Photos for Modeling Portfolio

[Tammie]

Hello, I have been asked to shoot some modeling shots for a friend. Taking the photo's I am comfortable with. But, providing a portfolio is new to me. I have done senior portfolios before but, how do the modeling ones differ? Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

[tc95]

Tammie....this will be my opinion...

I think several different outfits...different...poses...and a few head shots...would help him/her out...if you could get an MUA (Make-Up Artist) and/or wardrobe person to help with his/her look...

The main difference...Senior Port...for them/family/friends...Modeling Port...to sell your friend...so your looking at commercial shots...ie...for print/video/runway...so make the shots comparable to those styles...find out what he/she want to focus on...do a little homework..on google..and..Model Mayhem..for poses that will flatter your client...and help them make money...

Let us know how it goes....(again, this is my opinion......)

[srwatters]

Is this person serious about modeling or are they wishing to get into it as a hobby? The answer to your question will be radically different depending on the answer. A good modeling portfolio will have one or at most two images from any one photographer. It should be a mix of work from different genres and contain many tear sheets from jobs that they have done.

If they are young enough, tall enough, and have the right look, then don't bother with a portfolio. Take some simple snap shots and get them to a real brick and mortar modeling agency. They will tell her how to build her book.

If they want to model as a hobby, shoot away. 9x12 is the preferred portfolio size. Hire a makeup artist. Get some fashionable wardrobe (this doesn't mean an A&F tee shirt).

If they want to make money being an Internet model, they will most likely have to shoot nudes, implied, and lingerie. That's a simple fact. It's a jungle out there...

[janikphoto]

A model portfolio has a bunch of images (approx 8x10 in size) and some tear sheets/clippings of actual work done (like a JPC ad with the model in it). You want to show the model's range/versatility, but focus on the type of work they are going after (in other words, a JCP spring clothing catalog job won't want to see lingerie butt shots or edgy/artsy/dirty punk rock shots).

[venchka]

Originally Posted by srwatters

(this doesn't mean an A&F tee shirt).

...

There are folks who can make a burlap sack look good.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by venchka

There are folks who can make a burlap sack look good.

If the client is a burlap sack company, it would be fine...

On a side note, I can tell you that "real" talent buyers will look at a novice model's portfolio and will very likely pass on it. Why? I heard one say that she didn't want to deal with someone who wouldn't be efficient on the set and 100% professional. They don't have time to teach a green model the ropes.

Basically, this means that your friend probably won't get much work from your shots, because neither of you really know what a talent buyer is looking for and what will be a red flag for them. My eye isn't trained enough to spot the subtle differences, and I used to assist commercial photogs at some of the biggest catalogs (NM, JCP, etc).

Not trying to be a downer, just telling the truth.

[venchka]

Folks who know what they are doing used to be able to tell from Polaroids. Not sure what they are looking at today. JPEGs I suppose.