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Modelling 101: Tips for Dealing With an Inexperienced Model

Whenever I organise a shoot, I try to find models who know what they are doing. That said, you will always come across someone who you would love to strut their stuff for you, but isn't quite sure how to. I like to give my models a 'Modelling 101' before I get started. Not only does this give them some ideas of what to do, it also relaxes them a little as they are no longer diving into doing something they know nothing about!

1. Be Confident

Any photographer will tell you that, as a model, confidence is the key. Nothing stands out in a photo more than a model who is shy or uncomfortable. Getting a model to be confident is one of the hardest things to do, as it's generally an internal issue rather than something objective (such as holding your body a particular way).

In any shoot I take up to 2000 photos, sometimes more. After processing them, I come out with maybe 100-150 high-quality, usable photos. An awkward or unexperienced model will always try (and fail) to make every shot perfect. Let them know that any bad shots will without doubt be censored, so there is no reason to be worried about that.

Nothing throws a model off more than having an unwanted audience. Shooting in a quiet location is also another easy way to get your model more comfortable, as it will be just you, and him/her. If you're already good friends, that's another plus.

It can also help to have one of their friends there with them! I always let my models know they can invite a close/arty friend to help out with the shoot. That way, they are more comfortable and you get an assistant!

Finally, don't get lost in the camera. Despite the results, your model is still a human. You are not photographing an object, and they need attention and feedback! Tell them how wonderful they are, or take a break every 20 minutes to sit down and run through the best shots. This not only boosts their confidence by seeing good photos of themselves, but also allows time to think of more poses or work out new compositions.

2. How to Hold Their Body

The beautiful thing about the human body is that it gives us so many different ways to show beauty via different positions, angles and poses. There are, however, some surefire ways to ensure that the shots you do get exemplify this, rather than disadvantage them.

Crossed legs is one of the oldest tricks in the book. There is no doubt that having spread can give a feeling of power, however most times it can just make the model look fat (especially if you're working with the more curvy body types!). Whilst a model is walking around a location or set, ask them to try to place one foot in front of the other whilst walking. Let them get the hang of it before you start taking some serious shots, so that you've got the slim look and they appear natural whilst doing so.

Another old but effective trick of modelling is to try to keep their hands occupied at all times, or at least giving the arms some shape! If you want to shoot without any props, ask your model to bend their arms instead of keeping them straight- these kind of shots come out static and plain.

Taking props to a shoot is one of the best ways to ensure both variety and aesthetics. If your model is playing with an object, it opens up a whole new range of candid shots- most of which will be quite satisfying! Take for example you're at a green, overgrown location with a stream. Imagine your model bending down looking into the water. Now imagine the model looking into the water, leaning over holding a nearby branch, or placing leaves in the water. Suddenly an action is involved, and the shot has more character!

If the model is a lovely lady, ask them to twist or bend their abdomen- this disrupts the boring flow of a straight line down the body and can also give you some very sexy shots. If a male, get them in positions that flex muscles in natural but effective ways. as well as that, make sure they always place their weight to one side whilst posing!

3. It's All in the Face

Facial expression is one of the biggest influences to the mood of a photograph. The most subtle differences can make your model appear angry or happy. Unexperienced models will smile with every shot, and I hope that this would be something you pick up early on in the shoot!

A frown will, without fail make the shot inquisitive, just as a giant smile with make it a happy shot! Variety is extremely important, especially if you're taking photos for a studio (who will look for variety as well as beauty!). Sporting the same facial in each shot can get very boring, and there are much smarter ways to carry a theme throughout a series of photos.

Mix it up a little. Being over the top can produce rich results, but can also lead to fake-looking photos. Subtle differences bring out the individuality in each face, so exploit them! Get your model to show the camera why their face is unique and special.

The model's line of sight can dramatically change the mood of the photo, and the audience interaction with the photo. A model looking right into the camera pulls us in and talks to us, while anywhere else we're observing. This ties in with facial expression as, if a model is smiling at an object, he/she is going to come across as content with it.

