Model Portfolio Questions

[Silvernic]

I have a friend who has asked me to shoot some shots for her modeling portfolio. Does anyone have any idea what all should be included in a modeling portfolio, such as number of headshots, full body shots, color, black and white? How much post processing should I be doing on these pictures, do I want to smooth the skin and remove every blemish and wrinkle, or do I want to present her more as she actually is??? Also, any other helpful suggestions? Thanks.

[CaptainTom]

Wow. What an inclusive question. I wish I had the answers...
I bet you will get a great number of replies to this question. I will also be "listening".

[Stephen]

I have a model portfolio shoot today and she wants these as perscribed by her agent.

Tight head shot
Full length shot
Formal wear
Good photos that shows the range of the photographer, this is the place to tryout different ideas.
Swimsuit shot
Specialty shots in lingerie (not a must though)

Hope this helps

[LoungeLizard]

It will vary depending on the type of modeling she plans on doing. Fashion...print...runway...etc.

You should include some headshots, 3/4 body, and full body. Should have some B&W (mostly the headshots) but mostly color. Several looks (clothing as well as makeup/hair) and expressions.

Unless you want to spend a LOT of time retouching - or she's really good - get a makeup/hair person. It'll be good for both of you.

Others on this forum are much more experienced at this, including Juancho (Xposure Photo) and Scott (SRWatters).

You can also check out some of the on-line portoflios available at One Model Place and One Talent Source. I couldn't consider them all "pro", but it can give you an idea.

[srwatters]

The answer is... it depends.

It depends on
- what kind of modeling they want to do (runway, beauty, catalog, film, TV)
- what are their strong points (highlight those, cover the bad ones)
- where are they working (east/west coast = B&W/Color)

I wouldn't try to fill her book with images from just one shoot. She'll need different hair, makeup, outfits, and scenery to give her a breadth of coverage for her book. My basic rule is try to get one good image from each set and I shoot about 4 sets per shoot. Doesn't seem like a lot, but it's quality not quantity that counts.

There is an Amherst Media book on Model Portfolios that I read and use as a reference. It's a little dated, but has emos good ideas for you. Check it out at Amazon.com.

[brad]

I've also heard from talent agents that they like to see the work of several different photographers in a model's portfolio.. it gives them an idea on if they can work with different photographers and different photographers have different styles and looks that will help potray the model in as many different ways as possible.

[Silvernic]

Thanks everyone, I new I'd get great answers here. Another question: should every photo be vertically oriented? Or can you slide in horizontal ones as well?

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Silvernic

Thanks everyone, I new I'd get great answers here. Another question: should every photo be vertically oriented? Or can you slide in horizontal ones as well?

Absolutely landscape photographs can have a great impact in her portfolio if composed AND displayed correctly. There is an art to arranging the images in your portfolio as well. Watch out for leading the reader into the spine of the book instead of off the page. Pair landscape images instead of mixing them with portrait on the opposing page. Your first three images had better be dynamite or the rest of them will never be seen. The middle image should show strength as well. Make the last one, another high impact image. Better to have 8 or 10 outstanding images than 18 so, so, and 10 good ones. YMMV.

[Xposure Photo]

adding a little bit more to the great answers, you also want to portray diferent looks and who the Model really is, but even though you want to show the model the best she can possibly be, do not over PS the images, I would only edit things that are not permanent such as pimples (or fix make up if needs to be) and lighting adjustments, but if you take out permanents stuff then you will be defeating the porpose of the Portfolio, unless they are putting Together a Portfolio for Creative stuff (Art, Sci-Fi, etc.) which it could be included as well, but fist she will need some plain basic simple shots with good lighting of (as mentioned) head shots, 3/4 and full lenghts, also, if she is trying for Parts Modeling then close ups on those will be needed as well (hand, feet, leggs, face, etc.

Start with Simple Natural looks (Natural does not mean with out make up, but good natural make up...make sure they use the correct fundation, etc.) then you can add a bit more colors and attitudes to the images.

Hope this helps!

[elohim4evr]

I have been asked by some people to do modeling portfolios for both children and young adults. Are there different modeling release form they need to sign besides the standard pocket modeling release?

[danchez]

kind of an old thread, but if shooting minors, parent needs to sign the release form.

[brad]

Now that's a resurrected thread... 6 years... wow.

[J Eddington]

Yes but look! Cindy is new and did research before asking! How refreshing! The answer is yes you do need different forms.

Here are some resources for you!

Photographic Model Release Forms: When You Need Them, When You Don't

Digital PhotoCorner - Model Release Forms

[elohim4evr]

Originally Posted by J Eddington

Yes but look! Cindy is new and did research before asking! How refreshing! The answer is yes you do need different forms.

Here are some resources for you!

Photographic Model Release Forms: When You Need Them, When You Don't

Digital PhotoCorner - Model Release Forms

Thank you so much J Eddington, I am so protective of my clients reputations both as individuals and models that whatever I can do to protect them I will do. Thanks again