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Portfolio
A portfolio,
or model book as it is frequently called, is a
collection of photographs showing your potential as a
model in your designated field of modelling. Your
portfolio should not be endless shots from one session,
but rather, should be a combination of looks and
backdrops created from various photographic sessions.
As stated in
how to begin modelling section of this information
section, it is not essential to start your modelling
career with a portfolio but it is advisable to have some
prints of portfolio quality to help sell yourself i.e.
to show potential modelling agencies (agency models) or
for posting placing on websites, model forums or model
cards (independent models).
In one
session with a professional photographer you can achieve
usually achieve about 3 or 4 looks through chances of
clothes, make-up, hair style, backdrops etc. and from
this session you can buy prints to start your portfolio
and help you kick-off your modelling career.
Most
professional photographers now shoot sessions using
digital technology, which makes it very easy to get web
ready images of any shots taken. These are very useful
to have for both future agency and independent models,
as it will allow excellent quality images of you to be
uploaded onto the internet whether it to be for an
agency or your own personal site.
There is
another advantage of having a photographic session with
a professional photographer at the start of your
modelling career – modelling experience. Some people
think it’s just a matter of standing and looking at a
camera, but after a photographic session you will
realize what hard work modelling is and it could provide
you with vital modelling experience if you don’t already
have any.
Here are a
few points regarding a modelling portfolio session:
+ Always use
a professional photographer both to ensure quality and
safety
+ Discuss
with the photographer prior to the session what you want
to achieve
+ Try to
create at least three looks from your session
+
Photographers rarely provide clothes so you will need to
take a section of outfits along to the shoot
+ Arrange
to have a make-up artist at the shoot, as professionals
they are experts at applying make-up for the lighting
used by a professional photographer
+ Have some
shots with a natural look i.e. very little make-up as
many clients ask for this
+ Ensure the
shots are based around the type of modelling you are
interested in
Before you attend your portfolio shoot it’s worth
remembering the following things:
+ Hair
removal should be done at least 48 prior to the shoot to
allow for any redness to fade
+ Don’t wear
tight fitting clothes or jewellery before the session as
they will mark your body and any marks could appear in
the images
+ Take high
heels as even if your feet are not seen in the pictures
taken the shoes will improve your posture for poses
Time for prints (TFP)
Time for prints (TFP) as previously mentioned, is when a
model works with a photographer, neither of them charge
for the time they are committing but the photographers
provides the model with copies of shots taken. This can
be a useful and cheap way to gain images for your
portfolio if you find a photographer who is wiling to
work on this basis. It has to be noted that not all
photographers are willing to work on this basis, and the
ones that are, are often only prepared to do so on
specific types of photography which may not suit your
needs.
It
can take a model years to build up their book, and
indeed a portfolio should contain the work of several
photographers so don’t think you need a full portfolio
to start your career and you should also know that many
models portfolios contain images of paid modelling work
they have carried out so when you start modelling don’t
be afraid to ask for copies of any images taken of you
for inclusion in your portfolio.
Models
often make the mistake of packing their portfolio with
umpteen shots from the same session. A modelling
portfolio takes time to develop and should demonstrate a
full range of looks, dress and styles that the model can
achieve. We believe that no photographer can create an
entire model portfolio in one session. Indeed, your
portfolio should have the work of several photographers
included. Immortal Images will not attempt to shoot a
whole portfolio for you, but rather a series of 3 or 4
different images. We strive to make you look your best,
offering an approach that is geared towards bringing you
the highest quality at a reasonable price, with the
added convenience of digital shooting techniques.
Photoshoot Package:
During a shoot, we will take a variety of different
photographs as directed and agreed beforehand with the
model. They can be Beauty / Fashion / Lingerie /
Glamour. Please remember, we will not get you to do
anything you are uncomfortable with; We have no interest
in pressuring models into doing the types of modelling
they are not happy with. We trust you to know what your
limits are and to be able to tell me what they are
before any shoot. Communication and mutual respect are
the keys to any good working relationship.
A 'paid for' shoot with a full time photographer normally entails approximately 100 shots,
comprising 3-4 main images, in either colour or black
and white. We can pass on enquiries to one of our
contacts - their prices are available upon email request.
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