Any emotion on a face will be directed where the model is looking. Use this to your advantage - a smile at a toy will make a child seem happy, whilst a pained expression at the camera makes us sympathise. It's all up to what you want to convey.

4. Trust the Photographer!

Lastly, tell them to trust you. You are the one seeing the frame through the camera, not them. They need to know that what you're shooting is producing good results, and if you ask them to move in a way they might find ugly, tell them that from your point of view it looks beautiful.

Ultimately the photo will come from where you are, not where your model is. You might see a curve that they can't, so you need to let them know what looks good!

Those are the top 4 tips I always offer my models before starting a shoot. Of course, it always helps to get to know a model a little before hand so they are more comfortable strutting your stuff.

Never forget to compliment your model, smile at them and tell them when you get a beautiful shot!

7 Posing Techniques for Non-Models

Not everyone works with models. A lot of photographers have the job of shooting with everyday people and we need to make them look like models. So how do you do that when the subjects have no experience posing or controlling their face for the camera? Here are seven tips to make your portrait subjects feel like models.

1. Pose the Hair

We don't generally think of hair as a part of the body we can control, but you really can! If you are shooting a subject with long hair, then bad hair is going to be the first thing anyone notices about your photo. There are no rules as to what looks "best" across the board. Everyone will look different with their hair a different way.

Let's assume you're doing a basic portrait session without makeup artists and hair stylists. The first thing to remember is that hair sitting on the shoulders looks terrible. If the hair sits on their shoulders, then it looks wild and you need to do something with it. There are five different things that they can do with their hair.

1. Hair all behind the shoulders.
2. Hair all in front of the shoulders
3. Hair all on one side.
4. Hair all on the other side.
5. Hair up.

Hair on the shoulders (#1) should be avoided at all costs. All of the other hair positions have their place depending on your model and the look you are trying to achieve. The reason I shot the hair on both sides (#4 and #5) is because the natural part in a person's hair will lend to one side looking better than the other.

Generally you want their part facing the camera so more of their face is included. For this tutorial, I chose hair up (#6) so we can more easily see the posing instructions without distraction. Many women see ponytails as the "day-off" hair style, but it actually lends itself very nicely in portraits and headshots since you have clean view of their face.

2. Pull the Chin (or Ears) Forward

When someone stands in their normal relaxed stand, or even stands up straight to have nice posture, there is a little bit of flab right underneath their chin. No matter how skinny they are, you will see this. If you tell people to bring their chin forward, which sounds like the sensible thing to do, they will point their chin at you, which brings their face up and ends with you shooting up their nostrils. (Not attractive.) Instead, tell your model to bring their ears forward.

Same technique from a male subject. He was very fit and athletic, but our natural stance is not very photogenic.

3. Lift the Arm

When people stand naturally, another thing they do is stand with their arms flat at their sides. This causes several problems. First, it makes them look awkward and uncomfortable in the photo. Secondly, their arm presses against their torso. This squishes the arm out and makes it look larger than it actually is.

You can correct that by having them just lift their arm an inch or two so it is "floating" and not pressed against them. Alternatively, you can pose their hand so the arm is in a different position, such as putting their hand on the hip. In the image above, the red line is the size of the arm when standing unposed. The exact same red line was moved over to the second photo so you can see how much smaller the arm becomes when not pressed against the body.

4. Leave Visual Space by the Waist

Everyone loves looking thin. One of the things you can do to trim down your subject is by giving them their "natural" waist, without any additives. What I mean by that is visually isolating the skinny part of the torso so they look as thin as they are. I had my model put her hands on her hips. The first photo shows no further posing. The arm in the back has no space between it and the torso, so it visually extends her mid-section. By having her pull the arm a little forward, you can see the space, so the waist doesn't have anything adding visual bulk.

The red line shows the visual width of the subject from the first photo. It is replicated in the second photo to show how much width the arm actually adds. This rule does not just apply to arms. Anything that will be in the background of your subject and make them look larger can be an offender. A few examples are other people, tree trunks, or light poles.

