WHAT GOES INTO A GOOD MODELING PORTFOLIO
PART 1: HEADSHOTS FOR MODELING AGENCY SUBMISSION
THE MODEL'S HEADSHOT IS YOUR FIRST TICKET IN THE DOOR...
Your headshot is a crucial part of your portfolio; in fact, it’s the front page. You may not judge a book by its cover, but you will certainly be judged by your headshot! It's your ticket to get in the door to those key auditions and in front of agents and bookers.
So what makes one headshot stand out over another? Here are a few pro tips...
Specifically the expression that come through them. Your gaze, your look, your intense stare can create that instant attention grabbing connection immediately. Remember, a great smile and expression always comes from the EYES (aka, tyra bank's "Smize")
SAY IT WITH YOUR EYES
PRO TIP 1:
Headshots are from the chest up with good professional even lighting on the face. The right lighting will wash away blemishes and give a nice light glowy look to the skin.
PRO TIP 2:
Keep the background neutral, simple and blurred so the focus stays on your face. Busy backgrounds will distract from you being the focus.
I like 'Thunder Gray' over pure black as it gives a deep contrast without being too strong and overpowering.
KEEP IT CLEAN, SIMPLE BUT STUNNING
When you're submitting to an agency for the first time, they want simple clean headshots. Nothing dramatic. Most agencies will want your Polaroid shots as well (meaning no makeup or hair done).
Modeling agencies will want one full front facial shot. But that doesn't mean you have to be boring! Turn your body and shoulders to give more interest. When you pose to an angle from the light, you'll have more shadows and your headshot will have more drama and character due to the angles of the light hitting your face.
Choosing the right backdrop will make you stand out. For instance, if you have lighter skin and hair, choose a darker backdrop. It will make you stand out and POP more in your photo. AVOID busy backdrops as that will detract from you being the focus. Thunder gray is my favorite as black can be too stark and very strong.
A good way to get “fresh eyes” is to look away and then back into the lens right as your photographer takes the shot. When you move, it keeps you from holding the same stiff posed expressions. Look away, then back at the camera again.... and 'click' for a perfect natural looking shot.
This isn't glamour and rhinestone tiara pageant photos, it's modeling. Modeling agents and bookers will choose a headshot of a beautiful girl with less makeup than one with dramatic deep smokey eyes and heavy contouring. So keep your makeup light and natural. Keep your lip color neutral or lightly done. Bright or dark colors are great for fashion shoots, but modeling agencies want to see your natural features and skin tones. Avoid glittery or strong shimmery powders.
For business, personal or everyday headshots...
Remember, the stronger the lighting, the more translucent your foundation and makeup will appear. Bright lights can wash away wrinkles (yay) but it also washes away color. So if your foundation is very translucent, under bright photography lights your dark spots on your skin or blemishes may appear through slightly.
FACE FORWARD vs ANGLED SHOTS
Find more tips @InsideTheStyleStudio.com
BACKDROPS THAT MAKE YOU POP!
PRO TIP 3:
Just because this is a shot of only your face, it's important to move your whole body to 'feel' your pose and get into that deep expression that will draw out the drama in your headshot.
A good photographer will be able to help direct you in your posing and expression. They'll give you little tips and tricks to help you pull together a lot of diverse looks that are not just captivating but also distinctly, You!
POSING TIP: FOR NATURAL EXPRESSION
MAKE UP "LESS IS MORE"
Photos by: @InsideTheStyleStudio.com
with Monica Hahn Photography
OTHER BLOG TOPICS YOU MAY LIKE:
> What's in the MODELS BAG?
> What are MODEL POLAROIDS?
> What makes a good MODELING PORTFOLIO?
> Best OUTFITS to wear in a modeling portfolio shoot
Essentials every model should have in their bag for go-sees / modeling auditions
What are the specifications for a modeling polaroid? Things to know about model polaroid photos.
The must have elements in a modeling portfolio. The Do's and Don'ts of getting a good modeling portfolio together.
So many looks, styles and options.... find out what's right to bring to your modeling photo shoot.
MODELING
BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
WORKSHOPS & LEARNING
Learn the industry, its terminology, advance your posing with simple techniques. Learn the Do's & Don'ts to get started right!
Sometimes seeing is believing, and these before and after transformations will leave you inspired!
Ready to get started on your modeling career? Take a look at what our modeling portfolios looks like, then let's get started shooting...click,click, click!
MODELING
PORTFOLIOS
