Get Your Foot in the Door

Aspiring models do not have it easy. There are auditions, runway classes, casting calls - and lots of criticism and rejections to top it off. But there are ways to be one step ahead of the rest. First, you have to do your research, whether it be on the agency or the production you are auditioning to be in, you cannot face a potential job with no knowledge of what its about. Secondly, you need a great portfolio. This doesn't mean you need a lot of money and experience, you just need to network and be prepared. Here are a few tips for creating the portfolio that will get you noticed:

1. Have a model composite card made, containing 5 of your best shots in various locations and outfits, with several different angles of your body being shown. Also make sure it has your full name and stats on it (age, weight, height, etc.)

3. Do NOT walk around with a disk or link to your online portfolio - even in the age of technology taking over the world, agencies and such still want to see what you look like on print, 'cause there's a big difference. Make sure your pictures are at least 8x10, and matte finish is best.

2. Put the money into a buying decent portfolio, which you can easily find at Staples or Micheal's. Preferably a black 11x14 or larger folder with clear page inserts for your pictures. Have your name on the cover or, if you have a composite card, put it in the first page.

4. Last but not least, make sure you find someone with a decent camera, or better yet experience doing portraits, to take your pictures. Depending on what you are applying for, they may expect more or less experience, and your pictures are the tell-tale of your experience - they cannot read minds. Make sure your photographer takes photos of you outside and inside, and some with a plain white backdrop (can be studio-style or simply a white wall). Make sure he/she knows that you need one of each of these shots: full body, torso, shoulders up, and 3/4 profile. For these basic shots, do not wear make-up and keep your clothing simple and flattering to your figure. Have your hair out of your face, and be all over camera-ready!

Here are a few examples of my latest portfolio shoot, which I did in my personal studio. I did not edit these or use any fancy lighting, just a camera and a flash. Use these as examples to get your own portfolio started.

 

Now that you've seen how easy it is to make a portfolio, get out there and do it! Photographers are always looking for models to to TFCD shoots (trade your time for a cd of the session) - its both free and great experience. Networking websites such as Model Mayhem bring industry people and models together, so join today and begin your career! (Now I sound like the Everest commercial haha) 

Good luck!

- Shelby xox