DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Creating a modeling portfolio
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 4 of 4, (reverse)
AuthorThread
Nikon D7100
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
 01/20/2010 07:20:29 AM · #1
When someone wants to get into modeling they usually need a portfolio. What does this usually entail? How is the portfolio put together? Is it simply pages of prints or a disc of images? How does the potfolio work? Does the photographer usually have a subtle copyright symbol and his/her name on all the images so the agency knows who took them?
Canon EOS-50D
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
 01/20/2010 07:30:57 AM · #2
ahh...you are opening Pandoras box. The answer to your question....it all depends.

Depends on the style of modelling your model is suitable for and what style she wants to get into (these two may not be the same or agree). The model will need various poses, clothing changes, and "looks" in their portfolio. The photos should showcase the models ability to..well.....model. The photos need to show a variety of poses, her body (depending on the style she is shooting), her face, her best features (ie if she has a great smile, you want to make sure that is featured in some..not all photos). There are several ways a model can put together a portfolio and that usually entails working with multiple photographers...but a single photographer can help a model put together a portfolio.

Some models have print portfolios, some have online portfolios...and may should have both. It's up to you what you decide you want to do. You can give prints or give photos on a CD. When I give photos on a CD I USED to have all photos with my copyright (my name on the photo). Now I've recently started to give High Resolution JPEGs without my name on the photo and give low resolution websized photos with my name on it. Some agencies (to read most agencies) don't care for your copyright and sometimes it may distract them from the photo. They also may decide to use your photos on her comp card, business card, or as her submissions to castings....so they don't want your copyright. The websized version should have a copyright simply because its the internet and you want your name on all the photos posted on the internet.

Hope that helps. You can see some of the photos I done for online portfolios at OMP

Message edited by author 2010-01-20 07:31:39.
Fujifilm X-T1
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
 01/20/2010 03:01:44 PM · #3
Anthony was right when he said it depends... and when he mentioned Pandoras box. You can find this topic being constantly debated across any of the major modeling sites.

Once a model is 'discovered' by a real agency, the agency will usually get the necessary portfolio images through photographers they are familiar with or through tear sheets from successful assignments.

Up until the discovery point, a set of simple clean images showing what the model looks like seems to be just as affective as any kind of portfolio. I guess this could be in the form of a comp card that is simple to distribute and can have the most impact in the millisecond that it will be seen by somebody who actually matters.

From what I have seen, agencies will use a portfolio to find work for the model rather than is discovering the model. In fact, I believe they will want to actually influence the portfolio creation.

I don't put my copyright symbol or name on images that will be presented to an agency. The model needs as few inhibitors as possible when trying to find representation. If I provide a model with images as part of a collaborative effort I will also give him/her some of my business cards so they can hand them out if anybody asks about the photography. I haven't charged models for images in the past, but in the future I will if the model or concept isn't going to boost my own portfolio.

Message edited by author 2010-01-20 15:03:35.
Pentax K-5
Pentax SMC-DA * 16-50mm F2.8 ED/AL (IF) SDM
 01/25/2010 05:15:42 PM · #4
Originally posted by SEG:
When someone wants to get into modeling they usually need a portfolio. What does this usually entail? How is the portfolio put together? Is it simply pages of prints or a disc of images? How does the potfolio work? Does the photographer usually have a subtle copyright symbol and his/her name on all the images so the agency knows who took them?


In most cases, the model agencies look for a variety of themes in the model portfolio. By that I mean, different stories, clothing changes, ambiance and photographers. In almost all cases, when a model is hired to shoot for a publication they will have anywhere from 1 to 24 pages and thus, it might also be recommended that the photographer provide a complete editorial story that replicates what magazine do in their format. It is reassuring for the client, model agency (that are accessing the worthiness of the model)that the model can show diversity. Similar rules apply to the photographer portfolio, which if they haven't any tearsheets, that they provide the Art Director or Fashion Editor the amunition to prove that they can accomplish those goals. I.e. a complete editorial spread.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 09/22/2026 12:18:31 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.
Theme: Classic / Light / Dark
Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/22/2026 12:18:31 PM EDT.