What is A Professional Portfolio?

A professional model portfolio is an edit of photos displayed in either a printed book or in an online format, which is usually described as an eFolio.

Many models choose to create a model portfolio to showcase their work and experience to a potential client. It is a quick and easy way to demonstrate your abilities and therefore, is required to showcase your versatility and be designed in a professional way.

Creating the perfect portfolio takes dedication and commitment as an amateur version will earn you a bad reputation. Follow these important steps to ensure that your edit of work is presented in a professional way and to build an amazing portfolio. Remember brands like Dior, French Connection and Diesel will all look at a models portfolio to cast talent.

How to Build a Modelling Portfolio

• Decide on the niche that you wish to model for.
• Organise a portfolio shoot to have your photographs taken.
• Work with a professional make up artist, hair stylist and photographer to achieve the best results.
• Decide whether you would prefer to create a portfolio book or an online website or both.
• Think carefully about the layout and presentation of the portfolio images.
• Keep your modeling portfolio relevant and up to date.
• Include your statistics and contact details in an obvious position.

Your Niche

The modelling industry is a large, diverse world with many different niches to consider. With high fashion, commercial, fitness, plus size and petite modelling all requiring different looks it’s important that you choose which you fit into. Therefore, make sure you target the area that you wish to work in.

Be realistic and aim your portfolio at this specific niche with images that showcase your talent. Present your unique style and how you are the new face they have been looking for.

Take Professional Photographs

So, the next step is to hire a professional photographer or gather high quality images from photoshoots that you have attended. It is extremely important that the shots are to an excellent standard as amateur photographs will not suffice.

Hiring a professional fashion photographer may cost yet it is worth spending the money as the images are significant to igniting and sustaining a successful modelling career. Do not simply add all the images that you have, be selective in choosing the best images that represent you well.

A clear, concise portfolio will be received well by model agencies so avoid filling it with unnecessary shots. It is a difficult task to do the editing and, therefore, may take a while returning to the fashion shots repeatedly with fresh eyes.

Model Portfolio Packages

There are numerous companies, like us, who specialise in model portfolio shoots. But, why choose us? With our professionalism and vast experience in the industry, we can guarantee exceptional quality and high standards every time.

We invite successful candidates to our London studio for a  professional photo session. Fashion models have plenty of time to plan their journey to the capital, booking a overnight stay if necessary. It’s a great time to explore the city as you may end up relocating to London for modelling work.

On the day, aspiring models are able to practice their poses, have their hair and make-up done and try out different looks with numerous outfit changes. After the photoshoot, models can choose their package with the option of printed or digital images. You will leave with a high quality, professional portfolio to help start your career.

UK Models has years of modelling experience and can help new faces begin their journey in the industry. Register today to build your model portfolio.

Think About the Layout

The next step is choosing the layout of your portfolio to ensure that each page appears well thought out, clean and professional. Do not load each page with too many images, borders or words, let each photograph speak for itself.

The layout should allow for your evidence of work to flow naturally without conflicting evidence or clashing colours. Group shots together that work well and arrange in an orderly way.

Presentation is key and a considered portfolio will certainly impress a future employer or agency. Test out different layouts to ensure that you have exhausted all ideas choosing the best one.

For printed portfolios carefully choose a book or folder that is of high quality. Plastic inserts allowing for you to change the layout at any given time. Sometimes portfolios may need to be altered to appeal to a specific audience as a relevant body of work is key to your success.

Include Your Statistics

It is important to include your statistics and contact details somewhere in your portfolio for clients to view easily. Some models prefer to dedicate a whole page whereas others fit it in beside an image. Either way the details are required to be precise, clear and readable.

Also, choose a stylish font that is legible and ensure that you type the information correctly. A missing digit or wrong letter could result in you missing out on an opportunity.

Finally, do not rush this process or embellish on the truth. You will be found out upon meeting with a client or agent. Include your contact details such as your name, email address, work phone number and social media platforms.

Also, type your measurements such as your height, waist measurement and chest size. You may want to include a bit about yourself and experience to date. Keep it brief and straight to the point. Again, do not lie or over exaggerate in any circumstances.

The Next Step

Once your portfolio is ready to go, it’s time to approach modelling agencies or employers. It all depends on the route that you wish to go down. A freelance model will more than likely approach clients directly whereas those hoping to be signed by an agency will fill out applications.

Take great care to look into what they want from aspiring models as some would like body shots initially. You could arrange to have these taken when organising your photoshoot. Upon meeting with the agency you can bring your portfolio in the hope to impress.

Once you start working in the industry you will build up a collection of images that you can add to your portfolio. Keeping it fresh, relevant and varied as the years progress, is essential even for established models. The fashion industry changes constantly at a face pace, it is vital that you work at the same speed.