Top Portfolio Mistakes Models Make and How to Fix Them
One of the most common mistakes that models make is not having a strong, organised portfolio to present when attending a casting or agency interview.
A model’s portfolio is their calling card and it is one of the most important tools that they have to market themselves. Without a strong portfolio, it can be difficult for a model to get signed or book work. In this article, we discuss a few simple, but key things that every model should keep in mind when putting together their portfolio.
The first thing to remember is that your portfolio should showcase your very best and most recent work. It is important to remember that your portfolio is not a place to display all of the work that you have done, only your best work.
Another common mistake models make is not keeping their portfolio up to date. It is important to regularly update your portfolio with new images as you shoot them. This will show potential clients that you are actively booking work, improving your modelling skills, and that you have fresh, new content for them to review.
Another mistake is when a model chooses to work with the same photographer to build their entire portfolio. The outcome can be a one-dimension portfolio presentation, that looks like the photographer’s portfolio; not your own. Select images from your first photoshoot thinking from the client’s point of view, then leverage these photos to book an additional photoshoot to add to your portfolio. This can be the toughest but most critical stage in an aspiring model’s career, so your first photoshoot and how you introduce yourself to the modelling world is paramount.
Our advice to new, aspiring models is to try your best not to present a full portfolio of Time for Print material. When the work is Time for Print, the photographer is generally going to produce and shoot work that will benefit their portfolio and is signature to their brand, in exchange for their time. This can be positive if you are selective and only work with photographers whose vision aligns with yours, and you are given some creative control when planning the shoot, however, the safest solution is carefully selecting and booking a range of different client shoots and Time for Print work when starting out, showing your skills in a variety of settings – meaning you shine as the hero subject!
The final mistake that models make when curating their portfolio, is not tailoring it to the specific type of work they are looking for. It is important to have a variety of images from different photographers in your portfolio that showcase your range as a model, but ensure you have images that are specifically tailored to the type of modelling you are interested in doing, or are casting for. For example, if you are interested in or good at commercial modelling work, make sure to curate images that showcase your experience in this modelling genre. You choose your modelling genre according to your features and what type of clients are approaching you.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your portfolio is strong and give yourself the best chance at booking modelling work to keep improving your portfolio game.
Do you have any other tips for creating a strong portfolio? Or want to take advantage of a FREE portfolio review with our Founder Jade Taylor? Then book a Top Model Assessment today!’
HJM Model: Suha Tilmiz
Photographer: Andrew Ho
Makeup Artist: Rana Mosleh
Stylist: Juvelle Behrendorff
