Creating a Modeling Portfolio.

A portfolio is a group of professional images of a model in various styles, looks, make-up, expressions and outfits. A type of resume for the modeling world..

A good portfolio shot by an experienced photographer not only enhances your chance of getting a good break in the fashion industry but also gives you valuable experience. Since the portfolio is so important to your entry into the modeling world, it has to be handled very carefully. It should highlight your beauty, versatility, expressions and emotions. Show only your best work.

Have a good idea of what you want and what you can afford before approaching a photographer to hire them to produce images for your portfolio. A portfolio shoot is a team effort. Discuss with the photographer what you are trying to convey. Communication is important in creating a portfolio that you will be proud to show.
Also, if at all possible, you don't want just one photographer to contribute every shot to your portfolio. Start with a variety of images from one photographer and go on from there.

Tips to look better during photo sessions 

      Keep jewelry to a minimum - The same necklace in different shots and outfits will detracts from the impact of all of those images.
 

      Wear solid colors - Avoid clothes that are covered with patterns and prints.
 

      Make sure the clothes fit - Swimsuits, for example, should be snug, with no gaps showing when they move. They also shouldn’t be too tight.
 

      Vary your hair style - When trying to create a variety of looks, short hair can present a challenge. For variety, try a wig. Don’t forget hats-- except for cowboy hats, which are way overdone. Hats can change the look of a model’s portfolio photos, too; look for fun and interesting hats in thrift and discount stores.
 

      Makeup - Vary your makeup and color when changing hairstyles or outfits. This makes each portfolio image look truly different.
 

      Footwear - Wearing the right shoes can make as much a difference as the right makeup. You should bring along at least one pair of shoes with the highest heels they have--or can borrow. It changes the way they stand and gives you a bit of height that all but the tallest models can use.

Posing Tips 

      Do not hold your breath - during a photo session for a pose. The concentration usually shows in the picture.
 

      Hold in your stomach - to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen (even if you are in great shape).

 

      Maintain good posture - Most people, including models, do not have very good posture. Unless you're going for a casual look, keep your back straight and your shoulders up.
 

      Strike a pose - Don't keep both arms entirely straight unless directed to do so for a specific pose. Bend one or both arms, even if only a little, to make the pose look less artificial. Likewise, don't keep both legs entirely straight.
 

      Don't always look straight at the camera - Instead, use a variety of head and eye positions: Try turning your head, tilting your neck to one side or the other, or looking off to the side for some poses.
 

      Don't use a big smile for every pose - Sometimes try a small smile, a pout, a laugh, a scowl, or even a frown, to give some variety to your facial expressions. Big smiles often bring out unwanted facial lines that are not always attractive.
 

      Listen to what the photographer tells you – Pay attention to your photographer. Seek approval from the photographer, not bystanders. He can see you through the camera. You can't.

Preparing a Portfolio Presentation 

      Your portfolio should be organized and visually appealing - Loose photos, cut up contact sheets, loose slides, torn or bent photos, are signs of a poor portfolio presentation. Just as an accountant wouldn't present his resume on a crumpled piece of paper, you shouldn't have a sloppy portfolio. Your portfolio represents you; make it a lasting, positive impression.
 

      Number of Photos - Your portfolio (or "book" as it's sometimes called) should have between 6 and 20 shots of you or work you are in. There should be a variety of poses and a combination of headshots, half body shots, and full body shots.
 

      Kinds of Photos - A high quality headshot is a must. After you get some experience, you should have a couple different headshots showing different hairstyles and makeup looks. Your book should also contain shots of you showing the kinds of work you want to do. If you want to be a swim wear model, have swim wear shots, not high fashion, in your book. Versatility is good but don't get caught up in trying to be everything for everyone.

      Sizes of Photos - Models should have 11x14 cases with either 8x10 or 11x14 photos. Actors should have 8x10 cases with 8x10 photos. Most serious models don't use 5x7's or smaller in their books.

 Don’t forget that your portfolio is a work in progress. It will be constantly changing and improving as your career advances. Also, if at all possible, you don't want just one photographer to contribute every shot to your portfolio. Start with a variety of images from one photographer and go on from there. 

Disclaimer: All the articles about glamour and fashion model posing are true to the best of our ability but Electric Tears Photography is not responsible for errors in these model posing tips. This model posing guide is just a starting point so you should get as much modeling experience as possible through your professional photographer.  

All of these tips are adapted from various modeling and photography sites on the Internet.  You can do a search in a specific area online, and find a number of suggestions or resources, including books, how-to-manuals, and classes. I do not claim to be an expert in any of these areas, but know through personal experience, trial-and-error, and testimonials, that these things CAN work for some people.