What Images should be in a new or aspiring model's portfolio?
1. Close-up head shot, such as used in magazine covers, makeup ads or sales material. These photos are very closely cropped showing the face to the best advantage and in full light. They are meant to be very glamorous and sensual. A limited type of prop may be used such as a flower of jewelry artifact. The ones that have bare shoulders are often the most striking as there is little to compete with the face in the image.
2. Full length shots. This is to give the viewer an idea of your body type. This pose should show your figure to its best advantage. Look at ads for jeans, or evening gowns to get an idea. This can be jeans and tee shirt type of shot or something clingy.
3. Formal or Evening wear. Dress to the nines with the best outfit you own or can borrow. Often you will see the formal wear juxtaposed with the “girl next door” jeans and t-shirt shot in a portfolio. These on facing pages can be quite a contrast.
4. Full range photos. This is usually a mixed bag of photos of whatever you and the photographer can imagine. The idea is to look like several different people. Using several clothes changes and striking backgrounds can really illustrate who you are.
if you are 18 and older...
5. Swimsuit shot. If you have both the body and a skilled enough photographer you can produce a really good shot. If your body is really good, you can go for a bikini, but for the most part, a one-piece maillot tends to help most body types.
6. Specialty shots, such as lingerie or boudoir. The same rules apply as for the swimsuit shot. It is odd though: a girl can go to the beach or pose in the tiniest of bikinis, but will not pose in the less revealing lingerie. Make certain that the lingerie fits properly and is not binding.
7. Artful Nude. There is nothing wrong with including a tasteful or artful nude. To get an idea of a ”tasteful nude”, take a look at the ones you see in Cosmopolitan and others for bath oils, fragrances and specialty products. Nudity and semi-nudity are becoming very common. You can watch some of the fashion shows and see semi-nudity on the show runways.
While you don't need nude images in your portfolio, if you have a good rapport with your photographer, at least try some shots. However, do not do nude work if the photographer makes you uneasy or is not accompanied by an assistant of your same sex! You can also bring someone with you if you think that would help you feel more comfortable.
No matter what, if you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian MUST be with you at all times during the session.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
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