How to Get a Model Portfolio Made
A portfolio is an album of photos. It is a model's calling card and a vital part of any audition. Fill your professional portfolio with pictures capturing your best look and that flatter you. Select photographs with care and make sure they feature you in an array of poses and clothing. Use pictures capturing the looks and styles you carry off well to help potential clients envision you in a campaign, ad or runway show.
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Things You'll Need
- Selection of clothing, including swimsuit
- Photographer
- Photographs
- Album
Instructions
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Research area photographers for an understanding of what they offer. Call friends or ask for referrals to someone else in the modeling business to find recommendations of good, trustworthy photographers. Once you have a name, read any available reviews on the photographer. Call and ask if they have experience with modeling portfolio photography and if they have examples of their work available for perusal. If there any questions about the legitimacy of a photographer, call the Better Business Bureau.
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After selecting a photographer, book an appointment. Next, meet or phone them to see if they have any requests or suggestions for the shoot and prepare according their needs. Get plenty of sleep the night before the shoot to ensure a fresh, well-rested appearance.
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Assemble outfits to wear at the shoot, selecting clothes that fit properly and reflect a variety of styles and looks. Avoid loud or busy prints and bring a bathing suit that's "snug, with no gaps showing when you move," according to Bill Stanfill Photography. Ensure clothing fits, but is not too tight, which can make it appear the wrong size. Bring several pairs of shoes to go with different outfits including one pair of heels to provide extra height and a high fashion look.
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Select photos for the portfolio and assemble them in a book. A mix of photos is needed to showcase your body and face, so select a range of closeups and ones which capture your entire frame. Choose to six to 12 photos.
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Assemble the photos in a professional portfolio. Photos which measure 9 by 12 inches are the industry standard and are relatively easy to put in an album for taking to auditions. Choose a simple album and not one in a print or brightly colored pattern, which will distract from the photographs. Select only the most complimentary photos for inclusion, avoiding any which are just so-so, as they will detract from the overall quality of the portfolio and diminish your chances of getting work.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid modeling agencies which charge money to represent you or photographers that pressure you into overly suggestive or inappropriate poses or situations.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images
