How To Create A Model Portfolio: 7 Expert Tips

Do you dream of walking the runway, getting famous, and becoming a cover model for high-end brands? The idea is exciting, but it involves playing your cards right when the time calls. And it all starts with a great modeling portfolio (because not all are lucky to get discovered).

A good model portfolio is like a visual resume, acting as your first impression to a potential client or casting director. First impressions last long, so you’ll want yours to be exceptional, especially if you’re an aspiring model. Creating a model portfolio requires planning, understanding what you want, and marketing yourself. In this blog, I will guide you through the tips for building a standout model portfolio.

Choose your modeling type

When creating your model portfolio, the first step is to decide the type of modeling you want to do. There are so many options—high fashion/runway, commercial & print, editorial, catalog, fitness, beauty, swimsuit & lingerie, showroom, nude, plus size, and body part modeling. Choose one based on your physical attributes, interests, personality, and modeling requirements.

Choosing your modeling type is important, because each has its own requirements. Runway and high fashion modeling ask for tall and thin models, while others might be more flexible. Deciding on the type of modeling you would like to go with helps a lot when you’re creating your portfolio. It helps you choose photos that play on your strengths, and show your versatility.

Choose your photographer

The second step in building a portfolio is to choose the right fashion photographer. Choose someone who has ample years of experience in the industry. An experienced fashion photographer will highlight your best features, with photos that impress casting directors in one look.

In choosing your photographer, you should do your own research and not decide based on promotions alone. Look for online reviews on Google and other platforms, and check their portfolio. This gives you an understanding of their quality and style of working, and shows how skilled they are. Tip: Don’t forget to discuss your vision and hopes of the photoshoot with the photographer!

As a top fashion & editorial photographer, I’ve done shoots with fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more. I have also been a part of the Philadelphia Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Also, I’ve photographed America’s Next Top Models, Miss World, and Miss USA pageant, and have worked with leading modeling agencies in NYC, LA, and Philadelphia. Additionally, I have a 5-star rating on Google, and 99% of my models get agency representation. You can check out my portfolio here.

Choose the right outfits

Once you’ve booked your photographer, the next step is to choose outfits. I talk about basic photoshoot outfits in this blog, and it should give you an idea of the essentials you need to keep in your model bag.

Talk to your photographer before the shoot for guidance on outfits related to your modeling type. Or, you can hire a professional wardrobe stylist who can source the right outfits for your shoot.

Choose & practice your poses

The key to creating a compelling model portfolio lies in your poses. And a graceful, natural pose comes after you’ve done some practice. The right pose not only enhances your look & personality, but also expresses a mood, which can make your photos look interesting. I wrote a blog about some basic poses that you can start with, which you can read about here.

For this, research the models that are in the same modeling type as chosen by you. If there are any models or poses in particular that inspire you, save those in your phone. You can then use it to start practicing in front of a mirror.

Work on your body language, your best angles, and your facial expressions. Remember, you have to practice on what works best and is unique to you. Keep your poses natural and relaxed, as these help bring out your personality in your portfolio.

Before your photoshoot, make sure to talk to your photographer about the poses, and work with them to create a moodboard. This should highlight the looks you and your photographer decide on for your shoot. As an example, you can reference this moodboard that I did for a model shoot.

Choose professional hair & makeup artists

If you’re an aspiring model, I cannot stress the importance of hiring professional hair and makeup artists for your shoot day. While you may be great at doing your own hair and makeup, hiring them will result in a polished look for your shoot.

Based on your shoot, outfits, and lighting, professional HMUAs will create a natural or glam look. This look will enhance your features, so that you look great in your final photos. After two decades of doing various fashion and editorial shoots, trust me when I say they’re worth the investment!

Prepare for a great photoshoot

Once you have everything in order, the next step is to prepare for the photoshoot. I talk about the preparation steps in detail in my other blog here. The gist is to keep yourself hydrated, get a good night’s sleep before the shoot day, relax, and enjoy the shoot!

Choose photos & build your portfolio

We’re almost there! After your shoot, it’s time to choose your best photos. Some essential photos for modeling portfolio include full body shots, headshots, and photos that show different outfits, settings, and makeup. You will also need agency-required digitals/polaroids, which include front, side, and back shots. These help showcase your versatility and personality, and give the clients an idea of what type of model casting you’d fit in.

Once you’ve chosen the photos you want to include in your portfolio, make sure that the quality and composition of the photos is the best. Ensure that you do not include photos that are similar, and only keep the ones where you showcase your versatility as a model. Remember, your portfolio is your first chance at making a good impression, and only the best will do!

Learn to market yourself

As a beginner model, the biggest thing you can do to get your foot in the door is to learn how to market yourself. It starts with attending open casting calls, networking with people, and promoting yourself online.

In modeling, connections are everything, so keep networking to keep connected with industry people. Being active on social media helps you stay in touch with your audience, show your personality, and build your personal brand. Remember, marketing yourself is a continuous activity, so that you can get new opportunities your way.

Choose Vikrant Photography for a standout portfolio

Having a standout model portfolio is important to get the job of your dreams. It gets you noticed among a sea of models and showcases yourself as a versatile professional. With Vikrant Photography, you get a standout model portfolio that impresses casting agents.

When you book your model portfolio photoshoot with us, you get so much more than you pay for. You get my expertise as a top fashion & editorial photographer, and my team of hair & makeup artists and wardrobe stylists. Additionally, you get a fully-guided photoshoot according to your modeling type. A few weeks after shoot is complete, you get your professional modeling portfolio in hand!

I educate my models to avoid scams, and set them up for success by guiding them on networking & self-marketing. I also share a list of verified agencies and open casting calls they can apply to. It’s no wonder that 99% of the models that I photograph get agency representation!

Conclusion

As an aspiring model, a good portfolio is the key to launching yourself and booking your dream gigs. Building a professional portfolio includes choosing your modeling type, booking a photographer, selecting outfits, practicing poses, hiring hair & makeup artists, selecting photos, and marketing yourself well. This guide is for you if you’re looking for tips for building a standout model portfolio. Remember, a great portfolio is the first step to making it big in the modeling world!