Portfolio tips
For most modelling, acting related work, a portfolio need not always be professionally shot, as long as the pictures are good. It helps to get it done by a professional photographer, mostly because they have a better idea than you on what would be a good portfolio. I am making suggestions based on what I like to see in a portfolio.
- 6 pictures is a good number to short list for circulation to modelling agencies. Production houses and ad agencies are likely to be happy with 2
- Be sure to include 2 close ups in two different looks, out of which one uses no or minimum make up. This picture gives a good idea of what you really look like and is important. One smile and one serious is also good.
- 2 pictures can be mid-length. These are often requested and son’t really serve any major purpose beyond showing what you look like in them. I recommend using these to showcase different looks that suit you. Please remember that expression is part of a look - there’s nothing more hopeless than a guy showing off his muscles with a vacant expression on his face. If your get up is that of an innocent, look actively innocent, etc. Avoid exaggerated expressions that distort your face so much that they give no idea of what you look like without them.
- 2 full length pictures again should show two looks. Ideally, these should be a good indication of your figure. While it is not necessary to pose in swimwear for these unless you want to model skimpy clothes, it is important that the structure of your body and the way you carry yourself be visible in these. I remember being impressed by one par where one is a total corporate look in a sleek fitting suit with crisp and erect body language, and the other is a total hippie, complete with slouch.
- Sun glasses are a no-no. We have seen them all, and if we require you to wear one on a shoot, we are capable of providing you with one. From your portfolio, we need to see what YOU look like, and your eyes are a big part of that. However, this is not a rule. There can be certain looks that require glasses. If you look superb that way, include one picture like that, but no more.
- Flash is out. The pictures should be well lit, particularly your face and every part of you shown. But this well lit doesn’t include a flash. Soft, ambient light is better. Even a shady area in daylight (not direct sunlight) is good. We want even lighting. Let’s leave the dramatic lighting for the camera man when you get a job - unless your portfolio is for lighting rather than modelling. Even then, flash is out
- Avoid cluttered back grounds.plain or textured backgrounds are good. Again, it is not necessary to have a studio type background sheet and all that, even the side of a building or a wall in a room will do well, if it is clean and doesn’t have stuff lying around you.
- You should be distinct from the background. As a rule of thumb, go for a light background if your are wearing dark clothes and vice versa. Other contrasts like colour and texture work well too, if you have the eye to judge them well. As long as you don’t merge with the background, things should be fine.
- Sharp focus is essential. Really, I don’t need to explain this.
- Avoid clutter on yourself too. Keep yourself visible and clean of all distractions. This goes for excessive hair trailing on face, hand covering part of face, disproportionately large amounts of jewellery, props (unless you’re a kid)…… be certain you are showing yourself and do just that and remove absolutely anything that will share the show.
I’ll probably think of more things and add to this list - this is what I want to share right off the bat on this subject. Feel free to mark this page to check for updates or to comment and add suggestions, etc.
