The British Model Alliance:
Why is modelling portfolio necessary to break into the industry?
Portfolios Yes Or No? YES…for some it’s a dream to come true to become a successful model. From the outside, many people believe that modelling isn’t a very challenging job and considered an easy career. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The amount of hard work that goes into creating a portfolio and also modelling itself is substantial. The key to any models success is a portfolio and the quality has to be first class.
What is a modelling portfolio?
A portfolio is essentially a CV, therefore it’s absolutely necessary that every model has one. It should have a wide range of professional images from different angles and styles. A portfolio needs to show variety, so having 10 images in the same outfit is pointless. When applying to modelling agencies, professional photos aren’t always required but they are required to help the agency apply to castings.
How much does a portfolio cost?
The quickest way to kick start a modelling career is to book a photography studio to create a portfolio. Always research the photographers to make sure that they are professional. It’s important that the portfolio shows the models best qualities, therefore a photographer who can instruct on angles is best. Most studios will include an after shoot editing session or refer a photoshop magician.
Prices can vary but for a good photographer anywhere between £500-£1000 will get you 10-25 solid images. A portfolio can be done all at once but it can also be shot over various settings with different photographers. A lot of models use several photographers to compose a more diverse portfolio. However, the fastest way, would be to pay one photographer to do it all. Always make sure that copyright is included in the price as without, theoretically, models can’t legally use them.
Another option to build a portfolio is something called Time for Print or TFP. What this means is instead of paying for a photographer, the model pays the photographer with their time. A lot of photographers need to update their own portfolio so this is a great opportunity for models to get some professional shots for free!
What type of portfolios are there?
The two main types of portfolios are digital and printed and each come with their pros and cons. As a model both options should be available to casting agents at all times. Some clients require physical copy of a portfolio to look through, while other clients may only have time to check digitally.
Digital portfolio:
Digital portfolios are compiled on USB stick which means you will never lose the images or damage them. Always make sure to upload a copy onto a computer, iCloud or through dropbox. A lot of photographers use dropbox to share their photos, so it’s good service to have.
Printed portfolio
The printed version of a portfolio should be the best 10-20 images on full size A4. These images are what the casting agent will look through to determine a models experience and capability. Think of this as a hard copy version of a CV that people to take to an interview.
Casting agents appreciate printed portfolios because they are able to browse through the images while interviewing. It also shows that a model is dedicated to making themselves as hireable as possible.
Is it necessary to create a portfolio before applying to an agency?
Applying to an agency without a portfolio is the same as applying to a job without a CV. The employers will see your application but they won’t invite you for an interview. The same applies for modelling agencies. An agency will always sign the model with a portfolio, over the model with nothing to show.
Can I get a free portfolio from an agency?
Some models are very lucky and sign with agencies who are willing to pay for their portfolios. These agencies are normally in the top 10 and the portfolio is worth in the region of 10k. The down side with this, is that the agencies will take a significant percentage from the models jobs until it’s paid back. New models in the industry don’t want to start out with debt, therefore the option of creating a portfolio is more financially sensible and lucrative.