as possible. They should be both color photos and some black and white. Also, make sure your portfolio includes different angles and styles of clothing. A headshot and a profile shot are very important. Below, it’s good to include a photo of yourself in a conservative swimsuit, formal dress, casual wear, and an editorial photo.
What you should also consider is how you will organize the photos in the portfolio. Always start with a close-up of beauty, just your face. As you go through the portfolio, keep the photos from the same shoot together. Often times, models choose to place the most relaxed at the beginning of the portfolio and then the most daring that can be used in editorials and high fashion magazines. Towards the end, put on the most revealing swimwear images, as well as glamorous formal wear. This method of image placement provides a constant increase in visual impact and will prevent the viewer from being startled at first. When you go to a casting, it is important to show the right kind of images that will show you in the light that the casting director is looking for. So if it’s a swimsuit casting, put your swimsuit and lingerie photos at the beginning of the portfolio. This way, the casting director will see what your swimsuit body looks like right away. Casting directors have no time to waste, so the greater the initial shock, the better. That is why it is important that your portfolio is as versatile as possible so that you can use different photos for different castings.
All photos must be taken by a professional photographer in a fully equipped studio. You should also invest money in a good makeup artist and stylist. The things you do well with your portfolio early on will pay off later when you start booking great jobs. If you are on a very low budget, there is a way around the money problem, but it will likely result in lower quality photos as well.
Once you have finished your portfolio images, you need to be careful how you will place them in the portfolio and what your overall impression will be for the viewer. Above all, your portfolio should always look neat and well organized. There should be no broken or smudged images, or bent edges. Everything needs to look clean, professional, and flawless if you’re going to make a great first impression. Also, never forget to take your portfolio with you! Not bringing your portfolio means you almost certainly won’t get the job. Your potential employer will not have the time or interest in trying to figure out what your images look like without your portfolio. Don’t bring a CD to a casting. It is highly unlikely that a casting director will start downloading your CD onto a computer and viewing your photos. You should also not carry a Kodak envelope filled with clasps. You must have a book and az card to leave behind.
As you gain more experience and more photos, you will replace the old ones with new shots. Your portfolio should always be up-to-date with your latest work, and you should be able to easily explain to the viewer what the purpose of each image is and what it represents. Every photoshoot has a purpose, and if you seem like you have no idea why you were there, you won’t leave a good impression on your prospective employer.
