How to build your model portfolio

It’s Q&A time everyone! I received a question on my Facebook page from Tann:

was wondering if you could give me some advice on getting into agencies how to approach them with the right pictures?

You already know that the first requirement before you knock on those agencies’ heavenly doors and drop them your portfolio is to actually build it. You need to know what kind of pictures to take.

It is true that modeling agencies cast their models by browsing through tons of pictures every day. It’s very important that you get their attention with the right pictures, something that would make them want to say, “Hey, I like her.” And your photo, along with your details, will be put in the TO BE CONSIDERED bin.

What photographers say

I asked for some tips from a model photographer, Shelley Anderson, and this is what she has to say:

A portfolio with a great variety is key. I try hard to make sure images don’t look like they were all taken on the same day when I do a portfolio shoot. We mix up outfits, hair, and makeup and shoot both inside and outside, even when it’s chilly up here in Minnesota!

So don’t just take black and white pictures inside a studio. Go out under the sun, take a hike to the mountains, or have some bikini shots by the beach – variety is the key. Modeling agencies want to know if you can take pictures in the middle of a busy street, or inside the confinement of a small studio. They want you without makeup and with makeup. They want to see you sport your natural hair and wigs. They want to see your full potential.

You can visit Shelley’s work here on her website: www.Shelleyandersonphotography.com

You can also check a previous interview that we had with photographer Bogdan Morozovskiy, here. And even Bogdan says that you should try new and different stuff.

If you need more tips on how to pose like a model for your model portfolio, let’s watch model Denise Salceda in her video:

Drop me a line on my Facebook page for any modeling questions! 🙂