Model portfolios - some general guidelines
see also:
A short word on model portfolios:
- models need a portfolio of prints to show prospective clients if they wish
to do modelling as a career.
- generally the "glamour photo studio" pics are not as appropriate
for commercial model portfolios as the clients usually want to see what they
have got to work with, not a glamourised image that disguises your features
too much. Try to imagine yourself as a client choosing a model from dozens
of others.
- as important as the physical appearance or features of a model may be, it
is often more important that the portfolio demonstrates that the model can
"perform" - how well they express motivation,
expression, attitude and vitality in their images.
- models should also beware of paying exorbitant prices for portfolios from
"agencies" which make money primarily from the fees charged to
models for their portfolios rather than actively finding them work.
- requirements for a print portfolio usually are along the following guidelines:
- The portfolio itself should consist of a sealed book, with handle, usually leather (or imitation leather for those of us who are sympathetic to animal rights). Most portfolios have a handle to carry them by and are sealed via a zipper. Inside pages are clear over black; page size should be larger than the largest images contained in the book. These cases are not cheap. When visiting larger clients, including ad and talent agencies, the presentation of your material is often as important as the images themselves.
- Most professionals in the (modelling/fashion)
industry use the standard 9"x12" books. Consider buying the
finest books from Prat Press with the red thread stitching and metal
corner tips, it never fails to get a compliment. It uses a single pole
refill binding system so it is easy to change "books"
depending on the client.
- other vendors to consider:
- Your book needs to reflect the
market you best fit in.
- If you are in editorial, advertising, or
catalog...there is a look for each market segment and your book needs to
reflect that.
- A model portfolio targeting agents, ad agents, and industry bookings should contain the following:
- consider loose-leaf portfolios so that the
sequence and selection of pictures shown are always optimised to the
needs of the potential client.
- 8-12 glossy images no smaller than 8x10 (A4 or 8x12 being more common as a minimum sizing).
- Usually color.
- Don't mix color and black and white in the same book.
- Proper headshot (most images online labeled "headshot" don't
qualify)
- this should be high resolution and not "soft-focus"
or blurred.
- temporary blemishes such as a pimple can be removed but
permanent marks should not be removed.
- it must be good enough so the prospective client can determine
if you can be the "face" for their product
- it should sell your face to the client, showing off your best
features and must not be un-flattering - no tricks, no gimmicks,
just you.
- A full body shot that allows a client to see the body size and shape and perhaps a
favorite photo.
- The remainder often depends upon the market the model is after. High fashion, obviously images complimenting that. Generally, model portfolios contain commercial style images. There should be a variety of
looks.
- In general, don't include raunchy glamour lingerie shots but
commercial style lingerie may be included if this is the genre you
are targeting, likewise consider swimwear if this is what the
potential client is after, and certainly NEVER anything nude or "cheesecake," or non-traditional glamour (Internet defines 'glamour' differently than the industry).
- other portfolios should contain:
- 5 or 6 key images for starters including a good head shot is important, half length and full length, formal, casual
look.
- additional images would contain the type of work the model is seeking to target whether it be swimwear, lingerie,
portrait.
- make sure the prints are high quality, preferably from a professional
photo lab, or at least an expensive photo ink jet printer with at least
6 ink heads printed on glossy photo paper. Don't use 3-ink ink jet
printers!
- model's comp card:
- these are A5 size cards usually created by a modelling agency for a
model to use to give to prospective clients
- they usually consist of a head shot on the front, and 4 - 8 shots of you
on the back with your stat's (height and measurements)
Then they have the agencies contact details (or your own if its a
freelance comp card)
- Composite Colour
(Suite 12, Level 1 , 210 Toorak Rd Sth Yarra. (03) 98047985) do a lot of agencies' Comp Cards in
Melbourne, generally they charge around $70 for 50 cards (including all the set up of photos, lay out etc).
- promo models:
- don't require a full folio like a model, but its a good idea to have a comp card.
- What a promo card should show off is your smile (it has to show that you're a friendly person), a full body showing your figure (some of those promo outfits are pretty tight and revealing) and perhaps a swimwear shot if you're happy, but not necessary (again, some promos require tops that aren't much more than bikini tops).
- You really don't need any high fashion shots.
- If you're with an agency, then they should arrange comp cards for you which feature the company logo and the agents details, along with your height, dress size and bra size.
- actors:
- actors do not need a portfolio, but they do need a good really clear
B&W headshot, an acting CV & a personal show-reel.
- for ideas on headshots see: http://www.actorsnow.com.au