Amodelling portfoliois one of the best ways of getting noticed as a model. This article shows you how to create amodelling portfolio, as well as how to use it.
What is aModel Portfolio?
Amodelling portfoliois like a model’s CV. It is a folder containing lots of modelling photos that aprofessional modelcan take with them to interviews and castings in order to show prospective clients and employers their abilities and experience as a model.
A portfolio is usually a hard-copy that can be physically carried around, but nowadays many models also have a digital version so they can send it via e-mail when required.
What Does aModel PortfolioLook Like?
A model’s physicalprinted portfoliousually looks like a regular black folder containing plastic pockets that A4-photographscan be slipped into. It’s a good idea for a model to get their images printed off professionally in this size so the portfolio is uniform and so the images are clear and easily seen at a glance.
A portfolio usually contains images includingheadshotsandbody shotsimages to show as much of the model’s flexibility and potential as possible. A portfolio does not contain every single image ever taken of the model; the model must choose which of their photos are portfolio-worthy.
If a model wishes to be a certaintype of modeland work in a specific field, their portfolio will cater to this; for example, a model who wishes to work in the beauty industry may include more images of their face willmakeupon.
Do I Really Need aModel Portfolioif I Want to Model?
Allprofessional modelswho are signed to an agency will have a portfolio. A portfolio is particularly important for aspiring models; not only will it help them look professional, but it will also help them to get work.
A model will be asked to bring photos with her to castings and agency interviews. A portfolio is a professional and high-quality way of showcasing a model’s best work.
A portfolio will be taken with the model to each agency meetings and client casting they attend. Having a good portfolio is imperative to help a model stand out from the competition and to show why they are the best model for the job.
How Much Does aModel PortfolioCost?
A model’s portfolio varies in cost depending on who makes it, the quality of the images, the model’s experience, how professional it is, and what the model actually needs.
Some aspiring models may put their own portfolio together by purchasing a folder and filling it themselves with images they print off at home. While this can save money, this will likely decrease their opportunities as model’s with more professional portfolios will be more noticeable and taken more seriously.
An aspiring model with no experience may wish to book their ownphoto shootin order to get some high-quality images for their portfolio. Aphotoshootshould be planned well in advance; make-up, hair andoutfits, as well as the shoot’s location, should all be pre-thought about.
A model may wish to pay a company to print images they already have to ensure they are high-quality.
Some models may choose to pay a company to create their entire folder from scratch with images they already have. This looks good but can be pricey and it’s important to remember that portfolios constantly need updating.
Cost depends entirely on what the model needs. It can vary from £50 to £2000+.
What is aModel PortfolioInvestment?
Amodel portfolioinvestment is when an aspiring model “invests” in their portfolio by spending a lot of money on it when first starting out in order to give themselves better opportunities. A model with a stand-out portfolio will be more likely to book jobs and earn money.
A serious model may wish to invest in their portfolio from the offset because the portfolio is a model’s main tool for getting jobs.
Can I UseInstagramAs MyModelling Portfolio?
If you are an aspiring model, it is a great idea to havesocial mediaplatformslikeInstagramto showcase your images. However,Instagramis not a replacement for a professional portfolio.
You may not be able to feature certain images on yoursocial mediaaccount either due to rules & regulations or due to copyright.
While it is a really great way to gain fans and boost your exposure, it can’t be considered a replacement for a proper portfolio.
Where Can You Buy aModel PortfolioBook?
A model can purchase a portfolio from many different places. However, it depends on what they want.
If a model needs photos to include in their portfolio, they will need an all-in-one solution. It is best to choose a professionalphotography studio who specialises in modelling as they will have more experience in a model’s specific field and will be able to supply the photos for an additional cost.
Those who wish to print off images they already have just need to visit a high-quality print shop.
Or a model can choose to pay a portfolio creator to make their portfolio for them with images built into the physical folder.
How Big is aModel Portfolio?
A model’s portfolio should contain around 10 – 20 images. These should all be the same size, but the size usually depends on where you live/work. A4 is common, but they can come in slightly smaller or larger sizes.
How to Make aModel Portfolio
- Include your statistics. Your statistics include your modelling measurements such as your height, shoe size and waist size.
- Choose yourbest shots; lacklustre photos should not be in a portfolio.
- Update yourportfolio imagesregularly.
- Try to includefull-body shotsas well as face/beautyshots.
- Think about the layout. Your portfolio should make viewers want to keep turning the pages.
- Ensure images are high-quality and printed professionally.
- Make sure your photos are all the same size and fit into the portfolio.
Remember – you can have the bestprofessional model portfolioin the world, but you’ll likely still be rejected from certain jobs.Rejectionsare part of the job so don’t become despondent; work hard to ensure your portfolio is the best it can be to increase your chances of success.
