Building a modeling portfolio from scratch can be overwhelming. If you scan through any online advice pages, then you’ll be bombarded with endless lists that demand dozens of shots, maybe from professional photographers, and just maybe, you unloading loads of cash. However, the truth is that you just need exactly five photos to get noticed by professional modeling agencies and their clients.
These are the shots that true professionals will likely actually review when they’re looking for new modeling talent. This is a targeted list, not an arbitrary list of types of photos, because modeling agencies continually get swamped with thousands of photos every week. Also, the decision makers at these modeling agencies will likely make up their minds about you and your modeling potential very quickly. Your starter portfolio of modeling photos should make every single one of these actual 5 images count.
A Proper Headshot
Your headshot is like your modeling calling card or business card. It’s a photo that tightly frames your face from the shoulders up and it shows your face clearly. Think minimal makeup, simple styling, and have a neutral expression on your face. A bit of natural light near a window, shining on you, will work well.
Research at Princeton University found that people will often form an opinion of a stranger from their face within just a tenth of a second. And, that longer shots do not make a massive difference in their judgment. So, your headshot will answer that first question on everybody’s mind: “what does this person actually look like?”
A Full-Length Standing Shot
The second photo you need is going to give casting directors a good look at your body proportions and your posture. Put on some clothes that fit well and stand in front of the camera in your normal state. Don’t make a big fuss about this one. And, don’t go stiff. Just be natural. Just be yourself. This is what they likely want.
A Three-Quarter Profile Shot
Third, take a photo from about a 45-degree angle and snap it in any available space. It doesn’t really matter where. This will give you a really nice side view of your facial features and also show what the light does to them. It’ll look pretty sweet and your viewers will get to see you from an entirely new angle. Plus, it’ll show them that you look pretty great from any side. And, this can be a real plus when you’re trying to get hired for either video or print work.
Capturing Action – a Movement or Action Shot
Next, grab a photo of yourself doing something, anything. Do not worry about being overly dramatic. Just take a simple step, wave your hand, or take a walk while doing something and see what happens. The goal is to show the camera folks that you’re comfortable in front of the lens and you’re not trying to be anyone other than yourself. Also, for a lot of commercial work or lifestyle work, this is exactly what they are looking for.
Bring Personality to Life – a Personality Shot
Last but not least, get a shot that tells them a bit more about who you are beyond what you look like. You can give a smile, relax into a pose that feels natural to you, something like that. Let it all come together. Don’t put too much thought into it. Just be yourself and let your personality shine through. Trust us, if you can pull this off, then you’ll come across as honest and genuine. That’s exactly what they’re looking for in this photo.
What things you can stop worrying about for now
Skip the over-the-top themed shoots, the heavy makeup, and the elaborate styling, at least for now. These five simple images will give everyone you need to impress exactly what they need to know about you. The rest will come later. That’s when the agencies and clients who sign you start sending you out on your photo shoots. And honestly, it’s better this way. Sticking to the basics and you show them that you’re actually a professional, not some amateur just throwing up loads of random photos together.
Getting These Shots Is Easier Than You Think
You don’t need to break the bank to get a good set of photos. A friend with a halfway decent phone and a bit of natural light will do the trick. Just make sure your focus is sharp and the lighting is even. The goal here is to show them you’ve got potential, and that you’ve put in the effort to look good. And when you start getting booked or signing up with a rep then you can splurge on a pro shoot.
These five photos give you everything you need to get your foot in the door with agencies, get some basic social media going and make a decent comp card. Master the basics first, then you can start to get creative.
