As an aspiring model, you need an amazing modelling portfolio to kickstart your career. It’s your chance to make a great first impression on agencies and clients. It is important for you to put in the effort to get all aspects of your modelling portfolio right. It’s not only about shooting your portfolio, there’s a lot more planning that goes into creating a great portfolio.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for models that explains how to create a killer modelling portfolio for yourself.
1. Focus on the type of model you want to be
While pursuing your passion to become a successful model, you also need to be realistic and aware of the labels that are a part of the modelling industry. In most cases, your body type would define the kind of assignments you get, as most clients have a pre-conceived notion of what they feel fits their brief. Making an informed decision about the type of modelling you want to chase would bring precision and focus on how you want to shape your modelling portfolio. For example, as a freelance model you would need a lot of variations in your portfolio photoshoot, but as a high fashion model, you would need to focus on high fashion images
2. Choosing the right photographer
If you have signed up with a modelling agency, in most cases, they would offer you to get your shoot organized for you with a pre-approved photographer and chances are that you will get your way paved with a good professional guidance. They might charge you for the photography, but spending in the right thing never goes in vain. You can also do your own research, study portfolios of different models, ask for referrals and take your time finding the right photographer. Choose a photographer whose area of expertise and style matches your vision and style. In fact, it can save you money and time by choosing the one right photographer that can deliver on what your vision is.
3. Practice Posing
Posing as a model in front of a camera is an art unto itself. The objective may seem simple, but in reality, it’s more complicated than you may realize. Choose your outfits selectively. Clothing is part of the process of a narrative for any marketing campaign. Your poses should always make the garments look their best. Photography poses have to be learned, something that gets better with practice and study.
4. Deciding on the type of photos you need
It’s important to know beforehand exactly the kind of images you want out of your model portfolio shoot. Lay down the specifics of photos that you need for a well-balanced portfolio, for the types of modelling you are best suited for. Make sure that you get great portraits, close-ups, and full-body shots as well. Plan your wardrobe changes to show your versatility. Convey your brief clearly to the photographer and discuss things in detail so that both of you are on the same page, decide on the poses, the wardrobe items, the locations, the looks, themes and concepts for the photo shoot.
5. Hiring a professional hair and make-up artist
Although not a must, but it’s recommended to get a professional hair and make-up artist for your portfolio shoot. A professional can add a lot of value to your model profile and make you look even better with the right styling of your hair and make-up.
6. Getting the photo shoot right
Make sure that the photographer and you have scoured the locations beforehand. If you are shooting indoors only, then make sure that the studio is well-equipped. You will be depending on your photographer for this, so do point it out in your discussions. Also, make sure that the photographer has allotted you enough time to accomplish everything and not rush through things. Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot day and arrive a little early on the location. Make sure that you are calm and not stressed out. Remember, even a tiny hint of nerves shows through in the final images.
7. Choosing the perfect images for your model portfolio
After your photo shoot, its time to get down to the process of choosing the right images to build your modelling portfolio. Balance your choices and focus on getting both versatility and quality. Don’t end up choosing multiple images in the same pose or wardrobe. Do discuss your selection with your photographers and take their advice, but remember that finally, it’s your selection. All your portfolio shots should be high-quality, stunning and stand-out images that make a great first impression.
8. Get a printed modelling portfolio book
A printed portfolio still comes in handy if you are meeting someone (remember that you would be meeting a LOT of people). This gives the other person a tangible, real thing to go through while you are there with them. Typically, a printed portfolio is 8” x 10” size (other common sizes are 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12, 11 x 14), but preferences may vary depending on which city you are in. Make sure you have pristine, high-quality prints placed inside a high-quality portfolio book. Do not miss out on the small but important details.
9. Create your online modelling portfolio website
Print portfolios are great for face-to-face meetings, but you cannot be present everywhere. Chances are that most agencies and clients will end up seeing your portfolio online(especially during this pandemic). This is where your portfolio website comes in. Make sure that you choose the right platform your portfolio website that lets you achieve the unique style that best represents your personality. Your modelling portfolio website needs to be not just stunning but functional as well.