5. Turn the Shoulders

This is a very simple tip, but important. If your subject stares at the camera head-on, they look bigger. This can be good when shooting a football player or CEO of a big company, but it is bad when shooting beauty or portraits. By having your subject turn, they are showing a slimmer profile of themselves to the camera, and look slimmer.

The red line shows the full width of the model when standing straight forward. A small turn to the side gives a photo that is still the subject facing the camera, but in a slimmer profile.

6. Don't Show the Whites of the Eyes

When you want a far off, dreamy look and choose to have your subject look off camera, do not tell them to "look over there." Give them an object behind you to focus on so you can control their eyeline.

The first photo, I told the model to look out the door next to us. You can see the majority of the white of her eye, which is a bad thing. You want to see the iris, the colored part. I had her look out the window next to the door. That small change in eyeline brings back her eyes, gets rid of the white part, and gives a more attractive portrait.

Bringing it All Together

Here's a checklist you can follow for your next shoot.

• Hair is behind one shoulder, in front of the other
• Chin is forward to create a strong jawline
• Arm is lifted from the torso
• Waist doesn't have any visual extenders
• Shoulders are turned
• Iris is seen over the whites
• Nose doesn't break the line of the face

What have you done to make everyday people feel like models? Let me know what you were able to do with these tips and share your own in the comments.

Can I Be a Model?

New models often ask themselves whether they have what it takes to become a model

You are likely to hear that to be a model you need to be beautiful, tall and slender with perfect proportions. Now this is certainly true for high fashion models, where designers want one type of model that they feel shows off their designs in the best way.

However, if you do not fit this criteria, don’t despair as there are many other areas that you can work in successfully and lucratively as a model. The modeling industry needs all different shapes and sizes. It ranges from the models who are required for the runways of Paris and Milan to those being seen in the background of TV commercials. You need to find the right fit for you and your place in the industry. To help you with this we have listed the different types of modeling work that’s available and the criteria for each, and as with most things in life there are always exceptions

High Fashion

When you see the incredibly tall and lean figures that grace the runways and editorials for the leading fashion houses and designers, these are the High Fashion models. They are generally required to be between 172cm to 180cm (5”8 to 5”11), with a dress size of 4-6 US (6-8 UK), with a typical bust size of 34. The age range can be from 14 to 25. For guys the age range is more flexible and they can start from the age of 16 until their late 40’s. They need to be between 180cm to 188cm (5”11 to 6”2), with an excellent physique and a chest size of 94cm to 106cm (37” to 42”) and 76cm to 81cm (30” to 32”) waist. Guys tend to have longer careers if they look after themselves.

Editorial Print

This is modeling for magazine editorials and covers such as Vogue, Elle etc. The standard requirements for these models are similar to those in High Fashion and you must be very photogenic Quite often the same models will work in both Editorial Print and High Fashion. These editorials provide great exposure for models even though the fees earned are sometimes relatively low. This is normal and it can take a few years to gain the experience needed to get the bigger paying jobs.

Commercial Print

A huge market that encompasses every kind of print advertising. This can range from advertising in magazines to products on supermarket shelves to billboards. The benefit of working in Commercial Print as a model is that the target audience of the advertisers varies considerably. Naturally the brands want to attract and represent the people that will buy their products, so there are many opportunities here if you are not the High Fashion type.

Catalogue Modeling

Companies create catalogues (print or online) to sell their latest clothing lines or various others products, and it’s the models job to make them look good. Here you will find many great opportunities for different model types, as the model is chosen to represent the target audience of the different companies. With the increasing number of websites that require models to promote their goods online, this is very lucrative for many models.

