Difference between revisions of "Build a Modeling Portfolio"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Laying the Groundwork=== | ===Laying the Groundwork=== | ||
| − | # Determine your model type. There are many different types of modeling,<ref>http://www.businessofmodeling.com/modeling-industry/what-are-the-different-types-of-modeling/</ref> some with very specific requirements in terms of physical appearance and skill level. While it’s true that the most common types of modeling do require tall, thin people, there are other types of modeling where the preferred body style is more flexible. | + | # Determine your model type. There are many different types of modeling,<ref name="rf16449">http://www.businessofmodeling.com/modeling-industry/what-are-the-different-types-of-modeling/</ref> some with very specific requirements in terms of physical appearance and skill level. While it’s true that the most common types of modeling do require tall, thin people, there are other types of modeling where the preferred body style is more flexible. |
#* Live modeling is one example where personality is more important than an exact body type or look. Live models represent companies at trade shows, shopping malls, and other venues to promote a particular product or brand. Since live modeling requires interacting with many people, it’s important that the model is outgoing and has a sunny disposition. | #* Live modeling is one example where personality is more important than an exact body type or look. Live models represent companies at trade shows, shopping malls, and other venues to promote a particular product or brand. Since live modeling requires interacting with many people, it’s important that the model is outgoing and has a sunny disposition. | ||
#* Fashion modeling is the most common type of modeling that people know about. To be a successful fashion model requires a certain height. In the larger markets, such as New York, the minimum acceptable height is 5’10”, while in the smaller markets the minimum is 5’8”. Fashion models must also be quite thin. In terms of looks, a wider range is acceptable, from conventionally beautiful to striking. | #* Fashion modeling is the most common type of modeling that people know about. To be a successful fashion model requires a certain height. In the larger markets, such as New York, the minimum acceptable height is 5’10”, while in the smaller markets the minimum is 5’8”. Fashion models must also be quite thin. In terms of looks, a wider range is acceptable, from conventionally beautiful to striking. | ||
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# Hire a professional make-up artist. If you are lucky, the photographer will sort this out for you, but remember to ask if the cost of the make-up artist is included in the fee, or if you have to pay extra. If the photographer isn't providing one, ask the local modelling agencies to recommend one. As with the photographer, make-up artists in the business will know what’s expected. | # Hire a professional make-up artist. If you are lucky, the photographer will sort this out for you, but remember to ask if the cost of the make-up artist is included in the fee, or if you have to pay extra. If the photographer isn't providing one, ask the local modelling agencies to recommend one. As with the photographer, make-up artists in the business will know what’s expected. | ||
# Practice posing. Look through magazines to find poses that inspire you. Don’t be afraid to alter them a little to make them your own. Practice them in front of a mirror and change the angle from time to time. Ask a family member or friend to critique your poses as you practice. | # Practice posing. Look through magazines to find poses that inspire you. Don’t be afraid to alter them a little to make them your own. Practice them in front of a mirror and change the angle from time to time. Ask a family member or friend to critique your poses as you practice. | ||
| − | # Pick out your clothing for the shoot. It’s important to realize that the purpose of your portfolio is to sell you.<ref> http://www.businessofmodeling.com/photo-shoot/what-to-wear-proper-clothing-selection-for-your-modeling-portfolio-shoot/</ref> Eliminate anything that distracts from that purpose. To that end, keep your clothing choices simple. Choose solid colors and stay away from prints and patterns. Opt for clothing that you know fits you well: avoid anything that’s too tight or loose. Your portfolio is also not the place for “fashion-forward” outfits. | + | # Pick out your clothing for the shoot. It’s important to realize that the purpose of your portfolio is to sell you.<ref name="rf16450"> http://www.businessofmodeling.com/photo-shoot/what-to-wear-proper-clothing-selection-for-your-modeling-portfolio-shoot/</ref> Eliminate anything that distracts from that purpose. To that end, keep your clothing choices simple. Choose solid colors and stay away from prints and patterns. Opt for clothing that you know fits you well: avoid anything that’s too tight or loose. Your portfolio is also not the place for “fashion-forward” outfits. |
#* You will need several outfit choices since you don't want to have pictures of you in only one or two. | #* You will need several outfit choices since you don't want to have pictures of you in only one or two. | ||
#* If you intend on going into commercial print modeling, it's a good idea to bring a swimsuit, too. | #* If you intend on going into commercial print modeling, it's a good idea to bring a swimsuit, too. | ||
# Prepare to demonstrate versatility. Having a number of looks suited to the type of modeling for which you are suited is essential. If the photographer is good, he or she will know what types of pictures and looks you will need. | # Prepare to demonstrate versatility. Having a number of looks suited to the type of modeling for which you are suited is essential. If the photographer is good, he or she will know what types of pictures and looks you will need. | ||
| − | #*Headshots<ref>http://www.headshots101.com/what-is-a-headshot.html</ref> are images where the model's face is depicted clearly. Usually coming in 8x10 sizing, the picture is typically of the model's head and upper torso, taken at close range. It's important that the headshot focus on the face. They are also usually taken with minimal make-up, so that the model's facial structure and skin tone are evident. Every model needs one in his or her portfolio. | + | #*Headshots<ref name="rf16451">http://www.headshots101.com/what-is-a-headshot.html</ref> are images where the model's face is depicted clearly. Usually coming in 8x10 sizing, the picture is typically of the model's head and upper torso, taken at close range. It's important that the headshot focus on the face. They are also usually taken with minimal make-up, so that the model's facial structure and skin tone are evident. Every model needs one in his or her portfolio. |
