Launching a modeling career can be tricky, but it's even more difficult if you don't have a portfolio. The good news is that portfolios are easy to build, and a good modeling portfolio also affects your chances of getting the modeling job you want. The bad news is, if you make a mistake, it will certainly cost you your job, and can even ruin your career before it even starts.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Determining the Basics
Step 1. Determine the type of model for yourself
There are many different types of modeling, and some have very specific requirements in terms of physical appearance and skill level. While it is true that the most common types of modeling do require people who are tall and slim, there are other types of modeling with a more flexible selection of body styles.
- Live modeling is an example of modeling that is more concerned with personality than body type or appearance. Direct models are in charge of representing the company at trade shows, shopping centers, and other places by promoting a specific product or brand. Because live modeling requires interaction with many people, it is important for models to be outgoing and have a cheerful disposition.
- Fashion modeling is the type of modeling that most people know. To be a successful fashion model, you must be of a certain height. In larger industries, such as New York, the minimum height accepted is 177 cm, while in smaller industries, the minimum height is 173 cm. Fashion models must also be quite slim. In terms of appearance, they accept facial looks with a wider range, from standard beauty to eye-catching ones.
- Print ad modeling is all-encompassing for models appearing in magazine and newspaper ads. This type of modeling can range from modeling a swimsuit to featuring a specific role, such as an entrepreneur, doctor, or representative of a particular demographic. Requirements for appearance vary depending on the type of work. For example, a swimsuit model should have a curvaceous body, but exhibit good muscle tone, while being representative of a certain demographic is simply an interesting example of that demographic.
- Modeling limbs is modeling that shows certain body parts, such as hair, legs, or hands. If you have beautiful hair, beautiful hands, or long legs, consider this type of modeling.
Step 2. Hire a professional photographer
Contact several modeling agencies in your area and find out the photographers they employ. Photographers who work within the industry will have experience working with models. They will probably also know what agencies are generally looking for from portfolio photos and can give you advice accordingly.
Step 3. Hire a professional makeup artist
If you're lucky, the photographer will take care of this for you, but remember to ask if the makeup fee is included, or you'll have to pay an additional fee. If the photographer doesn't provide a makeup artist, ask a modeling agency in your area to recommend one. Like photographers, makeup artists in the industry will know what kind of look to expect.
Step 4. Practice the pose
Look through magazines to find poses that inspire you. Don't be afraid to tweak it a bit to suit your own pose. Practice in front of a mirror and change the angle from time to time. Ask a family member or friend to critique your poses as you practice.
Step 5. Choose clothes for the photoshoot
It's important to realize that the purpose of a portfolio is to sell yourself. Eliminate anything that gets in the way of achieving that goal. To that end, keep your clothing choices simple. Choose solid colors and avoid prints and patterns. Choose clothes that you know are right for you: avoid anything that is too tight or too loose. Portfolios are also not the place to display "up-to-date" clothes.
- You will need several clothing options. Surely you wouldn't want to have photos in just one or two outfits.
- If you're looking to do print ad modeling, it's also a good idea to bring along a swimsuit.
Step 6. Be prepared to show diversity
It's important to have a number of looks that look right for the type of modeling that's right for you. If the photographer has good skills, he or she will know what type of photo and look you need.
- A headshot is a photo that clearly shows the model's face. Typically 8x10 in size, the photo usually contains the model's head and upper body, taken close-up. It is important that the headshot focuses on the face. Headshots are also usually taken by wearing a little makeup, so that the structure and skin tone of the model is clearly visible. Every model needs a headshot in its portfolio.
- On the other hand, beauty shots are artistic photographs that, like headshots, show the model's head and upper body. However, unlike headshots, models are organized and can pose dramatically. If you want to work as a print ad model, this is the photo you should take.
- Fashion shot is exactly what the name suggests: a photo of a model in different outfits, focusing on the outfit. Even the model's makeup supports her outfit. These photos are for fashion models.
- Swimwear photos serve to show the model's body. This is another photo needed for print ad modeling.
