As an aspiring model, you need an amazing model portfolio to kickstart your career. It’s your chance to make a great first impression on agencies and clients.
You must try to get all aspects of your modeling portfolio right. It’s not only about shooting your portfolio. A lot more planning goes into creating a great portfolio.
Your modeling portfolio is key to your success. It highlights your talent, versatility, and style.
Making a great portfolio can help you land your dream job. This guide will take you through how to create a modeling portfolio that stands out.
Table of Contents
- How to Create a Modeling Portfolio: Step-by-Step Process
- Focus On the Type of Model You Want to Be
- Hire the Right Photographer For Your Modeling Portfolio
- Learn and Practice the Best Model Poses
- Decide the Type of Model Photos You Need
- Hire a Professional Hair and Make-up Artist
- Get the Model Photoshoot Done Right
- Create a Mood Board
- Choose the Perfect Images for Your Model Portfolio
- Get a Printed Modeling Portfolio Book
- Create Your Online Modeling Portfolio Website
- Curate a Cohesive Style and Theme
- Craft a Professional Layout
- Keep Your Modeling Portfolio Up-to-Date
- Promote Your Modeling Portfolio
- Tips to Optimize Your Modeling Portfolio For Digital
- Checklist to Create a Modeling Portfolio Website
- Why a Well-Organized Modeling Portfolio Matters
- Modeling Portfolio Online vs. Print: Which is Better?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- What’s included in the package you are being offered?
- How many photos would you get?
- What are the rates, and enquire if there are any extras?
- Will you be receiving photo prints and/or all digital images?
How to Create a Modeling Portfolio: Step-by-Step Process
Ready to create your modeling portfolio? If you’re new to this highly competitive league, the first thing you must do is create a modeling portfolio. This means directing your own photoshoot.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for models that explains how to create a killer modeling portfolio for yourself.
Focus On the Type of Model You Want to Be
While pursuing your passion for becoming a successful model, you also need to be realistic and aware of the stereotypes that are a part of the modeling industry.
In most cases, your body type would define the kind of assignments you get, as most clients have a preconceived notion of what they feel fits their brief.
For example, it's harder for shorter or petite models to break into fashion modeling. While these stereotypes are constantly being broken, and you certainly can break them on your way, it helps to be realistic and honest about your strong points.
This would increase your chances of achieving success and reduce setbacks and rejections.
Making an informed decision about the type of modeling you want to pursue would bring clarity and focus on how you want to shape your modeling portfolio.
For example, as a freelance model, you would need a lot of variations in your portfolio photo shoot, but as a high-fashion model, you would need to focus on high-fashion images.
The good news is that there are many choices you can pick from on what kind of model you want to be.
Hire the Right Photographer For Your Modeling Portfolio
If you have signed up with a modeling agency, in most cases, they will offer to organise your shoot with a pre-approved photographer and charge you for it.
Chances are that the photographer they would use would probably not be the best professional photographer in your niche that you would want to trust with your model portfolio book.
You should ideally not even contact modeling agencies before you have a properly done, well-rounded portfolio in place.
How about choosing one of your friends to shoot your portfolio? Again, the answer is NO. Avoid going with the first or the most convenient option that presents itself.
Also, if you choose your friend just because you are comfortable getting shot by a friend, think twice about becoming a model.
As a professional model, you would need the confidence to take on assignments and work with new people daily. It’s time to start honing those skills.
Do your own research, for starters, look at photographers who live close to your geographical location.
Modeling agency Instagram pages are also a great place to look for photographers who models in your niche usually work with.
Make a list of these photographers as they most likely will be the perfect choice to take your modeling career to the next level. Once you have narrowed down your list, you can then approach them through Instagram DM or email.
The next step is to look into the finer details and ask them the following question:
- Signature Aesthetic: Decide on the look you want, like clean and simple, bold, or something else.
- Portfolio Branding: Use the same colors, fonts, and designs that fit your brand.
- Portfolio Curation: Pick and arrange your best shots for a smooth and themed look.
- Portfolio Organization: Organize your portfolio to show off your best skills and variety.
- Use a consistent and balanced color palette.
- Add plenty of white space for balance and clarity.
- Choose a clear and logical portfolio layout that guides the viewer's eye.
- Make sure sections flow smoothly, and your portfolio presentation is cohesive.
- Review your portfolio often to spot outdated images that don't show your current look or skills.
- Add new, high-quality photos to your portfolio that highlight your latest work or changes in your look or style.
- Pick your best work for your portfolio. Remove any photos that don't fit your brand identity.
