Red Chair Photography specializing in Model Portfolios, Fashion, Glamour, Beauty, Swimsuit, Fine Art, Headshots, Commercial, Boudoir, Couples, Nude, Erotic Art, Portrait, Sexy, Edgy, Professional and Other Photography Services based in Chicago, Lake County, Illinois

Model Portfolio.

What is a Professional Model Portfolio?

A modeling portfolio is a collection of photographs, tear sheets, and other print material that serves as the first impression for agencies and clients searching for models. This collection of modeling photos have to be the best images produced with high quality by a professional photography studio working with an experienced photographer that highlight the very best features of a model.

An outstanding model portfolio is composed of images that get a model noticed. Such a portfolio is a model’s strongest marketing tool. There should be a range of images contained in a great portfolio book, but always focus on the main look and style.

Choosing the Right Photographer for Model Portfolio

A model should never choose a photographer based on price. Just because a photographer is willing to shoot a model for close to free it does not make them a great photographer. Great photographers know the cost of their labor and will price themselves accordingly. On the other hand just because a photographer is expensive does not automatically make them a great photographer. A great photographer aims to capture images that have a lasting impression.

First Step to Building a Model Portfolio

Contacting Red Chair Photography should be the first step in building a professional model portfolio. This is an important step as it will allow a model to gain understanding of the overall goal and process. It will also allow our professional photographer to gather information about how a model wants to be captured, types of modeling and markets of interest. Since every model wants a killer portfolio to present to agencies and clients, the more informed about the techniques and options – the more comfortable a model feels about her choice. Our professional model photographer understands the requirements of what is needed to create a model portfolio that is unique to each model. A model should always choose a photographer that makes her look her best.

Since such a portfolio has a major impact on the career of a model, this first step is important to establish the goal so that a model should know what is going to be included in a shoot. During this step a model should explain to the photographer what she wants to accomplish out of this photo session. A model should also explain in detail her look that needs to capture during the shoot. Thus allowing for a mutual understanding of a plan for the shoot.

Model Portfolio Options

There are many options for a successful model portfolio, but first a model needs to decide on the type of modeling she wants to pursue. A model is more successful when she concentrates on a few certain specialties of modeling. There are many specialties in modeling including commercial model, fashion model, fitness model, swimsuit model, runway model, swimsuit model, lingerie model, artistic model, nude model and other kind of modeling. Once a model defines the type of work she wants to pursue, the portfolio should be created to maximize that look.

A model portfolio allows a model to create their own look through images. Images included in a model’s portfolio should reflect specific looks and styles a model is experienced in capturing. It should include a finite number of images emphasizing the specific type of modeling to capture the attention of modeling agencies and clients. The goal is to show potential clients and agencies that a model has what it takes to get her hired.

The basic formula for the images that should be included in a top notch portfolio is that it should be an attention grabber. The images should be of top quality between six to twelve photos ranging from headshot, ¾ shot, full body shot, front, side, back, and a range of looks. Mixing in color and black and white adds a nice touch to the overall image. A model should only use images that shows their best.

Model Portfolio Photo Shoot

A model who is relaxed during a model photo session tends to create better images. Our professional model photographer takes time to make sure a model feels her best from the time she walks into a studio. A professional make up artist will allow a model to present different looks and styles through creative make-up ideas. The make-up should match a models skin tone and help in bringing out the best features. Depending on the look a model is going for, whether it is fashion, glamour, artistic, or commercial our studio will work with a model, from beginner to experienced to create unique and individual look for a model portfolio making it stand out from the crowd and complementing the overall look.

Model Portfolio Books and Prints

The size of photographs included in a model portfolio books usually is specific to market. Generally, the sizes are 8" x 10", 8½" x 11", 9" x 12", and 11"x14". In Chicago the most popular sizes are 8" x 10" and 8.5" x 10". Nevertheless, a portfolio books that can fit tear sheets should be the perfect size.

The overall number of prints depends on model’s experience. However, quality counts far more than quantity. If a model includes a small set of photos showcasing how beautiful she looks there is no need to dilute that presentation with more photos. Since the purpose of a modeling portfolio is showcase a model’s ability to portray different looks, age ranges and style, including 6 to 12 photos should be enough to present to agencies and clients. And a model should not forget to include some black and white photos in addition to color.