| − | #*Beauty shots,<ref>http://www.joeedelman.com/blog/photography-how-to/how-to-shoot-models/beauty-shot/</ref> on the other hand, are artistic images, that like the headshot, are of the model's head and upper body. However, unlike headshots, the model is made-up and may be posed dramatically. If you want to work as a commercial print model, this photograph is a must for you. | + | #*Beauty shots,<ref name="rf16452">http://www.joeedelman.com/blog/photography-how-to/how-to-shoot-models/beauty-shot/</ref> on the other hand, are artistic images, that like the headshot, are of the model's head and upper body. However, unlike headshots, the model is made-up and may be posed dramatically. If you want to work as a commercial print model, this photograph is a must for you. |
| − | #* Fashion shots<ref>http://digital-photography-school.com/10-fashion-photography-tips/</ref> are exactly what they sound like: photographs of the model wearing different outfits, with the focus being on the clothing. Even the model's make-up complements the outfit. These images are for fashion models. | + | #* Fashion shots<ref name="rf16453">http://digital-photography-school.com/10-fashion-photography-tips/</ref> are exactly what they sound like: photographs of the model wearing different outfits, with the focus being on the clothing. Even the model's make-up complements the outfit. These images are for fashion models. |
#* Swimsuit shots showcase the model's body. This is another photo that you'll need for commercial print modeling. | #* Swimsuit shots showcase the model's body. This is another photo that you'll need for commercial print modeling. | ||
| − | #* Another photo that's important if you want to go into commercial print modeling is the editorial shot.<ref>http://www.svenler.com/blog/definition-what-is-the-difference-between-fashion-commercial-and-editorial/</ref> Centered around a story, here's is where you'll be playing a character in a particular narrative. | + | #* Another photo that's important if you want to go into commercial print modeling is the editorial shot.<ref name="rf16454">http://www.svenler.com/blog/definition-what-is-the-difference-between-fashion-commercial-and-editorial/</ref> Centered around a story, here's is where you'll be playing a character in a particular narrative. |
#* Make sure you have your outfits ready at least five days before the day of the shoot. | #* Make sure you have your outfits ready at least five days before the day of the shoot. | ||
# Maintain your looks. Looking your best at your photo shoot is crucial to your success as a model. Accordingly, perform any routine maintenance on yourself as you need before the big day. For example, have a hair-cut or get a manicure. | # Maintain your looks. Looking your best at your photo shoot is crucial to your success as a model. Accordingly, perform any routine maintenance on yourself as you need before the big day. For example, have a hair-cut or get a manicure. | ||
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===Visiting the Photographer’s Studio=== | ===Visiting the Photographer’s Studio=== | ||
# Check and double-check your bag. Before leaving the house, make sure that your bag is packed and that you have money for transportation costs and parking fees. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before you are due. Carry the photographer's number on you and give them a call if you realize you might be late. | # Check and double-check your bag. Before leaving the house, make sure that your bag is packed and that you have money for transportation costs and parking fees. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before you are due. Carry the photographer's number on you and give them a call if you realize you might be late. | ||
| − | # Communicate with the photographer. Good communication<ref> http://www.modelmanagement.com/modeling-advice/model-photography-tips/</ref> between model and photographer is essential for great pictures. Listen carefully to what the photographer wants. Try not to be nervous, but do acknowledge that the feeling is normal...even models who have been working for years get nervous. | + | # Communicate with the photographer. Good communication<ref name="rf16455"> http://www.modelmanagement.com/modeling-advice/model-photography-tips/</ref> between model and photographer is essential for great pictures. Listen carefully to what the photographer wants. Try not to be nervous, but do acknowledge that the feeling is normal...even models who have been working for years get nervous. |
# Showcase your confidence and charm. You want your pictures to capture the essence of what you can bring as a model: your vivacity and ability to portray varied characters and moods. Don’t be afraid to show off. This is your time to shine. | # Showcase your confidence and charm. You want your pictures to capture the essence of what you can bring as a model: your vivacity and ability to portray varied characters and moods. Don’t be afraid to show off. This is your time to shine. | ||
# Demonstrate proper etiquette. It’s important to build good professional relationships with your photographer and makeup artist. Be sure to write both of them thank you notes after the photo shoot is over. | # Demonstrate proper etiquette. It’s important to build good professional relationships with your photographer and makeup artist. Be sure to write both of them thank you notes after the photo shoot is over. | ||
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#*Another option in addition to a printed version is an online portfolio. It's best to hire someone to design a website to host it rather than trying to do this yourself. Otherwise, it will appear amateurish. | #*Another option in addition to a printed version is an online portfolio. It's best to hire someone to design a website to host it rather than trying to do this yourself. Otherwise, it will appear amateurish. | ||
# Update your portfolio. As you get modelling jobs and gain experience, add this to your portfolio. Keep “tear sheets,” usually magazine pages or photos from a photo shoot. These demonstrate your success as a model. | # Update your portfolio. As you get modelling jobs and gain experience, add this to your portfolio. Keep “tear sheets,” usually magazine pages or photos from a photo shoot. These demonstrate your success as a model. | ||
| − | # Include a profile page. Your profile<ref> http://www.modelmayhem.com/education/modeling/1882-building-your-portfolio</ref> will list important information about you. Include the types of work you’re willing to do, your statistics, for example, your height, weight, hair and eye color, whether you have any problem areas on your body, for instance, tattoos or scars, and finally, any relevant skills you have, such as knowing a sport, or how to play a musical instrument. | + | # Include a profile page. Your profile<ref name="rf16456"> http://www.modelmayhem.com/education/modeling/1882-building-your-portfolio</ref> will list important information about you. Include the types of work you’re willing to do, your statistics, for example, your height, weight, hair and eye color, whether you have any problem areas on your body, for instance, tattoos or scars, and finally, any relevant skills you have, such as knowing a sport, or how to play a musical instrument. |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
