Building a Model Portfolio
I’m still amazed how many aspiring and even semi-working models bring attention to themselves with awful photos. You might as well advertise the Audi R8 in grainy b&w news print for all the appeal it holds! So many missteps are made:
- the self captured mirror or arms length photo is not your friend
- a tacked up backdrop sheet will always look like a sheet
- a scene in your cluttered home or apartment doesn’t make you look more “real”
- choppy photos taken at odd angles aren’t “edgy” – we need to see YOU
- no, properly applied makeup does not make you look like a clown
- clothing and hair styles should never be an afterthought
- is that you way in the background? (GET CLOSER!)
- if you’re not camera ready, blurring your photos won’t help you
It is my goal to educate my clients with the basics and get them pointed in the right direction. Whether starting from scratch or revising an existing portfolio, nailing basic shots is the foundation for any solid modeling portfolio.
Tara is a great example of a smart up and coming model. She is building her portfolio from the ground up and has firm goals in place. The day of our shoot she was fully prepared with an array of wardrobe and prop choices, with hair and makeup well in hand to suit the style she wanted. We will continue to expand on the basic headshots and body shots selected to express more of her personality and flexibility. For now, select photos from that one shoot will create a nice comp card for her immediate use that will get her jobs.
That IS the purpose of the model portfolio after all.
UGH! You are so right, and you, of all people should know. When I first read your list of tips, I was like, “Duh . . . ” not, that I’ve ever considered building a portfolio, but as a performance artist, I like to keep on top of these things you know, in case I’ll ever need to know.
so, thanks for sharing. I may just pass those tips around if you don’t mind.
Comment by Sitris — May 13, 2008 @ 12:42 am