Everything you need to know about portfolios:
Why a modelling portfolio is necessary to break into modelling
Ever dreamed about becoming a professional model? Well the first step is to have a highly professional modelling portfolio.
For some people this is all they have ever wanted. While for others it is something that has never been considered as many people think modelling is an ‘easy career’.
This however is certainly not the case. A whole lot of work and preparation goes into learning perfect techniques and having a quality modelling portfolio created.
Without a substantial portfolio, finding work would be extremely hard. You will most likely have a very little chance receiving decent paid jobs.
What is a modelling portfolio?
A modelling portfolio is your CV in the modelling world.
It allows clients and agencies to see the variety of styles from yourself. You also want to show your talent and previous professional work.
A portfolio is essential for all models.
Even the likes of Kate Moss and Tyra Banks have a portfolio!
You need to make sure that your portfolio consists of some of the very best work you have done. Make sure to include different shoots in your portfolio, to again, show your diversity.
You may be able to apply to modelling agencies without professional photos. However to apply for castings and your own freelancing jobs, having professional photos will be essential.
From these photos you will find yourself chosen for more opportunities rather than someone who has a ‘self-made’ portfolio.
You could be perfect for some jobs so make sure you give yourself the best chance in getting them!
How much will it cost to get a portfolio created?
Prices can range anywhere from £75 to £1000+ but should include between 10 and 25 photos.
This means that you are going to have a more diverse portfolio, including different angles and styles.
The fastest and easiest way to create a portfolio is to pay one photographer to do it all for you.
Assuming the photographer is a professional, they will be able to give you the best advice on how to smile and pose.
You will learn how to utilise your clothing to show off your best qualities.
They will be able to share techniques with you so you can have the a wider range of knowledge of how to work the camera. Most photographers will also offer help in after-shoot photo touch-ups.
This doesn’t mean they are going to alter your photos in a way. The again changes your look may be required to make photos even more professional.
Another option to create a portfolio is to organise something with a photographer called ‘Time For Print’ or TFP.
This means that no money is needed to complete the shoot. It simply allows the photographer to take photos of you for free.
In exchange they are able to use your pictures in their own portfolio. If you are lucky they will then share some of the better photos of yourself with you, meaning you can now add them to your modelling portfolio too. Meaning that essentially you have paid the photographer with your time instead of money.
Why are the types of portfolio’s?
So, there are two types of portfolios, digital and printed.
When attending castings or meetings with agencies it is always best to have both available. Some like to look through your photos. Others will prefer it to be sent via email, or be given on a USB stick.
If you see below they each have their own pros and cons:
Digital portfolio:
This is where your portfolio is on a disk or a USB stick.
When choosing a digital portfolio you must check that you are not only paying for the photos but also the rights that come with them because with guaranteeing this, you legally will not be able to use these photos.
Having your images on a disk or USB stick means that you will never have to fear loosing them or having them damaged as they will forever be safe.
So make sure that you have uploaded your photos to at least one computer or cloud storage service like Dropbox, who are an extremely well know service to have an account with.
Many photographers will also use Dropbox to share and distribute their images as well.
This also means that your photos can be retouched and edited whenever needed. This often happens when getting signed with agencies as they may have specific needs and standards to be kept.
Printed Portfolio:
These are the very best 10-25 images that you have from previous shoots which should all be full A4 size and airbrushed to perfection. You should take your printed portfolio to every casting or meeting that you attend so that when the interview is taking place, they are able to look through and discuss photos with you. But not only that, it will also allow them to see your experiences and strengths. Again think of this as your modelling CV.
When bringing your portfolio with you, it also shows that you are organised and that you have made an effort.
You make that you are taking your modelling career seriously which will make them see you as a professional model.
Is it necessary to create a portfolio before applying to an agency?
We briefly touched on this earlier, but if you are looking to have a successful modelling career, you should always have a portfolio, whether it is digital or printed, before applying to agencies.
If you are to attend an agency without a professional portfolio it is essentially turning up to another job without a CV and as you already know, if you was to do this an agency will most probably prioritise someone who has a portfolio over someone who technically doesn’t actually have anything to show.
Should I get a free portfolio from an agency?
This may seem like a great idea and extremely tempting at first but please do take into consideration that, in the future, it may not be worth it.
As the agency has paid for you to have a professional portfolio created this means that they would be able to take a significant cut from your earnings, because again, they gave you your portfolio for free.
Creating your own portfolio and finding your own castings and jobs will be the most financially beneficial to yourself.
You will be able to negotiate the percentages that the agency will be able to take from your job, normally it is between 15% – 22%.
Some will take advantage of newer models who might not realise.