Modeling is truly a ‘first impression’ business. You know the quote – “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.” – There is no business where that is more true than modeling. Every agency or client that you contact – your photos, comp card or modeling portfolio will always be the first one to go through the door than you.
This is a compilation of some of the most valuable tips that I have picked when I was just breaking in to the industry to where I am now, for making the perfect, coveted portfolio. Here we go.
- Don’t submit pictures that are poorly lit, cellphone pictures, awkwardly sexual or your take on ”high fashion”. You want clean and simple pictures for your modeling portfolio to submit the agencies.
- Don’t take EVERY “free” photo shoot offer that comes your way. You may be in a position where a lot of up and comers are hoping to collaborate with you to mutually benefit each other’s experience. I’m not saying any offer like this is wrong. Some may be very beneficial. But be judicious. Know who is going to have the styles to help you get the looks you need.
- And, yes NO duck faces.
- Set your limits of what is acceptable for your look and your brand and what is not. Don’t shoot outside of what you are comfortable with. Do not allow others to stretch those limits. Once a photo is taken, it exists…forever.
- If you’re not comfortable being booked to do a swimwear (ever), then don’t display types of work that you don’t want to be booked for. A client should not see swimwear images in your portfolio then.
- When you go to meet with a client, only put in the images that the client would care about. Don’t put all of your printed images into your portfolio when you meet with a client
- I hear of a lot of frustrated clients who book models who do not end up looking like their portfolio, which leads to a loss of credibility so please don’t pitch yourself with images that no longer represent what you look like
- Don’t just rely on only putting the images on social media. It simply is not enough to attract the required attention to get bookings. Try sites specifically geared towards booking models, like the ones I reviewed here.
Did I forget to add in any? Awesome! Share away 🙂
Tags: modeling advice, photo tips, portfolio
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