Plus Size Modeling

Modeling for the larger body type, this type of modeling is on the increase and a relatively new phenomenon. If you’re confident, with great attributes and you are between the sizes of 12-16 US (14-18 UK) then this could be for you. More and more advertisers are using Plus Size Models to promote their products in a bid to appeal to a broader demographic. As a Plus Size model you will still need to have great skin, teeth and hair and have that something special about you. For High Fashion Plus Sized Models the height requirements remain at a minimum of 172cm (5”8). (Plus Size Models below - 

Glamour Modeling

Is modeling that emphasises a models sexuality. Glamour Modeling can range from lingerie and swimwear shoots, to artistic and nude photography to men’s magazines. You will need to be beautiful, sexy and confident, with an extremely outgoing personality. Height restrictions tend not to apply, which is the great attraction to many models. If you are considering this area of modeling, take care as there are many dishonest people that take advantage of young models who are eager to get into modeling. If you are interested in Glamour Modeling it’s advisable to have a reputable agency looking out for your best interests.

Body Parts Models

An area not usually thought about for newcomers, but it is a very relevant sector of the industry. The most common body parts tend to be hair, eyes, lips, hands, legs and feet, which are used to promote many products in print and TV. You will need to have exceptionally well proportioned body parts and know how to look after them. This is definitely an area within modeling that’s worth considering as it can prove to be surprisingly profitable.

TV Commercials

Modeling in TV commercials does not have any overall criteria for height, size and age, as each commercial requires someone different and specific to that job. It is usually necessary to have some acting ability, but this can be natural ability or learned. There are many different types of TV commercials, ranging from the highly stylised photographic, to the performance led reality style. The great advantage in TV commercials for a model is that brands are continuously seeking models, which the general public can easily identify with. This opens up the doors to almost everyone, who feels that they have what it takes to work in this sector. Typically those represented by a model or actors agency have a better chance of appearing in TV commercials.

Real Life Models (People Models) and TV/Film Extras

If you like the idea of modeling, but do not fit into the above categories, then this could be for you. Real life models are used in advertising or corporate campaigns, when companies are looking to represent the everyday person. As a TV/Film Extra you will generally be non-featured (no speaking parts) and in the background of a scene. This can be fun and interesting to be part of, but it can also be long hours with lots of waiting around. The benefits are that if you are flexible with your days, it can be a good way to supplement your income.

10 Tips for Making Your Modelling Portfolio

The portfolio is a model’s resume for a job. It is the most crucial representative piece of information in the form of pictures and vital details that a model needs to have. It is these sets of shots that clients see before they actually meet a model in person and decide on a project fit. Hence, the pictures must not only showcase your physical attributes, but also provide a great insight into your personality to help maximise the client’s interest from the initial stage itself.

A portfolio once shot circulates in the industry for a minimum of six months to a year. So put your best foot forward with these tips:

Best shape / physique: You must be in your best form physically to get the best pictures. So the decision to get a portfolio shot must be preceded by at least 3 months (or more depending on your body state) of strenuous toning-up of the body.

Skin, hair, dental treatments: To look fresh and rejuvenated, take care of any shortcomings well before the shoot. Go for regular facials, body scrubs, hair cut /colouring / conditioning treatments, dental cleaning / aligning / whitening (if required) and so on. 

Photographer selection: A model needs to communicate with the camera, and that only becomes possible if there's a sense of knowing and an understanding with the photographer. So, before deciding on a photographer simply based on their past work or fees, you must also meet the photographer(s) in person. And do remember to take reference shots (the way the portfolio will be shot). Talk to them about the number of looks and changes that will be shot, and about post production and cleaning of shortlisted pictures. Only then should you take your final call.

Hair and makeup artist: Research well to know the current crop of talent available in your budget and aligned to your requirements for the shoot. Once finalised, the reference shots must be shared for them to prepare for the shoot well in advance like hair extensions, special makeup, colour palettes and so on. This will avoid last-minute panic during the shoot!

Stylist: What you wear in the portfolio helps accentuate your personality and the pictures. So based on the reference shots, the stylist needs to start aligning options and do fittings in advance to ensure desired results. At times, the stylist may advise you against a look that you want, based on your body type, skin colour or other factors. Do consider their suggestion – after all, you hired them for this expertise! (What kind of jeans will suit your body best?

