A model’s book/portfolio should typically have between
twelve and twenty photographs. This should be enough to show versatility. Don’t
include so many that a potential client will lose interest. A portfolio should
be structured in such a way that it shows all of your strongest attributes (legs,
hands, swimwear figure, beauty, etc.). It is better to have a few photographs that
really show off yourself than to weaken the overall quality of the portfolio
with not-so-good pictures. If you include only the strongest images, you’ll
leave viewers with the impression that every time you are shot, you have great
photos.
Cover and closing shots
Opening or cover photograph should be YOUR BEST SHOT or the
one you want the client to remember. If one photo doesn’t seem to dominate,
then use your finest head shot. At the closing of the portfolio, use the second
dominating photo, or one that is similar to the shot you selected for the cover.
Arranging the Interior Images
The best way to arrange the interior images of the portfolio
is to take all of the photographs out of the book and lay them on the table.
Then, begin grouping them and arranging them into patterns that seem to flow
naturally from one photo to the next.
Grouping
When you group similar images together, the viewer’s eyes
will scan for the differences—for example, a different facial expression. Remember
that images don’t have to be from the same shoot to work well together. The
photographs could have other qualities that link them, such as a similar theme,
background, or color.
Stuffing
If you separate photos from the same shoot, it will look like
you are “stuffing” your book. The viewer will feel disturbed, thinking he has
seen this image before. The only time it is appropriate to separate similar
images is if you are using one for the front page and one for the closing page.
In this case, the separation lets viewers know that they have reached the end
of the portfolio. It also reminds them of the opening image and encourages them
to review the images they have just seen.
Blank Pages
If you place two unrelated images next to each other, they
may compete and cause the viewer to lose sight of each individual image and
just notice an unbalanced feeling. If you don’t have two images that seem to
flow well together, then leave one page blank. The blank page will force the
viewer to really look at the single image.
Variety
A model should show the work of several photographers in his/her
portfolio; each photographer has his or her own style and can add variety to
the book. Also, a model’s portfolio is never finished. You should always be
adding and subtracting photos as styles and seasons change. If your career
takes off, you will someday replace all the photos in your book with work from
paid jobs (called “tear sheets”).
Show your portfolio as often as possible
I
have written this in my earlier blog and I apologize if I am repeating myself,
but its necessary information for new readers.
Everybody
is using Facebook these days and every model has an on-line portfolio uploaded
on it. Many of them have a nice website. Some prefer sending portfolios in
emails. But I still think it’s important to have a print portfolio. (Or if you
can afford a device like iPhone/iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab/Note it would do
great too) So whenever you meet someone you’ll always have it ready. People
usually don’t have time to go through your website sometime later. If you find
a potential client show him your portfolio right away.
Every time you visit an agency or meet someone, you should
be showing your portfolio. You also need to accept criticism. You’re going to
have to develop thick skin. But seriously, show it to anybody that will look at
it, viz. photographers, other models, bookers, choreographers, editors, etc.
Always take the critique and don’t take it personally.
Thanks for reading,
