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As an aspiring Model, you require a wonderful modeling Portfolio to boost your career. It is your chance to make a great first impression on agencies and clients.

It is crucial for you to put in the work to get all aspects of your Modeling Portfolio right. It is not only about shooting your portfolio, there is a lot more planning that goes into creating a great portfolio.

Here we will discuss step-by-step guide for models that explains how to create a killer modeling portfolio for yourself.

Focus on the type of model you want to be

While pursuing your desire to become a popular model, you also require to be realistic and conscious of the stereotypes that are a part of the modeling industry. In most situations, your body style would explain the kind of assignments you get, as most clients have a pre-conceived notion of what they feel fits their brief. For example, it is harder for shorter or petite models to break into fashion modeling. While these stereotypes are continuously being broken and you undoubtedly can break them on your way, it helps to be sensible and honest about your solid points. This would increase your chances of achieving success and reduce setbacks and rejections.

So, it is important that you put your focus on the type of model that you want to be and the photos that you need to take for that. For example: a high-fashion model would concentrate on taking the high-fashion images while a freelancer would concentrate more on getting the varied photographs.

Arrange a professional photoshoot

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Your photos are the stars of the show on your modeling portfolio. Make sure to truly show off your skills by investing enough time and effort into a professional photoshoot.

If you have signed up with a modeling agency, in most cases, they would offer you to get your shoot organized for you with a pre-approved photographer and charge you for it. Possibilities are that the photographer that they would use would maybe not be the best skilled photographer that you would want to trust with your model portfolio. Reality is, you should ideally not even be contacting modeling agencies before you have a appropriately done portfolio in place.

Once you have found your photographer and arranged a time, make sure to come prepared on the actual day of the photoshoot. This means everything from choosing the right outfits, to practicing your poses and getting your hair and makeup done - preferably by a professional. Remember to sync with your photographer and prepare a shot list beforehand. This will help everything run as smoothly as possible on the day.

Show your versatility

While it is best to be associated with a particular modeling type, when it comes to style and shooting angles, try to present your full range of abilities. Potential employers and scouts want to see versatility and flexibility in models. This is especially true if you are just starting out and don’t yet have a strong signature style.

Demonstrate to prospective employers that you can work in different types of productions by including a mix of images in your online modeling portfolio. This means photos that vary in style and artistic vision, as well as shots that show off different angles and takes on your features.

Hiring a professional hair and make-up artist

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Though not a must, but its suggested to get a professional hair and make-up artist for your portfolio shoot. A specialist can add a lot of value to your portfolio images and make you look even nicer with the right styling of your hair and make-up. Keep in mind, your model portfolio is your huge step forward and its finest to get it right the first time. Your photographer should be able to suggest a wonderful make-up artist (any good photographer should be able to make great references on this). Again, have a look at the make-up artist’s portfolio website to get a sense of their style. Always do have a backup plan (carry your own makeup or enlist the help of a friend) in case your make-up artist fails to show up.

Getting the photo shoot right

A photo shoot of any model has been just not about the person, but the surroundings as well. You need to have the perfect locations for the shoots that you want. Go with the photographers to finalize the locations where you want to click the pictures.

Also, make sure that you have a well-equipped studio for the shoot. The last thing you need is some missing crucial gear for professional photography: DSLR cameras and Tripods. Make sure that you investigate every single detail on your own. Not just that, but you also need to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep before you go to the photoshoot. Remember, even a tiny hint of nerves shows through in the final images.

Choosing the perfect images for your model portfolio

After your photo shoot, it is time to get down to the process of choosing the right images for your modeling portfolio. Balance your choices and focus on getting both versatility and quality. Do not end up choosing multiple images in the same pose or wardrobe. Make sure you select headshots with and without you smiling, full-length shots and 3/4 length shots.

Your portfolio should have between 10-20 images – make sure you pick absolutely the best of the best images that cover all your facets. Do discuss your selection with your photographers and take her advice, but remember that finally, it is your selection. All your portfolio shots should be high-quality, stunning, and stand-out images that make a great first impression.

Create your online modeling portfolio website

Print portfolios are great for face to face meetings, but you cannot be present everywhere. Possibilities are that most agencies and clients will end up noticing your portfolio online. This is where your portfolio website comes in. Make sure that you select the right platform your portfolio website that allows you attain the exceptional style that best represents your personality. Your modeling portfolio website requires to be not just astonishing but functional as well.

Start marketing yourself

Now, it should be your biggest priority to get your modelling portfolio in front of the right agencies and clients. It's much easier with an online modeling portfolio website – wherein you can share the link to your portfolio website with anyone. You also need to start using social media – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook to get spotted. Also, build your profile on websites such as Model Mayhem, Fashion Model Directory, One Model Place – these can also find you the right experience.