- Another important photo if you want to enter the world of print ad modeling is editorial photos. With a story centered, this is a photo when you are about to play a character in a certain narrative.
- Make sure to prepare clothes at least five days before the shoot.
Step 7. Maintain your look
Looking your best at photo shoots is essential to your success as a model. For that, do whatever self-care routine is needed before the D-day. For example, get a haircut or go for a manicure.
The day before the shoot, make sure to get enough sleep at night and avoid alcohol
Part 2 of 3: Visiting the Photographer's Studio
Step 1. Check and recheck your bag
Before leaving the house, make sure your bags are packed and that you have money for transportation and parking. Try to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Bring the photographer's phone number and call him if you realize you'll be running late.
Step 2. Communicate with the photographer
Good communication between the model and photographer is essential to producing good photos. Listen carefully to what the photographer wants. Try not to be nervous, but know that it's natural…even models who have worked for years are still nervous.
Step 3. Show your confidence and charm
Photos need to capture the essence of a model, which is agility and the ability to show a variety of characters and moods. Don't be afraid to show off. It's time for you to shine.
Step 4. Show courtesy
It is important that you build a good professional relationship with photographers and makeup artists. Be sure to write a thank you note to both of them after the shoot ends.
Part 3 of 3: Creating a Portfolio
Step 1. Choose photos for your portfolio
Remember that quality is more important than quantity. Choose your best photo from 12 to 16 photos. Ask family members and friends to help you.
- Make sure the photos show you in different outfits and locations. It is also important to include your photos in different lighting, for example, indoors and outdoors.
- The default photo size is 8x10. Other sizes include 9x12 and 11x14.
Step 2. Arrange the photos for publication
When a potential client opens a portfolio, you need to wow him from start to finish. Therefore, include your best photos, two photos on the opening page and two photos on the closing page of the portfolio.
Step 3. Print a portfolio book
Photographers can provide this service. Otherwise, any photo printing service can do it for you. They can also create a portfolio in the form of a disc.
Another option besides the printed version of the portfolio is an online portfolio. It's a good idea to hire someone to design the website and host it rather than trying to do it yourself. Otherwise, the website will look amateurish
Step 4. Update the portfolio
When you get modeling work and experience, add it to your portfolio. Keep a “tear sheet” (proof of publishing a photo in a magazine), usually a magazine page or photo from a shoot. This will show your success as a model.
Step 5. Include a profile page
Your profile will list important information about yourself. Include the types of work you are willing to do, statistics, for example, your height, weight, hair color and eye color, whether you have any problems with your body, such as tattoos, scars, and lastly, any related skills you have, such as understand sports, or how to play a musical instrument.
Tips
- It's a good idea to keep backup copies of the photos in your portfolio in a safe place. This way, you will avoid a severe panic if you lose your portfolio.
- Remember - a portfolio is not a photo album! If the photo doesn't "sell" you, don't keep it just because it has sentimental value.
- Ideally, you should have photos that are no more than a year old in your portfolio. This could mean re-shooting for the portfolio. So, be prepared.
- If you're trying to create a portfolio with one goal in mind, namely to be contracted by an agency, think again. Most agencies will require you to do a portfolio shoot after signing the contract, which means paying twice!
- Don't try to use a new facial cleanser the night before the shoot, as it can cause embarrassing breakouts!
- When getting dressed, make sure all clothes are worn correctly-for example, no strings are twisted, or no buttons are threaded into the wrong buttonhole.
Warning
- Don't assume that the photographer who charges the most is the best photographer. On the other hand, also remember that money determines quality. Apply balance!!
- Beware of tanning before shooting as streaks on the skin can be problematic.
- Practicing modeling can feel awkward at first, but it's a must!! What looks good to your mind may not really be…and you need to know that before you head to the shoot!
- Be aware that many photographers and makeup artists will have a cancellation policy. As a general rule, if you cancel 48 hours before your shooting time, you will be required to pay at least part of the fee, if not all of it.
