What Should I Include in My Model Portfolio? Essential Tips for Aspiring Models
Creating a strong model portfolio is essential for getting noticed by agencies, photographers, and potential clients. Whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your portfolio, it’s important to present yourself in the best light possible. A well-curated portfolio not only shows your versatility and skills as a model but also helps you stand out in a competitive industry.
Your portfolio can take various forms—slide decks, PDFs, or even a personal website. Regardless of the format, the content should represent your range, personality, and professionalism. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements to include in your model portfolio.
1. Professional Headshots
Why it’s important: Your headshot is often the first impression you make on potential clients and agencies. It gives them a clear view of your face and natural expression.
Tip: Keep your headshot simple and professional with minimal makeup and natural lighting. It should showcase your personality while still appearing polished.
Pictured from left to right: Arianna, Bianca, Dane
2. Full Body Shots
Why it’s important: Full-body shots are essential for agencies and clients to assess your body type and how you carry yourself in different poses and angles.
Tip: Include several full-body shots that show different postures and angles, both standing and sitting, to demonstrate your versatility.
Pictured from left to right: Kameron, Brianna, Jonny, Penina
3. Digitals (Polaroids or Test Shots)
Why it’s important: Digitals are a must-have for any model portfolio. These are simple, raw images taken with minimal styling to showcase your natural beauty and physique.
Tip: Digitals should be basic and unretouched. These images are not meant to be glamorous but rather show you in your most natural state. You can take these shots yourself or have a photographer capture them for you. Aim for about 3-4 simple photos—close-up, full-body, profile, and a ¾ shot—shot against a neutral background (ideally a white wall or outdoors). These images provide agencies with a realistic view of your features and allow them to assess your potential without the influence of heavy styling or makeup.
Anela
4. Editorial & Commercial Shots
Why it’s important: These shots showcase your ability to adapt to different styles, from high-fashion editorials to lifestyle or commercial modeling.
Tip: Include both editorial and commercial shots in your portfolio to appeal to a broader range of clients and photographers.
Pictured from left to right: Madison & Cheyenne
5. Diverse Expressions
Why it’s important: It’s essential to show that you can convey a wide range of emotions, from serious to playful.
Tip: Include images with various facial expressions—serious, joyful, intense, and everything in between—to highlight your emotional range.
Will
6. Variety of Outfits and Styles
Why it’s important: This shows your ability to work with different looks and styles, from casual wear to high fashion, and demonstrates your flexibility as a model.
Tip: Include shots representing a range of outfits and settings. Show how you can transition between casual, professional, and creative styles.
Ana G.
7. Beauty Shots
Why it’s important: Beauty shots are important for models specializing in commercial or beauty campaigns. These close-up shots allow clients to focus on your features, from your face to your hair and skin.
Tip: Include makeup-free beauty shots, as well as creative makeup looks if relevant to your portfolio.
Naomi
8. Runway/Movement Shots
Why it’s important: If you’ve done runway modeling or have experience with movement-based shoots, include images or videos that show how you move and interact with the camera.
Tip: Even if you haven’t walked a runway, include shots that showcase dynamic posing or action shots to demonstrate fluidity and confidence.
9. Behind-the-Scenes or Candid Shots
Why it’s important: These shots help potential clients or agencies get a sense of your personality and how you work on set.
Tip: Include some behind-the-scenes photos or candid moments that show the fun, natural side of being a model.
10. Tear Sheets (If You Have Any)
Why it’s important: Tear sheets show that you’ve been published or have worked in real campaigns. They add credibility to your portfolio.
Tip: If you have tear sheets from magazine features or advertisements, include them to highlight your professional experience.
11. Measurements and Stats
Why it’s important: Agencies and clients need to know your physical stats (height, weight, bust, waist, hip, etc.) to determine if you fit their needs for a particular project or campaign.
Tip: Placing your measurements and stats near the top of your model portfolio ensures that casting agents and clients can quickly assess if you're a good fit for their project, saving them time and making your portfolio more efficient. It demonstrates professionalism, organization, and aligns with industry standards, helping you stand out and get noticed.
12. Contact Information
Why it’s important: Your portfolio should make it easy for potential clients or agencies to get in touch with you.
Tip: Include your email address or your agency’s contact information (if applicable) so that clients can reach out to you directly.
13. Personality Shots (Optional)
Why it’s important: While not essential, personality shots give clients and agencies a chance to see the more natural, relaxed side of you.
Tip: Consider including candid or fun photos that show your interests or personality—whether you're laughing, traveling, or engaged in a hobby.
Jil
Formats for Your Model Portfolio:
Slide Deck: A visually appealing and easy-to-navigate format perfect for email submissions or presentations.
PDF Portfolio: A traditional, professional format that’s simple to share and print.
Personal Website: If you have a website, it offers an interactive platform where clients can explore your work and contact you directly. Websites are ideal for portfolios, as they allow for multiple images, videos, and links to your social media.
Tips for a Successful Model Portfolio:
Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to have a few standout, high-quality images than a portfolio filled with mediocre shots.
Consistency: Keep a consistent style in your photos so that your portfolio flows smoothly.
Be Authentic: Your portfolio should reflect who you are and what you want to pursue as a model. Let your true self shine through.
Update Regularly: As you grow and gain new experiences, be sure to update your portfolio with fresh work. This keeps it relevant and aligned with your current look.
Creating a strong model portfolio is one of the most important steps in advancing your career. By including these essential elements, whether in a PDF, slide deck, or personal website, you'll have a professional portfolio that showcases your best work and attracts the right opportunities. Keep it current, keep it authentic, and always put your best foot forward!
Still have more questions about your aspiring model career? Hear from The Honolulu City Club’s founder, Mel Tjeong, in our past blog post, “How to Start Modeling with No Experience.”
🌈 Want to Model with Us?
We’re always looking for fresh faces, passionate people, and creatives ready to dive in.
🔗 Submit your digitals:https://thehonolulucityclub.com/submission
📣 Follow us on IG:@thehonolulucityclub
📰 Check out our blog:thehonolulucityclub.com/blog
