Having
a modelling portfolio is necessary for those aspiring to work in the fashion industry. This would be a collection of photographs that showcase your capabilities as a model. Agencies and companies look through a portfolio when assessing whether you are suitable for their campaign or overall brand. Crafting a good portfolio will help you book more gigs and be taken more seriously as a model.
Here are a few things you can try to make yours look cleaner and more professional:
Get your hair and makeup done professionally
While it is important for models to be able to do their hair and makeup, getting them done by a professional will help you look your best. They will be able to find the right look to match your face, the clothes you are wearing, and the overall theme of the shoot. They will know which
cosmetic products are best for your skin type to prep your face properly and minimize the possibility of breakouts. Cerave is a great example of a hypoallergenic product that many makeup professionals love because it is a lightweight but effective moisturizer; this is usually applied to the skin before makeup products. These artists can also incorporate different levels of intricacy to your look to ensure that you will look your absolute best during your shoot.
Get professional headshots and sample shots
Since your portfolio heavily relies on your skills as a model and the quality of your pictures, hiring a talented photographer can make a world of a difference. These professionals use a wide range of
cameras and equipment to capture the best possible photographs during a shoot. Having a mirrorless DSLR like the Nikon D3500 on hand will make taking pictures easy because of its adaptability and ability to catch photos in high resolution. Photographers are also capable of editing in post-production to ensure that your pictures will come out seamless and that they will be of a high quality. Hiring an expert for your photoshoot will help bring a higher level of professionalism to your portfolio.
Have a wide variety of photos
Some people don’t know that there are different
types and kinds of modelling. Before putting together your portfolio, think about which specific one you want to focus on since this will dictate the kinds of photoshoots you'll be doing. For example, a commercial model typically works with a wide variety of products ranging from household items to even pharmaceuticals. Make sure to showcase that you are capable of this kind of modeling in your portfolio if this is the line of work you prefer. Editorial modeling, on the other hand, typically involves working with clothes and fashion so showing off how you style and wear clothes is important to putting together your portfolio. Having a wide variety of photos to truly showcase your skills is important for every aspiring model.
Print your pictures
It is important to have a physical book that you can bring with you to casting calls. Digital platforms have increased in popularity over the years since portfolios can easily be sent virtually. However, many casting directors still prefer to be able to skim through an actual lookbook before hiring models. Make sure to always bring a printed copy of your portfolio with you. It should have a minimalist design to not outshine your photos and it should also look cohesive and well put together. While a printed copy of your photos will not make or break whether or not you will be cast, it will certainly show brands and clients that you are taking the job seriously and that you are prepared for any situation.
Having a professional modeling portfolio will be the key to booking different campaigns and casting calls. By following these steps, you will be able to put together something that is high quality, cohesive, and shows the best side of your skills.
