Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Physical and Online Portfolio

Physical and Online Portfolio:
Even with all the conceptual planning and building a great team, not all of your test shoots are going to be a success and some may only have one or two good looks that could be portfolio material. Although, LOTS of planning does help. Some shoots, on the other hand, could be a huge success and you’ll have difficulty choosing which photos to put in your portfolio.

If you’re shooting enough, you are gaining great practice and experience. You can never stop getting better. The sky is the limit. Also if you’re shooting enough, you should end up with a large selection of potential shots for your portfolio. It helps to organize the photos into folders on your computer so you can keep track of everything. Personally, I like to organize by photographer. I dedicate a special folder to snapshots I snag of me that have appeared on websites, magazines, etc. As you select photos, keep your eye on the prize and make sure that the quality matches up to where you want to be, and beyond! Continue reading “Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Physical and Online Portfolio”

Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Team Selection

Previously, I discussed the first few important steps to building a stunning, top-notch modeling fashion portfolio in part one of this 3-part blog post. Now, I will continue on to telling you about building a stellar team for your portfolio test shoots and give tips on how to go about getting everything moving forward.

Team Selection:
The key to a stop-in-your-tracks portfolio is being extremely selective. As you gain more experience, build your portfolio, and create a professional, skilled reputation, you will have more say with this. I strongly believe that you are only as good as your worst photo, so build it up!

In my opinion, your team should include at least a photographer you believe will deliver amazing photos for your portfolio, a makeup artist (MUA), and wardrobe stylist.

You want to make sure you love the people on board for a shoot to make it as successful as possible. Do they match the quality that you wish to attain? You may just have to build up from ground zero, but you’ll slowly gain the attention of more experienced individuals. It helps if everyone is going to mutually benefit from the shoot, especially if it is a free shoot (no one is monetarily benefiting). If everyone is excited for the shoot, everyone should be at their best for stunning photos. Continue reading “Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Team Selection”

Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Goals, Research, Inspiration

I had a friend ask me the other day for advice on building a well-rounded modeling portfolio. To share my knowledge with the World Wide Web, I have decided to blog an answer in a detailed three-part blog post. (Congrats to my gorgeous friend for getting represented with Wunder Model Management LA!!).

Before you go about building up your fashion model portfolio, or, as agencies call it, your book, you need to keep a few things in mind.

  1. Modeling and agency goals  
  2. Research your ideal fashion industry, modeling agency, niche, etc.
  3. Inspiration. Become inspired!
  4. Selecting a top-notch fashion team
  5. Ordering, presentation, and selection for your Portfolio Continue reading “Building a Top-Notch Modeling Portfolio: Goals, Research, Inspiration”