How to Put Together a Modeling Portfolio

Put together flattering, professional photographs that demonstrate your exceptional look and style with these tips.

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.