Milwaukee WI, US 53211
Are you looking to build a modeling portfolio to submit to modeling agencies? Are you already signed and need
to update your current portfolio? This article will go over a shot list of example photographs to add to
your portfolio.
First off, building a modeling portfolio can be a great way to show casting directors and modeling agencies
how you can pose and the experience you have had in the past It is also important to understand what type
of modeling you will be doing.
Types of modeling may include Fitness Modeling, Fashion Modeling, Commercial Modeling, Parts Model ,
, Petite Modeling, Plus-Size Modeling, Freelance Modeling or Promotional modeling
Understanding your target can be helpful for getting a portfolio together. If you don’t recognize a few
terms feel free to read a bit more about them and come back to this page! There are also basics about what
you do for a portfolio such as headshots, portraits and digitals.
Getting started with a modeling portfolio involves reaching out to photographers, modeling/talent agents or
booking agents. Some photographers may be able to help you out for others may require payment.
A Headshot generally are the photographs that only show from the top of your head to your shoulder. The main
purpose is to see details in your face and your general complexion. These images may be more serious for
Fashion modeling and more relaxed and felicitated for commercial, fitness and freelance modeling.
Headshot photographers specialize in getting these done to help with portfolios. Often you may have more
than a photographer work on the photos depending on the project.
Complex projects may bring on Hair and
Makeup Artist, Retouchers and a Stylist. Other smaller projects like digital may include simple makeup, no
retouching and the photographer.
If you are casting or signed it may be worth asking if there are opportunities to get your headshots done
with the agency. Otherwise you can go to an external photographer and get them professional done. See also
Trade for Print (TFP).
Now that we have headshots down, what exactly are portraits? Portraits are the broad term for photographs of
one’s self. Portraits can be divided into different categories. Some common terms you may hear are mid-shot,
upper-body shot, full body shot, ½ shot, ⅓ shot, waist up shot.
These portrait categories are the portions of the body that will be shown in the final images. If you are
getting an upp
er body shot you will not see your feet or any accessories. If you are getting a full body shot that means
that your whole body will be in the photograph.
The fractions included are often heard when you are
putting together a comp card. They are the same as mid-shot and ⅓ shot in proportion. ½ means half of your
body will be shown.
A headshot only shares the facial features of a portrait. A portrait could be a headshot but the previous
section shared that there are other categories of a portrait.
Sponsored Content
Digitals are the photographs that are generally set to Modeling Agencies with general blank looks to
share what you look like to a modeling agency. An example of this is a clean minimal makeup look.
They are commonly done on white walls.
A set of digitals may have 4 full body images that
display each side of your body. For example front, back, left and right. These shots should be
minimally edited if at all and with a natural look.
These digital photographs serve as a snapshot of the model's appearance and versatility, often sent to modeling agencies during the casting and booking process. Typically shot against a plain background, digitals showcase the model's face, profile, and full-body shots from various angles.
Learn More About Modeling Digitals Here
The typical measurements for modeling are in height, bust, waist, and hips.
Learn more about measuring here.
Additional resource: Marqin.fr
A composition card is for modeling. Often you will place your best 5-10 images on this sheet to bring to casting calls. This card also includes things like your age, height, body height, measurements and other significant features. Significant features meaning if there is something that would help or enlighten the casting director to cast yourself.
Some model portfolio examples can be found by Wix or Square Space . As a professional photographer I have been asked how to build a portfolio, what websites to use and I highly recommend wix.com or squarespace. Format created a website listed out models and their portfolios check it out here: Modeling Portfolio Examples
Often the best website have some dynamic element to them. This can include videos and movements are the best. Another tip for creating a modeling portfolio is making it accessible for both a laptop/computer and a smartphone. Today over 97% of people have a smartphone (Pew Research). Mobile usage dominated computer use for personal and business tasks around 67% of users in 2022 (SmartInsights)
What else should you get for building a modeling portfolio? In this first part of this
article I described different types of modeling you can possibly do. Try and base the rest
of your portfolio on one or two of those. This will give you flexibility for doing jobs when
you are just starting out.
Fitness Modeling and Swimwear Modeling portfolio photo
ideas may include showing tone in swimwear. Becoming a fitness model will require dedication
to your body and showing off in swimwear. Some examples may be trying to get in action shots
or moving photos.
Fashion modeling portfolio ideas may include editorial posing and
styling with fashion. Think of simple catwalk photos that share a certain garment of
interest.
Commercial modeling portfolio ideas may include photos of using a product
or service. A common shot to have in a portfolio is sharing your smile while using a
product. You can also share other expressions like frustration, anger, sadness or happiness.
These will help you get similar roles.
Once you have conceptualized an idea of the photos you want it might be time to set up a
photoshoot. Usually it is best to keep one concept in mind during the shoot.
Here is
a short list of what to bring to a photoshoot.
#1 - Extra Clothes/ Wardrobe
#2 - Water
and Snacks
#3 - Heels
#4 - Portfolio Book/ Comp Cards
#5 - Brushes
You can read more here for
more details.
Depending on the agency that you sign with you may have more responsibility for setting up a photoshoot. Making your portfolio should be for you and your goals. Building a portfolio will take time but will be well worth it in the end.
Learn More
Creative Blog
Portrait Packages
About
Press
FAQ
FOLLOW THE SOCIALS