Outdoor versus indoor: It is always good to have a combination of outdoor and indoor shots. It provides a visual relief from monotony and helps add character to the picture and look. Based on the shot break-up, the photographer, stylist and you can decide on locations and time bands (early morning light, setting sun and so on

5 tips for beginner models

So, you want to be a model? I’m going to start by saying I’m not a model. However, as a photographer, I’ve worked with lots of them. I specialize in shooting portfolios for beginner models. Some of the models I’ve helped to get started have taken off into phenomenal careers that have them jet-setting all around the world. I’ve also seen some disappear into anonymity. I’ve been around long enough to put the pieces together, and have a sense of what it takes to succeed in the industry. It didn’t take me long to see that having a beautiful face and body is not enough to make a model’s career take off. As you might expect, there’s more to it than that. Here’s my no-punches-pulled advice for anyone who wants to be a model.

1. Be professional and reliable.

It should go without saying, but sadly, a lot of people don’t really get it. Modeling is a business, so you have to treat it that way. If you’re booked for a shoot, show up on time. Don’t call at the last minute and say your car broke down and you can’t make it. Do everything you can to be the most professional and organized person on the shoot. Follow up on phone calls and confirm your appointments. Arrive five minutes early for your meetings. A model who develops a reputation for being flaky won’t last long, but a model who is professional and committed to the job will turn everyone’s head! If you’re working freelance, your clients will recommend you to their associates, or hire you again themselves. If you’re represented by an agency, word will get back to your agent, who will be more likely to recommend you for other jobs if you’ve gotten good feedback.

When you’re just getting started, hire the best photographer you can find to shoot your portfolio. A good portfolio is a solid investment. If you are serious about modeling, you’ll make that money back quickly in bookings. If you’re trying to get by with snapshots and poor quality photos, you’ll have a much harder time booking work.

2. Learn about clothing.

Unless you’re going to specialize in nude modeling, you’re going to have to know about clothes! Learn what looks best on you. Learn what cuts of clothing are the most flattering on your body. If there are certain types of clothing that don’t look good on you, then know about that too. Even better, find ways to wear that unflattering clothing so it fits you better. Figure out which labels and brands suit you best. Know your sizes and always be honest about them. Lying to wardrobe people about your measurements means extra embarrassment later when you’re popping buttons on your jeans! Keep an eye on fashion magazines so you can follow trends and keep your wardrobe current. The added bonus of flipping through fashion magazines is that you get to be inspired by the world’s top models at work!

3. Know your job.

A lot of people get into modeling because they think that they’re good looking. Beyond that, they don’t think much about the job. It takes much more than being gorgeous to be a model. It takes a real understanding of what a model’s job is. At least in the commercial world, a model’s job is to sell a product. Whether it’s jeans, perfume, jewelery, cars, cell phones, pencils, or whatever,  a model is only there because they are promoting the product. When you’re doing commercial modeling work, you should not be thinking, “How can I look better?” Rather, you should be thinking, “How can I make this product look better?” Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and make suggestions about poses and angles.

Learn as much as you can about modeling and the industry. Read and watch interviews with models and photographers in the media. Talk to other models. Join modeling communities online. Take classes. Learn new skills that apply to your job. One of the most important skills model should learn in order to do their job better is how to convey emotion and attitude through pose and facial expression. The best models are able match the mood or feeling of the image the team is trying to create. This takes some practice, but if a model can master it, it becomes a very powerful tool.

Great models understand that they’re just one part of the team. Every person on that team–including hair dresser, makeup artist, photographer, art directors–is there for the same purpose too: to sell the product. Models who realize that they’re no more or less important than anyone else on that team end up being the most successful.

4. Take care of your body.

Realize that your body is your product. I said before that looking good is not a model’s entire job, but it certainly is a big part of it! As a model, you have to take better care of yourself than the average person. Learn everything you can about nutrition. I’m not saying you should starve yourself into anorexia,  or that you should be perfect. I mean, what is “perfect” anyway? It’s a crazy ideal that no one can match. But you do need to have some discipline about your lifestyle. You’ll need to eat healthy and nutritious food to keep yourself looking and feeling your best. Exercise regularly to stay fit and toned so your body matches the image of the type of modeling work you want to do. Care for your hair with quality products that don’t damage it. Your hairdresser can help you with this.

