Building a model portfolio is an exciting activity when aspiring to be a model. It does take a little bit of decision-making, commitment, and research. 

If you are a seasoned model looking to update your model portfolio is just as exciting, and maybe less work in that you only need to fill in the gaps of what your book is missing unless you want a full refresher altogether.

BUILDING YOUR MODEL PORTFOLIO

When building your model portfolio is important to keep in mind a few things:

• the type of model you want to be (commercial, fashion, beauty, hands, etc.)
• finding photographers with expertise in model portfolio building or with models in general.  
• type of market you are interested in: fashion, fitness, etc.
• City where you want to model

Sometimes models belong to different agencies in different markets so they have multiple portfolios strategically put together for those markets.  

Contrary to a common belief, a model portfolio is not really a collection of high-production photo shoots.  It is much more stripped down than say, an editorial photo shoot, which tends to be more conceptualized and elaborate. 

Characteristics of a Model Portfolio

The purpose of a model portfolio or book is to showcase the model as a canvas. In other words, you want to look through the portfolio, and get a pretty good idea of who you are as a model, how you can pose, your angles, and the capabilities and potential you have.  

• A model portfolio has no story or theme, it's all about you.
• The clothing is relatively simple. 
• The light is usually natural light or a single light source.
• The hair and makeup are pretty natural and simple as well.  

So, the golden rule is that the images in your portfolio need to look like YOU. 

IMAGES THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR MODEL PORTFOLIO

In today's world, the majority of agencies want digitals and some also ask for a short video about yourself.  In terms of digital, here is a list of the 5 basic shots that you need:

• The front of book or comp card shot (beauty shot)
• A profile shot, 45º angle
• A ¾ body posing, nothing dramatic
• A full-body shot
• A smile shot

Type of shots to include:

• Beauty shots
• Energy shots - ability to pose
• Full length showing movement and energy 
• Editorial vibes - moody, natural

The purpose of the images:

• Show who you are
• Deliver versatility

A strong book is not packed with photos but rather with fewer pictures and more diversity. 

Your photographer should start with clean shots of you keeping in mind that this is not the time to go all out crazy with extravagant hair and makeup. 

However, once you have done all the required shots with your photographer, you can play around, and build more elaborated, conceptualized, stylized and creative photos.  

The Front of Book or Comp Card Shot

These are glorified headshots of the model with simple hair, loose and low ponytail, and minimal makeup ("no-makeup makeup" as they call it). The lighting is simple and it is all about the model connecting with the camera.  

Your front of book or comp card shot is an image that is really strong and entices a potential client to click and look further at that model's portfolio online. 

A comp card (or composite card) acts as the business card of the model and needs to contain his/her profile information:

• height
• body measurements (chest/bust, hips, and waist)
• shoe size
• eye color
• hair color

The comp card also features other 4-5 basic images of the model that are often called digitals or polaroids.  These images help in a couple of ways:

• in casting
• in a photoshoot during the creative process. For example, makeup and hairstylists will use these digitals to see your face shape, hair, and complexion, and help in the conceptualization of the project with the photographer and art direction.

These images should always be updated to reflect your current appearance.