9 ESSENTIAL modelling portfolio photos
Here is a list of the essential photos you need in your portfolio, and I'm here to help you.
The goal of a great modelling book is not to fill it up with a lot of photos. Having ten great shots is better than 30 mediocre ones.
Clean Headshot
The first photo to concentrate on in your modelling portfolio is a colour photograph of your face, generally from the shoulders up.
A head-and-shoulder picture shows you in your most natural, without heavy makeup, extensive styling—or even a smile.
Think of it like a passport photo but spirited instead of lacklustre; it should highlight your unique allure while remaining simple.
Full-Length Body Shot
The second photo in your portfolio should be a full-length body picture.
Agents and scouts look at you and your body proportions, not your clothing.
A simple pair of well-fitting jeans and a T-shirt are just fine.
Swimsuit shot
If you are over 16 years old and comfortable doing a swimsuit shot, this should be the next photograph in your book.
When doing a swimsuit shot, it is important to always think about the message you are sending.
Remember that female fashion models are selling clothes to women, not men, so female models want to be sexy but not overtly sexual.
Male models can shoot in either swim trunks or boxer shorts.
Creative Shots
Once you have nailed your headshot, full-length body, and swimsuit shot, you can have some fun.
The photos in the middle of your book can be a bit more creative.
Show the agents and clients your ability to move and express yourself in your photos.
Emotive shot
Your creative shot(s) should exhibit the wide range of emotions you can convey via photographs. Agencies like to see how well the model can tell a story or portray a feeling or emotion in their photos. Try highlighting your beauty in these shots to catch an agent's eye.
Black-and-white shot
Black-and-white photos can show clients your fashion and artistic photography capabilities. Try to capture intense emotion without teetering overboard into melodrama.
Smiling shot
If you don't have a smiling shot somewhere in the middle of your book, then be sure to add a good smiling headshot. Agents and clients want to see your smile, specifically your teeth.
Location shot
Most of your portfolio photos will come from the studio session with your photographer. However, it's helpful to have a location shot outside the studio setting to indicate your appearance in more candid images.
Closing shot
Always end with one of your strongest photos that best highlights your look.
A great beauty or headshot that differs slightly from your opening shot can work perfectly here.
Ask friends, family, and anyone you know in the industry which image they think is your strongest, and end with that.
Most people only remember your book's first and last shot, so make sure these shots are your strongest ones.