Your health and well-being extend beyond those obvious points about nutrition and exercise too. It’s also important to get enough sleep and to try to reduce stress in your life. If you take care of those things, it’ll make it easier for you to follow through on the next tip…

5. Have fun!

Modeling should be fun, and if it’s not, you’re probably not doing it right! I know a lot of the stuff I said above might seem a bit heavy, but it’s actually not. When you’ve taken care of the business side of modeling, and you are comfortable with your position in the job, it’s actually pretty easy to relax and have a good time in front of the camera. It’s really obvious when someone is comfortable in front of the camera, and that’s when a model can really shine. Enjoy your job! It’s a dream to be a model, and if it’s not your dream, then you’re probably in the wrong line of work!

Anyway, those are my tips. Based on my experience, that’s pretty good advice. If you’re still interested in being a model after reading all of that, then congratulations! You’re already off to a great start. If you don’t have one already, your next step would be to get your portfolio started. I can certainly help you with that. 

15 Tips for a GREAT Modeling Portfolio

Shooting your modeling portfolio is the most important thing that you will do as a model.  Hopefully you make it to the cover of a major magazine some day, but without an amazing modeling portfolio your career will never get off the ground. PLEASE don’t make the mistake of rushing ahead and getting a bunch of really cool and creative photographs of yourself.  That is NOT what makes a great modeling portfolio.

Here are 15 common questions and my advice for how you can create a killer modeling portfolio:  

 1. What is the most important thing I should consider before I start my portfolio?

 Your first consideration is to be realistic about the kind of modeling are going to do. If you are petite, you will not be a fashion model, so don’t shoot pictures that make you look like one. Unfortunately, you don’t get to pick the jobs you will do.  The industry picks you and the clients will decide if you are right for any given type of modeling.  Be sure to do your research and be honest with yourself about where you fit.  Being realistic from the very beginning will insure that you don’t waste time and money and will hopefully limit the chances for rejection. 

2. Do I need to work with more than one photographer?

 In a perfect scenario – YES!  In reality – NO!  Modeling agencies tend to encourage new models to work with multiple photographers to build their portfolios so that the book contains a variety of looks and also so that the model gains the experience of working with different photographers’ personalities and working styles. Of course this can become extremely expensive for someone who is just starting out.  As long as you choose a photographer that understands the need for variety and different looks, you can build a very effective portfolio working with just one person. Be sure that your portfolio contains a selection of pictures that show you at your best, show your range of emotions and your ability to portray different characters.

3. How do I pick the right photographer? 

Start your search at Google and look for “commercial advertising photographers” in your area or the closest major city.  These are the photographers who shoot the pictures for advertisements.  The same advertisements that you want to be in.  They understand how to create photos of you that look like they should be in ads

4. Should I use a modeling agencies photographer?

NO WAY!  NEVER!  If a modeling agency is asking you to shoot your portfolio with their photographer, they are probably just interested in your money.  If you do some research, you will probably find out that their “photographer” is not a full-time professional and is probably being paid an hourly fee to take your photos.  In other words, the pictures suck and the modeling agency will make a ton of money from your photo shoot.  This is a very legal, but morally inappropriate modeling scam that some agencies take part in. The only time you should consider an agencies photographer is if you have asked the modeling agency for recommendations and they give you the names and contact information of a few good photographers in your area.  As long as they have not told you to use a specific one and they are not asking you to pay them to set-up the photo shoot, it is probably an honest list of recommended photographers. Bottom line – do your own research.  Do NOT contact a modeling agency before you have your portfolio, otherwise you simply risk making a bad first impression and showing yourself as a potential sucker to the agencies that are willing to take advantage of you.

