A PORTFOLIO IS A COMPILATION OF YOUR BEST PICTURES AS A MODEL TO SHOW TO AGENCIES, CASTINGS OR OPEN CALLS.
Agencies Invest in YOU!
The first thing you need to know is that you shouldn’t have to pay for any photos to get started.
Your agency should be the one taking care of setting up test shoots.
In fact when an agency hires1 signs a contract of representation with you it means they are to invest in you to begin building your career, that’s how it works.
Having a portfolio isn’t compulsory to begin has a model, it’s always better when you have enough pictures to make one.
Most of the time polaroids are enough for you to begin, your agency knows exactly how and which pictures to present to clients for you to model, it’s their job.
Tip: read this article if you want to know more about the First Meeting with a Models Agency.
Make a Difference
When you have a modeling portfolio it’s the first thing that agencies and clients will look at, and its critical to make a great first impression.
It helps to have a look at how you can be or could be for a client showing different styles etc…
It is made to impress them and show something special, something that will show not only your appearance but also your skills, experience and personality.
You can have the best face ever but it doesn’t mean that you are good at posing for example, your portfolio is here to make the difference because agencies receive dozens of files and profiles.
The Kate Moss Case
Most models don’t look fantastic in real life, it’s only during shootings that their potential is revealed!
Camera really flatter so much some girls that each picture looks crazy and editorial.
The perfect example is Kate Moss: in real life she is very usual and quite short for a model BUT when you see the results of her work when the pictures are released, she makes a huge difference!
That’s why it’s important for you to have a portfolio, to show what you’re really capable of!
Free New Pictures
If you correspond to what a photographer is seeking for a shooting or his personal work you may have the chance to be asked by a photographer to make pictures.
This way you get free new pictures of you, it can even be a job and you’ll be paid for it! Great deal! 😉
Different Types of Pictures
BEAUTY shots consist mostly of head shots that will show your skin and shape of your face and it is important for brands promoting make up and all kind of cosmetic for example, the beauty category can only include pictures of your whole body and its aesthetic.
FASHION and EDITORIALS pictures will show first your ability to pose for fashion catalogues and high fashion advertising.
SWIMSUIT and LINGERIE images will show shape of your body and your ability to work for brand which promote these products. Lingerie models are often more shapy than the other ones, they have more curves and a very aesthetic body.
1 if you want to know why we crossed the word ‘hires’, you can have a look at our conversation with @iamnatasaz on Instagram
You have a question or a comment to make, please join the conversation on Instagram.
Photos GILAD SASPORTA | Model MARTHE