Guide To Build Your Modeling Portfolio

If you aspire to become a model, you will need a modeling resume with professionally clicked pictures. Planning and shooting your portfolio needs a lot of planning. After all, it is all about the first impression. However, sometimes agencies might find out interesting but asks you to build your book before signing you. It could be quite confusing for a new model, what the agency is looking for. Agencies seek models who can express themselves and are versatile. So, here we have listed some essentials you must have in your modeling portfolio. 

Clean Head Shot

Also known as a beauty shot or portrait shot, it emphasizes your facial features. It covers from the shoulder up and is generally a colored photograph. This shot shows the model in his or her most natural state. Therefore, make-up, hairstyle, and jewelry are to the minimum. So that the client can look at how the model looks naturally. The beauty shot must be the first photo in a model’s portfolio.

Full Body Shot

The next important photo for the modeling portfolio is a full body shot. It gives the clients to see the model’s body proportion and body type. Again, for this shoot, the model should wear normal form-fitting clothes, like jeans and a t-shirt. As a model, you should avoid wearing skirts or baggy clothes as it will cover-up your figure. 

Swimsuit Shot

While doing swimsuit shots, you must always consider the message you are sending. It could be the next photograph in your portfolio. If you are above sixteen years old and comfortable shooting in a swimsuit. 

Fashion and Commercial Shot

After these three shots, you can now have fun and experiment with fashion and commercial shots. However, the agencies look for models who can express themselves in one shot. For fashion shots, get creative and expressive. Whereas for commercial ones, the agencies want to see how well you can express yourself. It includes catalog modeling, magazines, etc., where you are laughing, crying, or upset. 

Smiling and Strong Closing Shot

Make sure to add a smiling shot somewhere in the middle of your portfolio. The agencies would want to see your smile as well as your perfect teeth. Therefore, always end with one of your compelling shots. It could be any of the above. A clear headshot in a different angle or a full body shot in a different pose. People tend to remember the first and the last picture mostly. So, make sure you add one of your strongest shots as your closing shot.

Therefore, while making and planning your modeling book, the goal must not be just to fill it with pictures. It must tell your story as well as your brand. Having a couple of perfectly angled headshots is better than having a dozen mediocre shots. Also, shooting with different photographers will help you enhance your style. It will serve as an advantage to you. Therefore, it will also help you gain confidence and become more comfortable in front of the camera.

For more such articles, click here