5. Can I have a friend that is good with a good camera take my pictures? 

This is a bad idea on so many levels? That friend who is good with a camera is not a professional, so why would you risk your career to someone who really doesn’t know what they are doing.  A great portfolio is not just a bout good quality photographs, it is about the right photographs that show the right things to market you. Another reason this is a bad idea is that someone who knows you on a personal level or even intimate level will just add to your nerves and make it more difficult for you to perform in front of the camera. If you are reading this and thinking that it would be easier for you if you could shoot with a friend because you would feel more comfortable… that means you are potentially a horrible candidate to model professionally.  When you get hired for a job, you don’t get to take your own photographer with you.

6. Do I really need a makeup artist?

 YES!  Shooting without a makeup artist, when you are taking the most important photos of your career is simply called career suicide!

7. What kind of clothing should I wear? 

Simple and basic.  The photographs are trying to sell your ability to model – NOT the clothing you are wearing.  The clothing is a costume that helps to make the various characters convincing. You should stick with solid colors.  Prints, patterns and florals are a horrible idea as they will take attention away from you. Make sure the clothing fits properly and is flattering to your body. Don’t take my word for this – pay attention to what you see models wearing in advertisements.  The majority of the clothing is solid colors. Even if you are tall enough to be a fashion model, when you do your fashion shots – keep it simple, remember that the shots are selling you and your ability, not the designer clothing.

8. What kinds of pictures do I need in my modeling portfolio? 

Your portfolio needs a variety of shots, including headshots and full length photos, as well as three quarter length and full length images.  You should have a good balance of shots done in the studio as well as shots done on location in natural lighting. A strong headshot is crucial.  You also need a good full-length body shot in your book.  This can be a tasteful swimsuit or lingerie shot done in a non-provocative way.  If you prefer to not model swimwear or lingerie, your body shot could be a well fitted pair of jeans and a tank top.  The term “Body shot” doesn’t mean SKIN – it means a shot to show your figure – in other words, how you are built. Remember to include shots that show you are the characters that you will be hired to model as.  (Business, Medical, College Coed, etc.) Don’t forget different expressions in every photo and LOTS of variations with your hair.

9. Should I include any photos with no makeup? 

Yes. Before the invention of digital cameras, these were called Polaroids.  You should have a digital polaroid of your face and also a full length body shot. Just because they are no makeup – that doesn’t mean you should look like crap! Make sure the lighting is soft and flattering.  Light from a north facing window is awesome for this purpose.  Do not retouch these photos.  Make sure the backgrounds are simple and whatever you do – do not make them look like a Facebook selfie!

10. How many photos do I need in my modeling portfolio? 

Between 6 to 20 photos is appropriate for a modeling portfolio.  NEVER more than 20. If you are a brand new model just starting out, I would encourage you to work with somewhere between 6 to 10 photographs.  Less is better – regardless of the amount of experience you have. If you have modeled before and you have tearsheets, only include them in your book if they make you look amazing.  Don’t include them just to brag about work you have done.  That’s what a resume is for.

11. How large should the photos be?

 Modeling portfolios range between 8×10, 8.5×11, 9×12 and 11×14 inches depending on the market where you intend to work.  In markets like New York and Los Angeles, the 9×12 and 11×14 inch books are most popular.  In most other markets like Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas and Chicago, 8.5” x 11” books are the most common. Please do not think that larger photos are more impressive and will get you more work.  Larger photos just make your flaws bigger.  You do not want to stand out for the size of your book.  You want to stand out for what is in the book.

How to Build a Modeling Portfolio

Launching a modeling career is tricky enough, but you'll make it even harder if you don't have a portfolio. The good news is that they're easy to put together, and a good modeling portfolio can make the difference between getting that coveted modeling job and losing it. The bad news is that if you mess it up, it'll certainly cost you jobs, and may even ruin your career before you even get started



Laying the Groundwork


Determine your model type. There are many different types of modeling,^[1] some with very specific requirements in terms of physical appearance and skill level. While it’s true that the most common types of modeling do require tall, thin people, there are other types of modeling where the preferred body style is more flexible.

