Model Photography: Optimize Your Portfolio

Your Portfolio: A Living Document

If you’re just getting started, there are quite a few shots you should have in your portfolio.

• Beauty shot or headshot. A minimal beauty shot is the first inclusion for a fashion or editorial model, while a commercial model should start off with a professional headshot.
• Full-length body shot. This next shot allows the potential client to see what your body type and proportions are. The clothing should reflect that. Form-fitting and simple is good.
• Swimsuit shot. If you’re over sixteen years of age and comfortable with the idea, a swimsuit shot should be next—or swim trunks/boxer shorts for men.
• Editorial fashion shots. If you’re in fashion or editorial modeling, this is the next section you should concentrate on. This is where you can showcase creativity and expression.
• Commercial shots. If you’re planning on commercial modeling, this is where you can show images that show your ability to express the emotions needed for a range of print ads. It’s acting, but static.
• Smiling shot. You should have a shot of yourself smiling somewhere in the middle, so the client can see what you look like smiling and what your teeth look like.
• Save the best for last. Whatever your strongest image is, put that at the end. People remember beginnings and endings, and if your beauty shot or headshot is strong and your ending shot is strong you’re in business.

Even if you’re experienced, your portfolio is never finished—it’s a living, breathing document, the story of your career. It tells a prospective client who you are. That’s worth spending a little time, care and money on a professional photography session.