Creating a model’s portfolio involves much more than just using the professional lighting and posing techniques. IN addition to those items you must remember the business-oriented aspects of creating these kinds of images. 
Communication is vital!
Talk to the person you’re photographing. They are human, not a moldable lump of clay. This starts before the shoot and last beyond the last click.
Spend some time with the model before the shoot. This helps assure that you and the model can work together, you should do do a little screening. If you are talking to many perspective models create an interview sheet so you can compare your notes equally. The form
should include typical information such as name, address, and physical description information. It should also ask such questions as what kinds of modeling styles the model’s
available for and what hours and days the model is available for photo sessions.
If you need a swimsuit model and the model isn't interested in posing for
those kinds of images, or if her availability and your schedule are
not compatible, you can save both of you time and effort by not scheduling
an interview.
Tips For Great Portfolio
Prints
If you’re new to photographing models, you may be surprised to learn that
models don’t always know how they look best. Somewhere along the way they
may have decided--and some can be quite inflexible on this--how they will
be photographed and that’s all you’re going to get. This can be obvious
when looking at their portfolio, so take the time to ask questions now
to make for a smoother shoot later. The really good models know that the
more different looks they show in their portfolios the better the odds
are for them to get more and better assignments. During the interview
you can help them by providing them with some simple tips that will make
them look better during any future photo sessions.
Wear solid colors. Nothing
detracts from a model’s face or figure more than clothes covered in busy
patterns and prints. I always tell models that the time to wear these
kinds of clothes is when a client is paying them to wear them or for fun,
not during a portfolio shoot when emphasis should be on the model.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Seeing the same necklace in different shots and different outfits
detracts from the impact of all of those images. Even if a bracelet or
necklace is a good luck charm or was given to the model by a beloved family
member, I ask that they use it for one series, or better yet, leave it
at home. The same is true of watches.
The camera shows the truth. If the model has skin problems, such as peeling from a suntan or incomplete
overall tan coverage for the clothing they’re planning to wear they should reschedule. Makeup does not fix all.
Make sure the clothes fit. While this might seem obvious, too many times models wear
ill-fitting clothes that do nothing but divert the attention of viewers
from the portfolio. Swimsuits, for example, should be snug, with
no gaps showing when they move. They also shouldn't’t be too tight.
Experiment. When creating
portfolio images, use the time to try something different. If a model’s
portfolio features mostly casual photographs, suggest that they wear something
more formal. If all they have are photographs wearing business suits,
ask them to consider wearing a swimsuit or lingerie for a few poses.
Hair styles. To provide
variety in portfolio images, suggest that the model style their hair differently
for each change of clothing during a shoot. You can change the kind of
film and lighting used, but nothing can change the way the hair looks.
When trying to create a variety of looks, short hair can present a challenge.
For variety, try a wig. While wigs can be expensive, the model may be
able to borrow one, or if they know a makeup artist who works with wigs,
suggest you set up a shoot where all three of you work together to create
sample images. Don’t forget hats-- except for cowboy hats, which are way
overdone. Hats can change the look of a model’s portfolio photos, too;
look for fun and interesting hats in thrift and discount stores.
Makeup. No matter what
style and color of makeup that a model thinks is her best, you should suggest
that she change her makeup style and color to go along with the different hairstyles
and/or outfits. This will add more depth to the final portfolio.
Footwear. The
right shoes can contribute as much to the success of a model portfolio shoot as either hair or makeup. The model
should bring along at least one pair of shoes with the highest heels they
have. High heels change the way they stand and gives them a bit
of advantages height.
Expression. The expression
on a model’s face tells the story of who they are. If they only have one
look on their face, their portfolio will be monotonous. Most people--models
included--have one side of their face that photographs better than the
other but don’t let that stop you from posing them one way or another.
Tattoos and piercing's? Unless
you want to create a portfolio of images showing that a model is only
available for limited types of assignments, large tattoos and multiple
piercing's, while stylish today, ultimately detract from a portfolio and
future assignment opportunities that may arise. Fake tattoos are a good
way to add some spice to images and are much less painful.
Probably one of the most important tips: TRUST
Getting the model to trust you and relax will create an air of trust and comfort. This will "trust" will become a part of the final portfolio. A successful portfolio shoot is a team effort. As a team, you should plan the shoot so both of you know what is to be expected from the start to the end of the portfolio shoot. The model should feel free to make suggestions about posing and makeup,
but avoid letting them take over the shoot. Some models have such presence
that photographers tend to defer to them, and while sometimes the resulting
images can be interesting, it is rare. In order to achieve the best possible
portfolio images, both model and photographer need to work together. Only
when you communicate and cooperate will you be able to create great-looking
images.
This page sponsored by Art's Photography -
A Wichita based photographer who specializes in Seniors, Weddings, Model Portfolios, and events.
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