Building a portfolio — What you need to know?

Building a portfolio — What you need to know?

Now that you have practically sworn in to become a model, ready to give it all you have and to do all it takes. To turn those starlit dreams into reality, the most imperative tool that you need to kick start your modeling career is a portfolio.

It is all about the looks after all, quite literally as is the case here. As a model, you will be compensated for making the products you own, which may appear not just wonderful but also out-of-this-world, as if created by God himself. A modeling portfolio is more than simply a collection of random photos of you in expensive outfits. It’s a story, and you want to send a strong message that you’re not simply another applicant to be put to the list of rejected candidates. You need to put in a lot of thought and approach it in a systematic way.

As a catalog model, you would be seen spanning magazine covers and product catalogs. Plus size modeling, lingerie/swimsuit modeling, or commercial modeling or want to go for fitness modeling. There are various deciding factors as to which kind of modeling would suit you best. There might be a slight variation in what you want to do and what you can do. You don’t always get to make your pick. Based on your body type, your height, weight, and other measurements you can decide what suits you best. It is not a fair deal but there are a few standards and the way the industry works.

Remember there is a colossal difference between streamlining the kind of work you want to do and typecasting you for majorly one kind of work. As a result, it is imperative that you be pragmatic while choosing on the type of modeling you want to pursue. Think about your strengths but be aware of the shortcomings as well and channel them in a way that benefits you.

Now focus on the kinds of photographs you will need for your compilation. Make sure you reach out to a professional photographer who is an expert at his job and whose work embodies your ideas aptly. You cannot get the pictures from one of your friends who apparently knows how to operate a DSLR. Yes, you might be comfortable shooting with a friend, but the profession is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. There is no other way to do it.

Pay attention to detail, you need to look your best, and that not just implies to your clothes. Everything has to be flawless. Get your hair and makeup done by professional makeup artists and not a “super talented friend”. It might cost you more for all the certified guidance but if done right, it sure will pay off. Hiring professionals does not guarantee perfect shots, you need to bring about that oomph in your pictures. You mandatorily need the following kinds of images primarily based on the kind of modeling you pick to work upon. Headshots, full-length body shots, smiling shots, swimsuit shots, and editorial shoots. You need very specific shots pertaining to your need.

Your portfolio is more of a visual resume. The placement of images is of paramount significance as is the number of photographs you include. It does not have to be an eclectic collection of your photographs in no methodical order whatsoever. Put in a few pictures say 6-12 rather than stuffing 20+ average shots. But make sure those are THE best of the best you have. Include a full-body shot in which you are preferably wearing clothes that accentuate your form.

A mandatory no makeup shot and a few headshots could be black and white or otherwise. Do not go all monochrome for the portfolio. The opening shots have to be jaw-dropping and depict the kind of modeling you want to pursue.  Your pictures should be creative and should portray that you are dexterous depicting the myriad hues of your personality. The closing shots should also be absolutely stunning so that overall you paint a positive picture. The portfolio should also contain your specifics like age, height, weight measurements, eye color, and all other crucial relevant information. Let it convey your area of interest and also convey your versatility.

If you are using a printed version, make sure the photographs are of standard size and in high resolution. Do not forget to link your social media which is more like an informal digital resume. Other than the print you can also have the online version known as a modeling portfolio website where the same things follow on a digitized platform. There are a lot of websites providing such facilities. Do mention the work experience and always keep revamping the portfolios be it digital or print. Always use the best quality images and link your social media.
When you are arranging a portfolio, keep a minimalistic approach, focus on quality and convey the information in a terse but effective manner. Make your priorities known and showcase your best along with the resilience to work in any condition. Build your stepping stone to success!