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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 Bill Stanfill 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.
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