- Get advice from professionals like photographers, models, or casting directors to improve your portfolio content.
- Compress your image files without losing quality.
- Use fewer high-resolution images.
- Make your code smaller to speed up your online portfolio design.
- Think about using a content delivery network (CDN) to spread out your portfolio files.
- Editorial-style shots that show your skill with high-fashion and artistic direction.
- Commercial images that show your talent for product-focused modeling.
- Dramatic, emotive portraits that show your range of expressions and mood.
- Action-oriented shots that capture your dynamic movement and modeling skills.
- A portfolio website that works well on mobile devices.
- Has a minimal, clean, and modern design that focuses on showcasing your portfolio in the best way possible.
Loads fast and is clutter-free. - Showcases your images in beautiful grids for a quick overview, but also enables viewers to enlarge images for a closer look.
- Include a stats page, as agencies and clients would need that information.
- Include an “About Me” page and tell about yourself, who you are as a person, your achievements, and your story.
- If you have videos and commercials, do include them on your website.
- Have clear contact information, making it easy for people to reach you.
- Connect with your social media account and start a blog as well – tell behind-the-scenes stories, and show off your character and who you are as a person.
Remember, choose a photographer whose area of expertise and style match your vision and style.
For example, if you want to become a freelance model, then a commercial advertising photographer may be your best bet, as that’s the kind of work you would be doing the most.
Study portfolios of top models in your modeling niche, ask for referrals, and take your time finding the right photographer.
It doesn’t matter whether you get your photoshoot done by multiple photographers – it can save you money and time by choosing the right photographer who can deliver on your vision.
Learn and Practice the Best Model Poses
Posing as a model in front of a camera is an art unto itself. The objective may seem simple, but it's more complicated than you may realize.
In model photography, you must translate a three-dimensional object, your body, into the two-dimensional space of a flat image. Photography poses have to be learned, which improves with practice and study.
Put together an inspiration board with tear sheets of the best model poses that you love.
You can either practice in the mirror or ask a close friend or family member to click pictures of you posing, which you can then assess and make changes.
Here is an article on the best model poses with awesome tips for a great portfolio for modeling.
Decide the Type of Model Photos You Need
It’s important to know the kind of images you want from your model portfolio shoot beforehand.
Lay down the specifics of photos that you need for a well-balanced portfolio for the types of modeling you are best suited for. Make sure that you get great portraits, close-ups, and full-body shots as well.
Plan your wardrobe changes to show your versatility (swimsuits for great body shots and an evening dress for those advertising clients).
Convey your brief clearly to the photographer and discuss things in detail so that both of you are on the same page regarding what needs to be achieved from the photoshoot.
In your discussions with your photographers, decide on the poses, the wardrobe items, the locations, the looks, themes, and concepts for the photo shoot.
A clear understanding goes a long way in achieving the results that you want from the photoshoot and insures against any mistakes or unwanted surprises.
For tips and inspiration on planning your images, take a look at some stunning model portfolio examples.
Hire a Professional Hair and Make-up Artist
Although not a priority, getting a professional hair and make-up artist for your portfolio shoot is recommended.
A professional can add much value to your model profile and make you look your best with the right hair styling and make-up. Remember, your model portfolio is your big step forward, and it's best to get it right first.
Your photographer should be able to recommend a good make-up artist (any good photographer should be able to make great recommendations on this).
Again, definitely have a look at the make-up artist’s portfolio website to get a sense of their style. Always have a backup plan (carry your makeup or enlist a friend's help) if your makeup artist fails to show up.
Here are examples of the best hair stylist portfolio websites you can check.
Get the Model Photoshoot Done Right
Make sure that the photographer and you have explored the locations beforehand. If you are shooting indoors only, ensure the studio is well-equipped. You will depend on your photographer for this, so do point it out in your discussions.
Also, make sure that the photographer has allotted you enough time to accomplish everything and not rush through things.
Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot day and arrive a little early at the location. Make sure that you are calm and not stressed out. Remember, even a tiny hint of nerves appears in the final images.
Create a Mood Board
Mood boards are a perfect way to know the type of images you want for your photoshoot. Plus, it is great for styling purposes, makeup, and posing inspiration.
So, what are mood boards? It is a type of collage that consists of images, texts, and samples of objects.
You can create moodboards using Pinterest, which again is a great platform for you to gain inspiration and get a clear picture of your ideal photoshoot.
Remember, mood boards serve as a vision to help you decide on your photoshoot and spot gaps in your portfolio.
