Model portfolios - DPChallenge Forums

04/20/2005 02:17:26 AM · #1

I've been asked by a model for some assistance in putting together a portfolio, can anyone give any advice? I've not really got any idea what should go into the portfolio, how many pics, any supporting text, how it should be physically put together, etc.

The aim of the portfolio is for the model to get more advertising work.

Thanks in advance :)

Darren

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/20/2005 06:36:37 AM · #2

bump

Fleximus

Canon EOS-50D

04/20/2005 07:02:44 AM · #3

Hi Darren,

I will have a chat with a friend of mine over lunch, she used to be a model (makes lunch nicer!), and see what she says.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/20/2005 08:40:15 AM · #4

Originally posted by Fleximus:

Hi Darren,

I will have a chat with a friend of mine over lunch, she used to be a model (makes lunch nicer!), and see what she says.

Thanks David - much appreciated :)

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/20/2005 08:43:00 AM · #5

If she has or is thinking about a particular agency, find out what they want. I don't know what you need - specific info? She probly needs a book of 25-35 8x10s. Some to make her look younger, some to make her look younger. Some to make her look her own age. Some to make her look smart and serious, some to make her look fun and goofy. Basically, I'd try and get all her "looks" and various poses, outfits, etc.

M

cbeller

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/20/2005 08:44:43 AM · #6

Go to //www.onemodelplace.com and look through the model portfolios there. You'll definately want a couple good head shots. If he/she is looking to do clothing advertising, look through a catalog for pose ideas.

Good luck, it should be fun.

Fleximus

Canon EOS-50D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/20/2005 08:47:44 AM · #7

Darren, below is the info provided by my friend Emma

one of the main aims of a portfolio is to showcase your versatility so there should be pictures that show you in lots of different ways; some classical, some contemporary, some full body, some face only etc.

try to use only a few pictures from each shoot or else the book loses it's impact and interest. intersperse different shoots with each other so it holds your attention.

any published work should always go in, but if it can be from different areas of the media so much the better, for example a newspaper fashion shoot for suits on one side, teenage picture story from sugar on the other side. don't let your book pigeon-hole you, you need to show you can adapt.

there is no need for any text, nobody will read it.

only choose the best pics to use, resist the temptation to fill up the space with loads of inferior shots.

always display your photos in a large format in plastic pages so that people can touch them without damaging them.

print up smaller versions of your best shot with your measurements at the bottom. these cards are left at castings and sometimes is the only pic they'll see of you when there isn't time to look at your whole book.

hope that helps.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/20/2005 02:44:50 PM · #8

Originally posted by Fleximus:

Darren, below is the info provided by my friend Emma

one of the main aims of a portfolio is to showcase your versatility so there should be pictures that show you in lots of different ways; some classical, some contemporary, some full body, some face only etc.

try to use only a few pictures from each shoot or else the book loses it's impact and interest. intersperse different shoots with each other so it holds your attention.

any published work should always go in, but if it can be from different areas of the media so much the better, for example a newspaper fashion shoot for suits on one side, teenage picture story from sugar on the other side. don't let your book pigeon-hole you, you need to show you can adapt.

there is no need for any text, nobody will read it.

only choose the best pics to use, resist the temptation to fill up the space with loads of inferior shots.

always display your photos in a large format in plastic pages so that people can touch them without damaging them.

print up smaller versions of your best shot with your measurements at the bottom. these cards are left at castings and sometimes is the only pic they'll see of you when there isn't time to look at your whole book.

hope that helps.

Thanks :)

Gil P

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

04/20/2005 02:51:54 PM · #9

This depends a lot on a "model of what" the person is. But generally "creating" a portfolio can not be done in one sitting or by one photographer.

That being said, lets say the person is looking for a 10 photograph book...this would generally mean, 5looks/outfits/hair/make-up with two pics of each look. a book is made to demonstrate the versatility of a model...so the images must show that. different styles, different moods, different vibes.

technically...well that all depends on you, your gear, your access to either studio spaces or interesting areas.

endstudios

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/21/2005 12:28:33 AM · #10

you could tell her to come see me, and you come along - we can collab :) jk ( its not a pick up line, just for help )

anyways, you defenitely need a HEADSHOT and a FULLBODY shot - those are the two most important things

and do various things, clothing, makeup
versitity is GOOD for models ;)
but if she/he is stronger in a certain pose/way then let them do that

have them look in magazines ( and you also )

here is a HUGE resource
im a member there too.

www.onemodelplace.com

tell her to join that as well as you, you both can get resources and help and "business"

good luck let me know if it works for you

04/21/2005 02:38:58 AM · #11

I'll certainly register with onemodelplace, I'm just thinking about a studio, I have the option to rent a loft where we live and the setting is excellent (500 year mill in 6.5 acres of a woodland valley inc. waterfalls etc). Alternatively, I know of a studio in the city that I can use.

The model is a guy, he's done some advertising work in the past and want to get more, to do this he needs to build a portfolio.

I've suggested that he comes over and we take a load of pics as ideas, see what works and then have a second session to develop the concepts that work well.

The comments so far have been very useful, thanks very much :)

Any more comments, of course, will be equally welcome :)

Darren

Nathanael_G

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

11/10/2008 03:56:04 PM · #12

I know this thread is ANCIENT but I did have a question as to what kind of makeup (if any) a guy would need when doing a modeling portfolio. A friend of mine wants to pursue modeling (he has said he wants to do clothing, and he's certainly tall enough), and I'm not really sure if any makeup would be needed. I've done band shoots and portraits for guys before, and they obviously didn't wear any, but I'm not sure if modeling is different in this as I've only done fashion with women. I was an extra in a movie production once and they put a light dusting of powder to keep the shine off my face, is that needed?

Thanks for your help!

_Nathanael

Nathanael_G

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

11/11/2008 06:51:09 PM · #13

Bump?

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

11/12/2008 03:29:48 PM · #14

It depends. Sometimes powder is all they need. And sometimes they'll need more.

Nathanael_G