How to Get a Modeling Portfolio Started

It can be stressful trying to get together a good portfolio but all it takes is some patience and research. I personally got started by signing up on some modeling websites to find photographers in my area so that I could start to build my portfolio. I would recommend modelmayhem.com or onemodelplace.com. Both are free to sign up and you can pay a small fee to upgrade and have more access. You can still look up photographers in your area though when it is free.

Finding a Photographer- On either of the sites I mentioned above you can go do a search for a photographer, just enter your state and zip code. Make sure when you are doing your research for photographers you look at all the pictures they have posted. Some will put their best picture as their main photo and the rest are not that great. Read through everything they have to say about themselves. You want to know how long they have been doing this and how much they charge.

Rates- Some photographers will do TFP (Time For Print)/TFCD (Time For a CD) which means it is for free. They will use your pictures for their portfolio and give you copies to the images so you can use them for your portfolio as well. If you like a specific photographer but they don't offer TFP send them an email letting them know you would like to work with them and you would like to know their rates. Some will offer a great package deal and some even include having a make-up artist or hair stylist there to help you.

Type of Photos- Look through magazines to get an idea of what type of pictures you would like. Also figure out what type of modeling you are comfortable with such as glamour, swim suit, implied etc.

Variety- You don't want 10 pictures of the same outfit just different poses. It's ok to have some black and white pictures. Have a mix of headshots and full body length shots so you can show your entire beauty! Practice facial expressions in the mirror before your shoot, you also don't want the same face in all of your pictures. Like Tyra Banks is famous for saying, "Smile with your eyes."

Having fun is key. Bring music if that's ok with the photographer. Try new poses even if they feel weird because it just might turn out to be the best one! Follow the directions the photographer is giving and work it!!!