You can index your mood boards into headshots, outfit 1, outfit 2, and so on, depending on the type of modeling you want to pursue.
See, photoshoots are an expensive investment, and if you’re bearing the cost, lacking the vision means a waste of time and money.
A portfolio is THE thing that’ll represent you in front of potential clients, so make sure you create a mood board, be clear on what you’re looking for, and get it right.
Choose the Perfect Images for Your Model Portfolio
After your photoshoot, it's time to get down to the process of choosing the right images to build your modeling portfolio.
Balance your choices and focus on getting both versatility and quality. Don’t end up choosing multiple images in the same pose or wardrobe.
Make sure you select headshots with and without you smiling, full-length shots, and 3/4-length shots.
Your portfolio should have between 10 to 20 images – make sure you pick absolutely the best of the best images that cover all your facets.
Do discuss your selection with your photographer and take their advice into account, but remember that, finally, it’s your selection.
All your portfolio shots should be high-quality, stunning, and stand-out images that make a great first impression.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one."
- Mark Twain
Get a Printed Modeling Portfolio Book
Irrespective of the change in technology, the printed modeling portfolio book is regarded as the industry standard.
A printed portfolio still comes in handy if you are meeting someone (remember that you would be meeting a LOT of people).
This gives the other person a tangible, real thing to go through while you are there with them.
Typically, a printed portfolio is 8” x 10” size (other common sizes are 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12, 11 x 14), but preferences may vary depending on your city.
Make sure you have pristine, high-quality prints placed inside a high-quality portfolio book. Do not miss out on the small but important details.
Create Your Online Modeling Portfolio Website
Print portfolios are great for face-to-face meetings, but you cannot be present everywhere. Chances are that most agencies and clients will end up seeing your portfolio online.
This is where your portfolio website comes in. Make sure that you choose the right platform for your portfolio website that lets you achieve the unique style that best represents your personality.
Your modeling portfolio website needs to be not just stunning but functional as well.
Pixpa is a website builder platform that is trusted by creative pros around the world.
Pixpa offers an easy yet powerful drag-and-drop website builder and includes client galleries, eCommerce functionality, and blogging tools to enable you to manage your complete online presence through one seamless platform.
Explore all the features that make Pixpa the perfect choice for designers and other creative professionals.
Get inspired by our curated list of 17 stunning portfolio websites for models built on Pixpa.
Curate a Cohesive Style and Theme
Creating a cohesive style and theme for your modeling portfolio is key. It makes your portfolio look good and memorable.
You can match your portfolio's look by finding your unique personal brand. This helps you show your style and approach to clients in the modeling industry.
Your modeling portfolio shows off your personal brand. It's important to know what makes you stand out. Think about these things to make a strong portfolio style and theme:
Working on a cohesive portfolio style and theme will leave a strong mark on potential clients. You'll also share your unique personal brand in the modeling industry.
Craft a Professional Layout
Creating an impactful modeling portfolio is key. The layout and design are vital when it comes to showcasing your skills. A professional layout can help strike a positive first impression.
A clean and simple design is to be made as a priority with regard to a modeling portfolio website.
Choosing a website template with a minimalist style allows your photos and information to stand out, making it aesthetically pleasing and informative at the same time.
Here are a few essential tips for a great professional portfolio layout:
Keep Your Modeling Portfolio Up-to-Date
As a professional model, keeping your modeling portfolio fresh and updated is key to staying competitive in the industry.
By regularly checking your work, adding new photos, and removing old ones, you ensure that your portfolio shows your latest skills and successes, making it more attractive to potential clients.
To keep your portfolio fresh and relevant, try these tips:
With a well-organized and up-to-date modeling portfolio, you can show clients your versatility and range. This can boost your career development and help you land better opportunities.
Promote Your Modeling Portfolio
Once you’re happy with your modeling portfolio, you need to show this to the right individuals.
Marketing your work effectively can help you land new opportunities and kick-start your modeling career.
Let’s look at some of the strategies:
Networking is Key
Networking with other industry professionals is a key element in the modeling world. Attend fashion shows, casting calls, and other industry events.
Communicate with models, agents, photographers, and stylists to build genuine connections. This will lead to future job opportunities or collaborations.
Be ready with your contact information and portfolio, and follow up with interested parties - this is crucial.
Go Social
Start posting on social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok to grow your online presence. Link your portfolio website in your bio for interested parties.
Now it’s essential that you post regularly, interact with your followers, and mix it up by publishing engaging content such as a day in the life, behind the scenes, or reels.
