Modeling portfolio

Examples of a good modeling portfolio (your book) can be found on model agency websites. Notice how different those images are compared to what you see on Facebook, Model Mayhem and other sites that amateur models post their modeling portfolios on?

One of the first things you'll observe about these modeling portfolios is that other than tear sheets, the models are styled simply and you won’t see any high fashion shots outside of tear sheets. The makeup is reasonably natural, or at least not glamorous in these model portfolios.

Aspiring models often fall into a trap of shooting for aspiring photographers, makeup artists and stylists that are working on their own portfolios. Some believe that they are getting somewhere simply because they are getting paid by these photographers. What's wrong with that? Well first of all, all these people are inexperienced which is exactly the reason they are working for free and paying models to shoot. The images are not really meant for your modeling portfolio, but for their own use. Even if they tell you that they are shooting you for your modeling portfolio, if they could really get you images for your book, they'd be charging models and agencies to enhance their model portfolios.

It's not that the images don't look good, often they do. But how obvious is it when someone styles you up like a Vogue model for an image that isn't published? Almost always, there are amateur like qualities to these images.

Your modeling portfolio should not contain couture type images, fancy hair, or dramatic makeup unless of course it's a tear sheet. Your modeling portfolio should be simple and only show you off.

Modeling portfolios - Model photographer

(Used with permission: Carl Winthrow)

The modeling portfolio articles linked from here have been are created by a number of "model photographers" and are there for you to compare. Learn what works, and learn what doesn't in a modeling portfolio.

Our favorite by far was that of celebrity magazine photographer, Laurens Antoine. He takes a clear and sensible approach to modeling and his website (www.laurensantoine.com) has almost everything a model needs to get started. There’s no membership fees for his site, and his portfolio shoots are priced very low.

Notable qoutes

Gail Henderson

“DO NOT use artsy or high fashion images that are not tear sheets in your model portfolio. Have you ever seen the model portfolios of new models on the "new faces" or "development boards" of top model agencies? The images in their model portfolios are simple and casual. This is in sharp contrast to the overdone images we see on model-photographer websites.

It's easy to make these types of mistakes in your model portfolio, or to shoot with the wrong model photographer: take the time to learn to do it right. One great website for that is laurensantoine.com.”

Model Agency and modeling portfolios

Fashion model's get their model portfolio from a variety of photographers. Rarely are any of these the same as those you find online.

"How do i get signed by a modeling agency?" is a very common question, and without a one size fits all answer. You'll get advice from many sources that have a profit motives, but the real answer isn't just your modeling portfolio, far from it. You need to be qualified and if you are, all you may need are simple Polaroids.

Get signed by a modeling agency

Model photography and model photographers are not real terms. To get signed by a modeling agency you need to be more than just beautiful, especially if you want to be a fashion model. Fashion models are routinely 5'10 - 5'11 and if you are under 5'9 (5'8" in smaller markets) neither we or anyone else can help you no matter what you spend for your modeling portfolio, schools or anything else.

Making a modeling portfolio and sample testimonial

Making a model portfolio is not what people think. Paying for images (or getting them in some form of trade) doesn't get you the image needed to be a top model. Those come after being signed and starting to work.

"My modeling portfolio was clearly the best at the audition, especially those from Laurens Antoine. Most everyone there was a fashion model and there were quite a few with Laurens's pictures in their portfolios. I was lucky, mine were brand new from the new sets and just hearing how well they were received gave me extra confidence." Similar testimonials will appear at the bottom of every page in the Model Portal.”

Who gets signed to a top modeling agency?

How do I get seen by a model agency?

How do I know if the agency is a scam?

Should I expect to pay for anything at a modeling agency?

What types of modeling agencies are there?

What is a modeling portfolio (your book)?

How do I get pictures for my modeling portfolio?

Model Portfolio dos and don’ts

Where should you put your modeling portfolio?

Model agency: Blue Chip Clients

Model Agency: School

Promoting your model portfolio

Modeling portfolio websites

Modeling portfolios and Model Mayhem

When you will need your modeling portfolio

Packaging your modeling portfolio

Nudity in your modeling portfolio

More modeling portfolio information


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