How to Create a Model Portfolio
Modeling is about much more than being beautiful: it's also about being professional. The best way to make a positive, professional first impression is with an impressive portfolio. A portfolio demonstrates that you're photogenic, versatile and experienced. Regardless of how charming you are in person, your potential employers will want proof that you look good in front of the camera and you know how to market yourself effectively.
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Instructions
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Hire a professional photographer to take a series of pictures of you. This is essential, especially if you don't have photos on hand from previous jobs, because amateur pictures will rarely demonstrate professionalism.
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Select your best pictures critically: enlist the help of a trusted friend if necessary. Look for pictures that accentuate your best features and minimize your weaknesses. The photos you choose should also be clear and current to increase your odds of obtaining work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Emphasize quality over quantity, because a few incredible photos will make a better impression than numerous decent ones. Photographer Joe Edelman recommends that new models include six to 12 photos. Include 20 photos at most, but only if all of these photos are fantastic.
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Keep your pictures diverse. You should include both head shots and full body shots, images from different photo shoots and a variety of color schemes. Your pictures should also convey different moods: employers won't hire someone who looks the same in every picture.
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Place your pictures strategically in your portfolio. Edelman suggests putting your best pictures on every right page and the less-perfect pictures on the left side.
Have your photos printed professionally on 8.5 x 11-inch photo paper, unless the market in your area says otherwise. Some markets require 9 x 12 or 11 x 14 books.
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References
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- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
