Your modeling portfolio is more than just a book of photos; it’s your signature that speaks before you enter the room. Your visual resume influences casting directors, agencies, and more to make a choice in your favour.
Something so powerful needs to be highly strategic and well curated. But how would you do that if you are new to this? That’s where Vikrant Tunious came to the rescue as the best model photographer.
We have explained in this blog step by step everything you need to build a modeling portfolio.
Identify Your Modeling Style and Type
Your modeling identification type and style have first to do with your physical appearance and then with your preferred type. Trust me when I say that!
Study your body shape and appearance closely, and search for similar types of looks online and what kind of shoots they are into. After having your answer, you have options to choose from:
- Body-Part Modeling
- Catalog Modeling
- Commercial Modeling
- Editorial Modeling
- Expecting Modeling
- Fashion Modeling
- Fit Modeling
- Fitness Modeling
- Freelance Modeling
- Lingerie + Swimwear Modeling-
- Mature Modeling
- Petite Modeling
- Plus-Size Modeling
- Promotional Modeling
If you want to know more in detail about each category or need a step-by-step process for a specific niche, contact a professional and get a free consultation.
Identify Your Best Poses, Expressions, and Angles
Having a diverse range of styles and angles in your portfolio could be a leverage for you. They get you noticed by potential casting directors and employers. If you are a beginner without a defined signature look, test and try different poses, angles and expressions until you get one.
With professional guidance from experienced photographers or makeup artists, you could identify one. Additionally, don’t forget to experiment with poses that complement your body types and highlight your best angles.
Note- Familiarity with standard poses is advisable for newcomers to play it safe.
Strategise and Plan Your Shoot
To create an impactful modeling portfolio, invest time to strategise and plan your professional photoshoot to reflect your core skills.
- Define the story you want your portfolio to convey, targeting your audience or agencies
- Create a mood board that can help visualize your styling and poses.
- Choose the professional model photographers
- Prepare well for the shoot day, from outfits to hair and makeup
- Organize a short list in advance to streamline the process
- Choose the contrasting backdrop and location
- Test different lighting and choose what feels best for you
As a model portfolio photographer, we don’t just shoot; from creative planning to professional direction, we have guided our models throughout their modeling portfolio process. You get-
- Mobile studio with high-end lighting that emphasizes authenticity.
- Customized backdrops and seamless logistics.
- On-set direction on poses and expressions, styling, and makeup support.
- Portraits that serve as brand statements.
Arrangement of Shots
Your portfolio should be thoughtfully arranged to convey your intent and narrative clearly. Agency representatives will overlook your gems if they feel dispersed. Photos should be arranged in a way that takes scanning less than a minute.
- Start with clean and natural headshots and editorials to set the tone.
- Show contrasting looks and versatility.
- Arrange photos in order from natural light to studio. This creates emotional movement.
- Highlight your strong niche, such as commercial beauty or fashion editorials.
- Lastly, end your model photography portfolio with the final signature image.
- Your ideal portfolio size for a printed portfolio should be 10–15 strong images, and the digital portfolio / Website should be 20–25 images.
Digitalize Your Portfolio
In the growing digital era, one must have a digital presence to be visible in the world. Upload all your photos to digital platforms and social media platforms, particularly Instagram, for self-promotion. If you don’t know how to do that, contact Code & Clicks and get yourself a digital portfolio ASAP! They are one of the best digital marketing agencies that ensure your online branding is as polished as your printed material.
Avoid These Common Mistakes in Modeling Portfolios
Make sure to avoid these mistakes while building your portfolio, as models are often overlooked.
- Don’t add repetitive shots in modeling portfolios
- Don’t showcase overly edited photos; instead, reflect natural beauty
- Photos must be strategically sequenced and arranged
- Don’t forget to target the right audience
- Missing or incorrect contact information
Building a model portfolio can be overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner. Book your free consultation today with Vikrant Photography!
