How to Start Your Own Modeling Portfolio in West Michigan
Modeling portfolios are perhaps the most vital marketing tool for any fashion or commercial model. Portfolios consist of photographs taken by professional photographers to showcase your versatility as a model. In West Michiga, there are ample opportunities to enhance your portfolio to make yourself more attractive to potential talent agents and hiring clients.
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Instructions
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Schedule a photo session with a professional photographer. The Michigan Photographer Directory offers a database of photographers cataloged by city. When selecting a photographer, review their portfolio of modeling images. Not every photographer specializes in fashion or commercial modeling photography. During the initial consultation with a photographer, inquire about his experience creating images for a modeling portfolio.
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Practice posing in a mirror. Research poses by reviewing magazines geared toward the type of modeling you wish to pursue. Have a friend or family member take pictures of your poses so that you can be aware of how your body translates on film. Master at least 10 different poses that could be used during your photo shoot.
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Arrive at least 15 minutes early to your photo session. Bring at least five outfits that range from casual to formal wear. Women should not wear too much makeup, unless creating a high-fashion modeling portfolio (pictures that could be placed in Vogue, Cosmo, etc.). Makeup should be natural and showcase your facial features. Rehearse your poses with the photographer prior to taking any pictures. The photographer will provide you with advice and tips regarding these poses.
To enhance your photographs you may select outdoor locations for the photo shoot. Holland, Michigan is home to scenery any model can take advantage of. The Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk rests 157 feet above Lake Michigan, while Laketown Beach offers beachfront access and unique sand dunes to enhance photographs.
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Review the prints after the photo shoot. Have friends and family members pick out the best photographs from your shoot. After you have selected the top 10 photographs, contact a photo reproduction company in your area. Modeling portfolio pictures should measure 11" X 14" and have a glossy finish. You may find photo reproduction services by turning to your local business directory.
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Purchase a modeling portfolio from a local hobby retail store or through online merchants. A modeling portfolio is a bound book with transparent holders to place the photographs. Make sure that you purchase a portfolio that measures at least 11" X 14" to hold your pictures.
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Insert your photographs into the portfolio, with your strongest image first. While every photograph placed in the portfolio should be the best, modeling agencies will normally only look through the first three to five photographs before making a decision. After you have compiled your photographs, you will have a professional-grade modeling portfolio to show to agencies.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice showing different emotions with your entire body.
Understand what your body looks like on film and alter your movements to provide the best image possible for a photographer.
Never pay a modeling agency a fee in order to be signed. A professional modeling or talent agency only makes money from work booked through its efforts. Walk away from modeling agencies that require you to sign up for specific modeling or acting classes; this is a scam.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit camera image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
