Everything You Should Know About Professional Modelling Portfolios

There aren’t many tools that a model requires to enter the industry, but a professional modelling portfolio is certainly one of them. 

Read on to find out why portfolios are so important, and how to create one.

What is a Modelling Portfolio?

A modelling portfolio is a model’s resume. It highlights your modelling experience and accomplishments, as well as showing off your professional development.

A portfolio is taken to casting calls, go-sees and all auditions for potential work to show prospective employers what you look like behind the camera. It also helps them to decide whether you may have the range and talent they desire. Most importantly, it allows them to evaluate whether you would be the right fit for their brand and campaign. It’s therefore vital your portfolio showcases the very best of your modelling experience. 

Your portfolio should also contain your modelling information including your measurements, contact details and dress/shoe sizes. 

I’m an Aspiring Model – Should I Have a Modelling Portfolio?

Absolutely. All models, no matter how experienced, should have a portfolio. Many have online portfolios too to help save time by sending it to potential employers around the world. Regardless of whether or not you have an online presence, you should always have a physical portfolio that you can take with you when meeting people. Your Instagram account does not count as a portfolio.

When you are first starting out, you may find it difficult to find enough photos to include in your portfolio. That is why many aspiring models book in for a photo shoot.

What Does a Portfolio Look Like?

A modelling portfolio is usually around A4 in size and contains up to 20 pictures. It’s normally a black folder containing sleeves that you can slide your photos into. 

Your modelling photos should be printed off professionally so they are of the highest quality. Don’t try to print them off at home onto normal paper – it won’t look good enough and you will lose valuable quality from the photos. 

What Photos Should I Include in My Modelling Portfolio?

Think of your portfolio as your work CV and cover letter rolled into one – it’s showing potential employers your qualifications, achievements, experience and work samples. You should include only your absolute best photos. As you become more experienced at modelling, you will have more photos to choose from, but it’s vital that you only include the best of the best. Don’t waste valuable portfolio space filling it with substandard images. 

Your photos should reflect the specific niche of modelling you wish to enter into. For example, if you want to work in high-fashion, your photos should reflect this and be editorial. If you want to be a fitness model, you should make sure your images reflect what the fitness industry is after. 

Your photos should also be diverse to show your scope. Include natural headshots so they can see your natural beauty, as well as full-length body shots so they can see your physique. 

What Information Should I Include in My Portfolio?

Your portfolio should include the following information:

– Your name

– Your age

– Your agency and their contact information (or your personal contact information if you don’t have an agency)

• Your height

– Your UK dress size

– Your UK shoe size

– Your measurements including your bust (or shoulders if you’re a man), waist, and hip measurements. It’s important you are as accurate as possible with these; lies will be caught out quickly and you may even lose work because of it. Check your measurements every few months as they can change (and update your portfolio accordingly). 

What the below video to find out how to take your modelling measurements:

How Do I Get a Modelling Portfolio?

You can order a modelling portfolio from an experienced photography studio. This way, you can create the highest-quality portfolio that will help you look professional, especially when compared to your competition. You shouldn’t try to cheap out of having a good quality portfolio as it’s such an important tool for all models. Models don’t have to invest in much to pursue their careers, unlike some other industries; you may as well save some money and invest in the best portfolio you can purchase.

How Much is a Modelling Portfolio?

The price of a modelling portfolio ranges hugely depending on where you get it from. If you already have photos, you will only need to pay for the photos to be printed off. 

However, if you’re a complete modelling novice, you will need to think about booking in for a professional photo shoot. These can cost upwards of £50. The photos will also need to be purchased. Most studios have photo packages to make things cheaper.

Phone quality photos just won’t be high-quality enough for a portfolio. You’ll need some proper photos taken with a good camera. A professional photographer will be able to make the absolute most out of your looks because they will understand lighting, body positioning and other essential things that make a photo look great. If you want to look your best in your photos, seriously consider booking in with a professional studio. Remember – the better your photos, the more likely it is that you will be hired for future modelling jobs.

Where Can I Book?

Here at The Model Builders, we have over 15+ years of experience in the modelling industry. Not only can we provide support and advice, but we can book you into a professional photo shoot where you can gain vital experience in front of the camera. We’ll also give you the opportunity to purchase your favourite photos – perfect for your portfolio. 

Register with us today and we can help discuss your suitability for the world of modelling. Simply upload a photo and we’ll be in contact within a couple of working days.