Share Your Modeling Portfolio with Modeling Agencies
Look for modeling agencies that are part of your niche and always ensure that you follow their submission guidelines to the tee.
Networking again is important here. You need to build relationships with the right agencies, and in turn, your name will be placed at the front of the queue.
Tips to Optimize Your Modeling Portfolio for Digital
In this day and age, where we are finding ways to gain maximum reach, your modeling portfolio can also do so.
How? Portfolio websites have become a popular choice among models looking to highlight their modeling skills to larger audiences.
Just like the traditional portfolio, you still need to optimize modeling portfolio websites so that it is visible to interested parties.
To make sure it stands out online, here are a few essential tips you must follow:
Ensure Fast Load Times
How fast your portfolio loads is crucial for a good user experience. People today have short attention spans.
If your portfolio takes too long to open, they might not wait and look at someone else's instead. To keep your digital portfolio optimization sharp, here are some tips:
Responsive Design for Mobile Devices
People use mobile devices a lot nowadays, so your portfolio should work well on them. A mobile-friendly portfolio makes things better for users and shows you're up-to-date.
Go for a responsive portfolio design that changes size based on the screen. This way, your work looks great on all devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers.
Having a mobile-friendly modeling portfolio website will result in better user engagement, greater conversion rates, and improved search engine rankings.
You can make a strong impression on potential clients and agencies by focusing on quick load times and a design that works on mobiles.
Check out Pixpa's Bri template
Bri is one of Pixpa's stunning mobile responsive templates for model portfolio websites. It is a one page website and as you can see there's a clear change in the structure and sizing when we compare both desktop and mobile view.
The template can only give you a layout to work on. You need to ensure that changes are made in terms of content and website structure so that your modeling portfolio looks pleasing and functional on all devices.
Incorporate Multimedia Elements
To make your modeling portfolio stand out, consider adding multimedia elements. Videos, animations, and interactive features can showcase your creativity and personality, making your portfolio memorable.
Portfolio videos let you highlight your modeling skills. Videos can help bring out your poses, expressions, and movements. This helps showcase your versatility.
Additionally, portfolio animations add movement and energy to your portfolio. They help show how well you can act out a character or idea.
Interactive elements can make your portfolio more engaging. Features like 360-degree panoramas or augmented reality let people dive deeper into your work, making your multimedia modeling portfolio unique and fun.
By adding these multimedia elements, you can make your modeling portfolio presentation stand out.
It will show your portfolio creativity in a big way, helping you make a strong impression on industry pros.
Let’s take a look at Ashley Jang's modeling portfolio website. She has displayed both modeling photos and videos in her portfolio.
Not only has she done photoshoots for categories such as jewelry, beauty, and fashion
She has also done video shoots as an actor for commercials and short films.
Highlight Your Versatility and Range
Building a successful modeling portfolio is more than just showing your best work. It's about showing how versatile you are in the modeling industry.
Clients look for models who can fit into many portfolio genres and styles. This makes you a valuable asset.
Your portfolio should have a mix of photos that show your portfolio diversity. This mix could include:
By showing this portfolio versatility, you show clients how adaptable you are. This makes you more attractive and valuable in the industry.
For example, Simone Smith showcases a wide range of shots through her portfolio, categorized into Beauty shots, Fashion/Editorial shots, and Brand shots.
Start Marketing Yourself
Now, it should be your biggest priority to get your modeling portfolio in front of the right agencies and clients.
It's definitely much easier with an online modeling portfolio website, where you can share the link to your portfolio website with anyone.
You must also start using social media – Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to get spotted. Instagram is a more popular platform for models - best to start with IG.
Start posting your photos, stories, and interacting with people on your page - this is necessary to increase your following, which will then put you in a better position to be spotted by agencies or clients.
Also, create your profile on websites such as Model Mayhem, Fashion Model Directory, and One Model Place – these can also get you the right exposure.
Website builder also offer a host of marketing tools such as social media sharing and in-built SEO tools to help boost your online presence and visibility in SERPs. This strategy too has to be included as part of your marketing efforts.
Update Your Model Portfolio Regularly
While getting into the modeling industry may seem impossible, getting discovered in today's socially connected world has never been easier.
The important thing is to master the craft and build an audience. Then network with professionals and work your way up in the fashion world.
It is very important that you update your professional portfolio website with the latest content - newer photoshoots and campaigns.
Also, consider exploring modern website templates, which can enhance the visual appeal and user experience of your online showcase.
Keeping everything updated on your website regularly helps modeling agencies forward your latest images to the clients so that they can make a final decision.
