What Do I Need in a Model Portfolio?

Portfolios and Comp Cards

 "What do I need in a model portfolio?".

Whether you are looking to be a fashion, commercial, or glamour model can effect what images you decide to use. Preteen, teen, female, and male models also might want to focus on different types of shots. There is a lot of room to be creative and to help yourself stand out and get noticed, which can help you get work. There are some types of shots that are typically included.

Pictures in Your Book
Great photos of yourself in a wide variety of poses or situations so that you can showcase your versatility.

The standard shots include a head shot, a full body shot in some fashion (usually taken in a swim suit), and a close up shot (can be shot indoors or outdoors with ambient light and with little or no makeup ) at the very least.
Usually you want to include some sort of artistic shot as well.

There is no fast set rule either about whether the images should be black and white or color, so you might want to use a mix.

Get noticed!!
Only the absolute best should go into your portfolio, and you want to limit the number to a reasonable amount, such as something between eight and twenty photos tends to be considered optimal.

Image Print Size
Usually 8 x 10 or 9 x 12.  Bigger is better.

Include your resume as well.  Usually its attached on the back of your head shot.  If you don't have much of a resume' don't worry.  Any experience to good. Have a good atitude, be on time for you shoots, appointments and be happy. 

What are Comp Cards?
Another related question has to do with composite cards commonly known as comp cards. These are usually 6x9" cards with a headshot on the front. Flip it over and you'll see anywhere between 4 to 6 images on the back along with the model's statistics. A sample of the stats to include is ...

• NAME
• ADDRESS
• CONTACT PHONE NUMBER
• EMAIL and/or WEBSITE
• TYPE OF MODELING ( i.e. commercial, fashion, runway, event, glamour, artistic, etc.)
• HEIGHT
• WEIGHT
• BUST SIZE (WOMEN)
• WAIST SIZE
• HIP SIZE ( FEMALE )
• SHOE SIZE
• EYE COLOR
• HAIR COLOR

These are things the modeling agency or talent scout will be interested in. Comp cards are great because they are very inexpensive (+ or - $125.00 per hundred, full color) and give them to the agent to keep on file. Professional models use them and so should you.


It is also a good idea to check out the submission requirements of the agencies that you are hoping to work for before creating your modeling portfolio. Ford, IMG, or Elite, for example, might require something specific ( especially geared toward tall girls and guys ) and you want to make sure that both you and your portfolio fit what they are looking for.

Practice your posing so that you'll be ready for the photographer to create a killer modeling portfolio you'll be proud to show. The first step to success is to make it happen by being prepared. Contact me of any additional questions.
http://www.dandmstudios.zenfolio.com/