Model Portfolio Tips
Great model portfolios don't just happen. They are the result of preparation on both sides of the camera. Your portraits will reflect the thought and effort you put into them.
Wardrobe
Your face and body should be the focal point of your portraits. Therefore simplicity is the key with clothing. Wear solid colors. Nothing detracts from a model’s face or figure more than clothes covered in busy patterns and prints. Look forward to wearing busy clothes when a client is paying you to wear them, not during your portfolio shoot when the emphasis should be on you.
Make sure your clothes fit. While this might seem obvious, too many times models wear ill-fitting clothes because they are expensive or nice, but it ends up being a distraction in their portfolio. Clients are not going to hire you because the clothes you were wearing were beautiful – they want to see that you are beautiful. Swimsuits and pants should be snug, but not too tight. Bikini strings and pant tops that rest on top of your skin with no indent make a positive statement about the tone of your body.
Dark colors are slimming.
Texture and more texture. Play up perfect smooth skin by introducing lots of texture. A knit scarf, corduroy jacket, or ripped jeans all contrast wonderfully with smooth skin.
Footwear. You will want a variety of footwear for every wardrobe. Bring along at least one pair of shoes with the highest heels you have -- or can borrow. It changes the way you stand and gives you a bit of height that all but the tallest models can use. Also bring boots or high heel boots.
Consider several different types of clothes. For young adult women the basics tend to be a well fitting mid length or shorter dress, shorts with a tighter top, and swimwear. Additional flexibility is shown by adding images in bare midriff sportswear, a business suit, lingerie, a vintage outfit, a man’s dress shirt, etc. Bring at least double the quantity and variety of wardrobe that you think you will use. We can help you decide what will work best. Try to make your various wardrobes as diverse as possible to help clients imagine the range of work that you are suited for.
Not everything needs to be a complete outfit. For instance you might want a strapless top or bra for beauty shots that are undistracted by clothing. In this case the photo is cut off so that we can not see what you are wearing.
Makeup and Hair
Ideally you will hire a makeup artist (MUA) who can do hair as well. Considering the time and cost you will be putting into your photo session, a good MUA is a smart investment. One way to economize is to coordinate with a friend who also wants to expand their modeling portfolio. This way we do a longer studio session, but the cost is split between you. The savings comes in efficiency since one of you can be in front of the camera while the other is in wardrobe and makeup.
Hair styles. To provide variety in portfolio images, it is ideal to style your hair differently for each change of wardrobe during a shoot. If your hair is always the same you will generally always look the same even though we change clothes and lighting. Changing hair styles can literally make you look like a different person which is great for your portfolio. When trying to create a variety of looks, short hair can present a challenge. For variety, try a wig. While wigs can be expensive, you may be able to borrow one or find a MUA that can bring a couple for you to use. Don’t forget hats to change the look of your portfolio photos and disguise lack of variety in hair style. It is easy to find interesting hats in thrift and discount stores.
Makeup. No matter what style and color of makeup you think makes you look best, it is wise to also change your makeup style and color when changing hairstyles or outfits. This makes each portfolio image look truly different. Don’t be locked into one look. Tear out magazine photos and work to achieve some of the variety.
Powder! Powder! Powder! I'm sure you've seen makeup artists apply makeup to actors to get them ready for an appearance. The makeup artist is constantly patting the actor’s face. Have you wondered why? The reason is that powder, and lots of it, is necessary to create the beautiful matte finish which is always present in a great portfolio. Even if you never use powder it is critical that you use it for your model photo shoot. Powder makes the difference between a beautiful photo and just a photo. When applying powder, use a lighter shade under the eyes to help eliminate any shadows or dark circles that the concealer didn't take care of.
Avoid fake tans before your portrait session which can make your skin look "muddy". Also avoid uneven tans or, even worse, sunburn.
Body hair. Without using wax, remove any body hair you don't want to show in your model photos. The reason to not use wax is that you may still have red skin in those places when you come in for your session.
Nails. You'll want your nails to look their best for the photo session. Do a complete manicure and pedicure the night before your model shoot. DO NOT use red or any other color polish on your fingernails or toenails, only clear. Remember that in photos, your eye will move to vivid colors first, especially red. Our objective is to draw attention to your face and body so nail polish is only a distraction.
Skin Care. Be sure to remove any dead skin you have and use a good moisturizer to clean and soften your skin. Some agencies will want a head shot with no makeup or retouching. The only thing you have going for you is great skin through preparation.
Accessories
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Seeing the same necklace in different shots and different outfits detracts from the impact of all of those images. Use different jewelry with each wardrobe. The same is true of watches – or just leave them out.
Glasses create glare, distortion and darkness. Generally leave them behind. If you want to show your look in glasses, then pick up a used pair that you can remove the lenses from. Eyes that “pop” and grab your attention are the single most important factor in great portraits so we don’t want to take any images through actual lenses.
Plan ahead to bring props that help potential clients envision you in different roles. If you are going for the fit athlete look then include different types of sports equipment or accessories. For ad work bring a new handbag or watch that you want to “sell”. Outdoors we can also work with larger objects such as boats, sports cars, planes, or motorcycles.
More Tips
Bring “inspiration” photos of other models from magazines or the web. You may be amazed at how we can often re-create art with you as the subject!
Inspiration shots may also help you with posing. Spend time noticing and practicing poses in the mirror until you can make them your own.
Finally smile and have fun! Let us show you the best you can be!