Checklist to Create a Modeling Portfolio Website
Having a great modeling portfolio is a force multiplier and increases your chances of getting the breaks you need.
However, there is much more than you need to do as a model to ensure a long, successful modeling career.
Do read our article on the top tips to be successful as a model.
Why a Well-Organized Modeling Portfolio Matters
In the competitive world of modeling, having a well-crafted portfolio is key. It shows off your skills, versatility, and personal brand. It's your chance to share your best work with clients, agents, and casting directors.
By curating and presenting your portfolio well, you can stand out, increasing your chances of getting top modeling jobs.
Showcasing Your Best Work
Your portfolio is where you show off your strongest work. Choose and arrange your best photos to show your range and style. This makes your portfolio strong and visually appealing.
Making a Lasting Impression
First impressions matter in the modeling world. Your portfolio is often the first thing people see. A professional-looking portfolio shows you're serious about your craft.
This can help you get better modeling contracts and move your career forward.
Professional Branding
Your modeling portfolio not only highlights your skills and work but also your style and personality.
A structured modeling portfolio website personifies confidence and creativity, and hence, creating that strong first impression makes a huge difference in your quest to find modeling gigs.
Attract the Right Work
What we mean is that the structure of your modeling portfolio must be spot on. So if you’re a model looking to establish yourself in different modeling niches, then organizing your portfolio is really important.
By structuring your modeling portfolio based on the modeling niche, it makes it easier for clients to navigate through your portfolio website.
Modeling Portfolio Online vs. Print: Which is Better?
You can choose between an online and a print modeling portfolio in the modeling world. Each has its benefits and things to consider. These choices affect how you showcase your skills to clients and modeling agencies.
The Digital Advantage
An online modeling portfolio lets you show your work live and interactively. You can use videos and animations to make it more engaging. Plus, it's easy to share online, reaching more people in the modeling industry.
The Tactile Appeal of Print
A print modeling portfolio makes a strong impression because you can touch it. The quality of the prints, how they're arranged, and the overall look show your eye for detail and professionalism.
It works well in face-to-face meetings or interviews, where you can share your portfolio presentation with others directly.
Choosing between an online modeling portfolio and a print modeling portfolio depends on what you like, the needs of your modeling industry niche, and what your audience prefers.
Many models use both portfolio formats to ensure they cover all their bases and offer a portfolio option for everyone.
"The choice between an online and print portfolio should be guided by your specific industry needs and the preferences of your target audience."
Conclusion
Modeling can be a challenging profession, but with the perfect portfolio website at your disposal, landing the right gigs and catching the right kind of attention can be effortless.
We hope this article was helpful to you in understanding how you can make your modeling portfolio website stand out.
Pixpa can simplify the process of creating an online modeling portfolio website, making it effortless and affordable.
Check out this article on the costs of building a portfolio website to see how a website builder like Pixpa can reduce costs and give you the greatest possible return on investment when creating your model website.
You can sign up for Pixpa’s full-featured, 15-day free trial and start creating your model portfolio website today. No credit card is required to sign up, and no hidden charges!
FAQ
What is in a modeling portfolio?
Your modelling portfolio usually includes sample shots and curated examples of previous work. It also includes a short bio to introduce you and your work, your contact information, etc.
How do you make a modeling portfolio?
Earlier, it was common for people to carry bulky, physical copies of their modelling portfolio everywhere.
Thankfully, those times have passed. Building and sharing your modeling portfolio website has become a breeze thanks to all-in-one portfolio website builder platforms like Pixpa.
You can create and host your modelling portfolio on your own personal website with a custom domain. This makes sharing your work with the world easier than ever before.
How much does a modeling portfolio cost?
You can build your modelling portfolio website for free with Pixpa’s 15-day full-featured trial. Paid plans start from $3.60 per month with no hidden charges. Check out this elaborate guide to learn how much it really costs to build your modeling portfolio website.
Do beginners need a modeling portfolio?
Yes, all models, irrespective of their experience level, need a portfolio of their previous work and sample shots. This helps prospective employers know who they are hiring and what they can expect. Modelling portfolios is a mandatory requirement in the fashion industry for models.
How many pictures should be in a modeling portfolio?
Between 10-20 high-quality photos is what you would need to include in your modeling portfolio. If you're a beginner model we would suggest you to include 6-10 photos.
What is the first step in creating a modeling portfolio?
The first step is to research and choose a modeling niche, understand your strengths, practice posing and capture photos for your portfolio by collaborating with photographers and then submit your portfolio to various agencies to land modeling gigs.
