"Creating A Brilliant Portfolio For Aspiring Models"
Model: Lauren Stork
Creating a stunning model portfolio can be daunting for any aspiring model. There are so many creatives out there and genres of what kind of modeling interests you. I wanted to create a brief guide on tips on how to start creating your very own top notch model portfolio!
First and foremost, finding the right photographer is essential. It is ideal to work with several photographers with different styles but if you find a photographer you love and trust their artistic abilities, shooting with the same one will not hinder your portfolio. It all depends on every photographer and model.
My most vital piece of advice is to diversify every look for every shoot whether or not it is the same photographer. I personally have done complete portfolios and partials and the key to create an eye catching portfolio is the diversity of looks. When businesses are searching for models, showing that you can achieve and excel at modeling in different looks and styles will make you stand out from the crowd.
Below are a sprinkling of portfolio images I have created for several models. You can see that some are more dramatic, intense, light and airy, lifestyle, and creative. The location, clothes, and vision for each session varies drastically for every model portfolio.
Model: Angela Smoker
Model: Gretchen Hartman
Model: Emma Samuelson
Model: Haley Lodish
One question that pops up frequently is, “Should I just shoot with a model agency’s photographer?”
My advice would be a hard no, most model agencies that solely want you to model for their photographer want to make additional money off of you. You should definitely do some research and look at other photographer’s styles and find one you trust to capture portfolio worthy images.
Model: Emma Samuelson
When choosing outfits, have a mix of plain and basic clothes and even wear clothes that you would like to model. For example, if you love LandsEnd clothing, make sure to plan so photos to include your ability to model those clothes.
When deciding how much or how little make up to wear, I go by the same rule, start off simple with no make up and gradually show different looks building on your foundation. You want to show as many looks as possible within your portfolio as well as showing no make up because all in all, your model portfolio is essential selling you, not all the products you can dress up in.
Now I keep mentioning to model in as many different looks as you can, that can mean several things for potential businesses looking to hire models. First and foremost, they want to see you, no make up and simple solid clothing, so they can see you for you. Next they look for different styles you excel at modeling. For instance, can you model clothing lines like you see in Hollister or Boscovs, playing a “mom” or “dad” role in a photoshoot with a child, and how you can demonstrating products or clothing. There are so many avenues you can take, from sexy, to “mommy”, to grungy, and back to fun light and summery lifestyle looks. Depending on the type of jobs you are looking to book can determine what you show in your portfolio.
The next set of photos are from a recent photo shoot with a model at a single location with a few outfit changes. even though they look similar because of the location, she has different expressions, clothing, and I captured a selection of full length, mid, and close up images within her full gallery.
Model: Lauren Stork
Are you interested in taking the first steps in creating your professional model portfolio? Message me for more information about my model sessions! I like to go over tips when modeling, choosing outfits, locations and going over any questions and concerns you might have.