• Live modeling is one example where personality is more important than an exact body type or look. Live models represent companies at trade shows, shopping malls, and other venues to promote a particular product or brand. Since live modeling requires interacting with many people, it’s important that the model is outgoing and has a sunny disposition.
• Fashion modeling is the most common type of modeling that people know about. To be a successful fashion model requires a certain height. In the larger markets, such as India , the minimum acceptable height is 5’10”, while in the smaller markets the minimum is 5’8”. Fashion models must also be quite thin. In terms of looks, a wider range is acceptable, from conventionally beautiful to striking.
• Commercial print modeling is a catch-all for models who appear in advertisements in magazines and newspapers. It can range from swimsuit modeling to portraying a specific role, such as businessperson, doctor, or representative of a particular demographic. Appearance requirements vary with the type of job. For instance, swimsuit models need to be curvy, yet show good muscle-tone, while representatives of a particular demographic simply need to be attractive examples of that demographic.
• Body part modeling showcases a particular body part, such hair, legs, or hands. If you have lustrous hair, graceful hands, or legs that go on forever, consider this modeling type.

Hire a professional photographer. Call some local modelling agencies and find out who they use. Photographers who work in the industry will have experience with models. They will likely also know what agencies generally look for in portfolio pictures and are able to advise you accordingly.

Hire a professional make-up artist. If you are lucky, the photographer will sort this out for you, but remember to ask if the cost of the make-up artist is included in the fee, or if you have to pay extra. If the photographer isn't providing one, ask the local modelling agencies to recommend one. As with the photographer, make-up artists in the business will know what’s expected.

Practice posing. Look through magazines to find poses that inspire you. Don’t be afraid to alter them a little to make them your own. Practice them in front of a mirror and change the angle from time to time. Ask a family member or friend to critique your poses as you practice.

Pick out your clothing for the shoot. It’s important to realize that the purpose of your portfolio is to sell you.^[2] Eliminate anything that distracts from that purpose. To that end, keep your clothing choices simple. Choose solid colors and stay away from prints and patterns. Opt for clothing that you know fits you well: avoid anything that’s too tight or loose. Your portfolio is also not the place for “fashion-forward” outfits.

• You will need several outfit choices since you don't want to have pictures of you in only one or two.
• If you intend on going into commercial print modeling, it's a good idea to bring a swimsuit, too.

Prepare to demonstrate versatility. Having a number of looks suited to the type of modeling for which you are suited is essential. If the photographer is good, he or she will know what types of pictures and looks you will need.

• Headshots^[3] are images where the model's face is depicted clearly. Usually coming in 8x10 sizing, the picture is typically of the model's head and upper torso, taken at close range. It's important that the headshot focus on the face. They are also usually taken with minimal make-up, so that the model's facial structure and skin tone are evident. Every model needs one in his or her portfolio.
• Beauty shots,^[4] on the other hand, are artistic images, that like the headshot, are of the model's head and upper body. However, unlike headshots, the model is made-up and may be posed dramatically. If you want to work as a commercial print model, this photograph is a must for you.
• Fashion shots^[5] are exactly what they sound like: photographs of the model wearing different outfits, with the focus being on the clothing. Even the model's make-up complements the outfit. These images are for fashion models.
• Swimsuit shots showcase the model's body. This is another photo that you'll need for commercial print modeling.
• Another photo that's important if you want to go into commercial print modeling is the editorial shot.^[6] Centered around a story, here's is where you'll be playing a character in a particular narrative.
• Make sure you have your outfits ready at least five days before the day of the shoot.

Maintain your looks. Looking your best at your photo shoot is crucial to your success as a model. Accordingly, perform any routine maintenance on yourself as you need before the big day. For example, have a hair-cut or get a manicure.

• The day before the shoot, make sure you get a good night's sleep and stay away from alcohol.

Visiting the Photographer’s Studio & Other Info In Next Blog ........Keep Liking & Keep Sharing