A strong model portfolio is imperative to booking work. If you’re a signed or freelance model, it’s almost impossible to start booking potential clients without a portfolio that has high-quality images. In this article, you will learn how to find and successfully work with a photographer to build a portfolio that will book you jobs.
How to Find a Photographer for Your Modeling Portfolio
If you’re a signed model, agencies can suggest tried and true photographers they know who have the ability to create images to market you with. Shooting with these photographers will usually cost around $600 – $1000. I would cross-check all of the agency-suggested photographers with the photographer’s Instagram profile. Different photographers have different styles, and you’ll want to ensure that you like the style of these photographers.
Social media platforms are also a powerful tool for finding potential photographers to work with. If you have a limited budget, a great option is scouring modeling/photography Facebook groups in your area to find photographers with whom to collaborate. While this is a great way to build a low-cost portfolio, you’ll probably need to do a few collaborations to build a portfolio that will be good enough to market you.
Many new photographers are still perfecting their editing style. As such, with trade for prints, (or TFPs) you won’t always get the best images that can work for your modeling portfolio. Make sure you work with the right photographer–specifically a fashion photographer, or someone who has an editing style like that of one. For example, a graduation, travel, or wedding photographer may not be able to give you the portfolio photos you need, since those editing styles are distinctly different from those of a fashion photographer.
If you build your portfolio with TFPs, understand that many photographers who are building their portfolio via Facebook groups are new. The outcome of your portfolio may not be as professional as an agency-suggested photographer.
What to Look for in a Professional Photographer
You’ll need an experienced photographer who is well-versed in fashion photography to help you develop your modeling portfolio in a unique style. Try to find a photographer who has a strong online portfolio. Portfolios are usually posted on the photographer’s Instagram or their photography portfolio website.
Find a photographer who has worked with both current professional models and newer models. They will most likely have the experience to give creative direction that will help you look more natural in your portfolio images.
Images You Should Include in a Portfolio
A portfolio should have a range of looks. For a first-time portfolio, you’ll want at least 3 different outfits and backgrounds with different poses and facial expressions. Even if you are new in your modeling career, you still want to come off as a professional model who can embody different “characters” and emotions.
You’ll want a variety of full-length body shots, some 3 quarter shots (mid-thigh) up, and most importantly at least one solid headshot or beauty shot. The headshot is crucial because this will often be one of the first impressions that a client or a potential modeling agency will have of you. A good headshot will leave a lasting impression. Overall, you’ll also want to keep your makeup minimal to show off your natural beauty.
For your first photo shoot, you will need to understand whether you will be marketed as a commercial model or a high fashion model. This primarily depends on your height, facial features, and a myriad of other factors. Once you have an idea of what types of jobs you can book, you can tailor your portfolio to create images that emulate more of a commercial or a high-fashion look.
Many photographers will offer 10 – 12 final edited images in a single portfolio shoot. Keep this in mind as you plan what kind of portfolio you want to create.
How to Ensure a Successful Portfolio Shoot.
Take an active approach in planning for the shoot and think of yourself as the creative director of your own portfolio shoot. If you can, invest in a professional hair and makeup artist, and a styling as well. The photographer is often able to provide styling for an additional fee. These are extra (but often necessary) costs for a strong portfolio. You have the tools to create a good portfolio, so what do you want it to look like?
Create a Moodboard
A moodboard is not only important to make sure you and the team are on the same page–it also serves as posing and styling inspiration. Think of the looks you want to include in your portfolio–there should be at least 3 and a headshot. Send the moodboard to the photographer, makeup artist, and stylist (if you have one) prior to the shoot. That way everyone has an idea of what images you want out of the shoot.
Build off of the Team
Strong collaboration has often resulted in some of my best work as a model. Working with a team provides a synergy that you can build off of to create the best work for your portfolio. Feel free to ask for feedback as you are posing during the shoot. The photographer and makeup artist often are standing at different positions in the room and therefore have different angles of you. They can shed more light on how you look in an image and give feedback on posing.
Creating a modeling portfolio is the first step to booking jobs as a model. Portfolios are a huge investment and are meant to show off your range as a model. Make sure you do your research on the photographer you want to work with.
As a model, don’t forget to build an online presence. Check out this article on why social media is so important for a successful model, particularly in 2024.
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