Instructions

• Step 1: Hire photographer Spring for the price of a professional photographer. Call a modeling agency you are targeting and ask for references and contact numbers of shooters with whom they normally work.
• Step 2: Arrange makeover Have you hair and makeup done at a salon before your photo shoot.
• Step 3: Pick shots Have the photo shoot. Once you get the proofs back from the photographer, pick a variety, including full body, profile, and head shots. Vary the backgrounds and outfits to avoid giving the impression you were in one location with a limited wardrobe.
• TIP: Quality trumps quantity. Three or four representative, well-composed photographs are better than 10 times as many that aren't consistently as striking.
• Step 4: Provide many styles Vary the styles and "looks" to communicate your versatility. Model swimsuits, business attire, athletic clothes, products, and moods.
• TIP: Don't overdo the jewelry in your head shot. Don't allow anything to divert attention from you.
• Step 5: Organize photographs Put your best shots at the beginning and the end. Insert a black and white photo. Put all photos in protective photo sleeves.
• Step 6: Purchase portfolio Purchase a simple black portfolio for your photographs to be carried under the arm, or one with handles that can be zipped and carried like a thin case. Use 9-by-12 inch or 11-by-14 inch pictures, which are standard sizes for the industry.
• TIP: Update the portfolio over the years, eliminating some pictures to be current with fashion and hairdos. Get new shots as you age.
• Step 7: Include resume Attach a resume to your head shot with clips. Document any commercial acting or modeling you've done; include height, sizes, eye, and hair color; and give information about your hobbies and talents.
• FACT: Twiggy became the first supermodel in 1967 at the age of 17.

You Will Need

• Professional photographer
• Salon
• Makeup artist
• Modeling agency
• Stylish photos
• Clothing
• Protective photo sleeves
• Leather portfolio
• Resume