Girls, boys, men, and women interested in becoming part of the modeling world will be required by modeling agencies to equip themselves with the business card of the fashion world – a modeling book. There are specific types of imagery that agencies are looking for when you’re starting out. They want to see the potential of a model’s versatility and ability to expressive themselves through photos. Can you portray different emotions through your eyes, tell a story with your posturing?
Here’s a list of general prerequisites to help you build your first modeling portfolio:
The Clean Headshot
Also known as a “beauty shot” this is the main image you should focus on when building your first modeling book. This should be a color portrait from the shoulders up and can be cropped quite tight to feature your face. The objective of this photo is to show the model in their most natural state with little to no make-up so they can see exactly how the model looks. Styling and jewelry should be kept to a minimum and smiles are not required. The clean headshot or beauty shot should always be the first image in your book.
Full Length Body Shot
The next image in the modeling book should be a full-length body shot so agents and clients can see the model’s body shape and proportions. Clothes should be simple and close fitting so that all the features of the body can be easity seen. Layered or loose-fitting clothing will only be a distraction and hide exactly what they want to see.
Swimsuit Shot
The next image neccesity is a swimsuit photo (unless you’re under 16). For this shot, you need to walk the fine line between sexy and sleazy. Look at images in Vogue or Victoria’s Secret ads. Swimwear is generally meant to be sold to other women, not men, so you want to convey the sensual feeling without overdoing it. Men are good shooting in a swim trunks or boxer shorts.
Editorial/Fashion Shot
Now that you have your 3 basic shots in place you can have some fun and get creative with editorial style shots. This genre is more geared for those looking to work in the fashion industry. The purpose of these photos are to show how you can move and express yourself through movement. Don’t just stand around and pose. Jump, Spin, dance – anything expressive and interesting.
Commerical Shot
Like editorial models, commerical models need to include imagery that showcases their range. You want to be emotionally expressive so smile, laugh, cry, shout, get angry – these are all emotions agents and clients are looking to see. Imagine print ads in magazines – they’re selling a feeling or concept that you need to be able to express in one image.
Smiling Shot
If don’t have a good smile in your basic shots be sure to include one in the center of your book. Agents and clients want to see not just your dynamic smile but also your teeth. Don’t worry if your teeth aren’t perfect, they simply want to see what they’re working with. In fact, recent years in the industry have featured lots of models with gaps in their teeth and other unique facial features.
Strong Closing Shot
People usually only remember the opening or closing image so be sure your last shot is as strong as your first! Another great head or beauty shot that’s slightly different from your main headshot can work perfectly here.
The Evolving Model Portfolio, a Work in Progress!
Most important to remember is that your modeling portfolio will be continuously evolving. It’s not something you shoot all in one time and forget about. You’ll be constantly updating imagery to reflect your latest work and increasing range of looks. You shoud try to shoot with a variety of photographers so you can take advantage of their different shooting styles and learn from all their different personalites. Your book will tell a story about who you are and what brand or style you’re building your career around. Your modeling book will always be a work in progress as you gain experience and continue to grow and improve!
Hawaii Headshot Photos would love to help you build your modeling porftfolio and offer a package that includes several looks and indoor/outdoor shooting so you can come with a variety of images to cover all the basic shots required in a basic modeling book. Included are selected photos with basic retouching to be sure your images will pop and catch the eyes of potential agencies and clients!
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