Model Picture is of Laurie from Myrtle Beach
This issue is about a subject I am constantly aware of by being involved in the model portfolio photography business. It’s about posting only your best model pictures online, in emails or in your modeling portfolio.
Even though I am not a model agency, I receive pictures from models who have found my site online. Some of these photos are really pitiful! They are many times only snapshots and some are even sent from a web cam!
As a female model photographer I always try to present myself as a professional by listing good, in focus, and creative modeling pictures. If I didn’t show the best work, my photo business wouldn’t last very long.
Don’t you feel that models should portray the same professionalism as photographers? Your model portfolio pictures are many times the first impression a talent agency has to judge your work as a model and, even though photos are not the only criteria, you want to put the odds in your favor, don’t you?
So, in my opinion, if you are serious about becoming a professional model, put your best foot forward and show only your very best work. The rest can go to the little trash can in the corner of your computer screen. d:-)
Comments Wanted >>>>>>>>>
I would like to get your input about photos in a portfolio. If your are an agent, a model or photographer please leave your remarks below so everyone can benefit from your knowledge.
Tags: model photos, model pictures, model portfolio, modeling, modeling career advice, modeling career tips, what is a model portfolio
March 6, 2008 at 12:57 pm |
[...] Read the article >> What Photos Go Into a Model Portfolio? [...]
March 6, 2008 at 1:02 pm |
This picture does not look professional AT ALL. If I was an agent looking through her portfolio (especially if it was the first one in the book), I’d close it and look no further. It’s not the young lady, but the quality of the picture that is bad. Anybody could have taken this picture.
March 6, 2008 at 1:36 pm |
I think it depends. Agents often want snapshots of models – NOT professional photos. Their only requirement is good lighting and clear photos of the models face/body. When applying for a job, I would not suggest sending anything but the best. ALSO, I have to add – PLEASE SEND PICTURES THAT LOOK LIKE YOU! I’ve seen models send images with long hair when the now have short, short hair when they now have long hair, blonde hair when they are now a brunette, brunette hair when they now have purple hair, OR when they are 30 lbs heavier now than they were when they had their photo taken!!! I guess the moral is – only send pictures that LOOK LIKE YOU in a way that you WANT people to see you!!!
March 6, 2008 at 2:44 pm |
I totally disagree that every photo submitted needs to be shot by someone with 20 grand in studio equipment. If that were the case it is possible that this beautiful young lady may not have the chance to be seen. She may not be top model material, but I am sure that there are people that will be interested because she fits the image of what they need. Her photo may not be exceptional, but is lit well enough and thoroughly reveals her facial features. If I am looking at her photo I can reasonably feel that what I see is what she is.
March 6, 2008 at 2:57 pm |
Bob
I agree, The best shot has to include everything. I take alot of photos and I instantly delete anything that does not wow me. Its got to have all the elements to make the best shot, if the background does’nt flow well with the subject, colors are all over, and most of all the lighting! Frankly, I’ve been dissapointed in alot of the submissions for feature model. Not because the girl wasn’t good enough but the opposite the shot presented just wasn’t professionally taken, properly prepared for or rushed. Any photographer taking money from a client should do nothing but the best and not be afraid to tell the individual being photographed what is expected to get that shot. This is what fuels my passion for photography its got to be the best I can do, anything else is just unacceptable.
March 6, 2008 at 3:06 pm |
Moderator Comment:
Frank and Others,
I do want to clarify the existence of Laurie’s photo (above). She is already a working commercial model and goes back & forth to NYC to model.
As for an agent looking at this picture, the photo above and others shot during this session were exactly what the NY agent wanted. They needed lifestyle photos to show her commercial ability and she already had plenty of fashion shots.
Hope this helps all to understand.
One main reason I made this post is that I receive pictures from some models and cannot even make out the face. This is a big no-no but still need more input from you.
I’m enjoying the responses! In retrospect maybe I should have posted a fashion shot? d:-)
Bob
March 6, 2008 at 4:13 pm |
Frank,
Your correct you don’t need 20k worth of equipment, heck I wish I had 20k to spend on equipment. The bottom line is you must have some knowledge of the photo that you are trying to create whether it be digital or film. I think Bob is just trying to vent on obvious poor quality shots being sent to him for consideration. I’m sure it takes alot of his time. He is obviously passionate about his business otherwise he wouldn’t have asked for others opinion, or be willing to demonstrate other photographers shots on his website.
March 6, 2008 at 5:04 pm |
I think the picture quality is good, its just that she wasn’t looking at the camera and she was holding that ugly coffee cup! And the hoodie would have to go. i think she would have alot of potential if she corrected those few things.
March 6, 2008 at 7:16 pm |
this is picture is amazing,and yur eyes are gourgess
March 6, 2008 at 7:43 pm |
I personally like this picture. The model looks real and approachable. You can see her face and the eyes looking to the side makes it seem like she is drinking her morning coffee and her mind is wandering about something. Perhaps the evening before… I think it’s a great commercial modeling shot. I look like this all the time (although I dring tea, coffee makes me jittery!) and a commercial model represents the people.
March 9, 2008 at 10:39 am |
I also agree that it doesn’t take thousands of dollars of equipment. It has nothing to do with the equipment. What it takes is being able to catch that moment, as above, where the personality of the model comes through. A spark in the eye, or a simple expression that conveys something to the viewer. It is far more important that the model be well presented in the image… whether it be with a Holga or a D300.
Lighting and how it falls to enhance the model is also important. Harsh lighting and shadows that are uninteresting (sure, some can be very interesting… but that is a skill as well) and dull the image or kill the expression are more detrimental than whether the camera was ‘pro’ or not.
In commercial modeling, it is even more important to see that the model can convey a mood… eyes, mouth, hands, posture, legs… all combining to say “I really love these cheese balls” – if that is what the client wants – and make it believable. Expressions are caught with some restraint to show only the best.
To say that agents want only to see snapshots is somewhat misleading. They do love to see them for the freshness. What they don’t like seeing is a photographer who clearly isn’t an editorial shooter trying to do ‘the shot’ as though it were in Vogue and yet not pulling it off at all… so the model ends up looking like part of a bad photograph instead of the subject of a good photograph. Snapshots don’t have that layer of pretense, so the model is the subject. After a model has what she needs, then it can be time to stretch out and have a little photographic fun. Models need images to feature them… as the one above does… not the photographers genius.
Save that for another time or do two for the model and two for the photographer if it is a test.
April 21, 2008 at 7:23 pm |
i think what would have made this picture better is if you had her focus on something not just look at something.And maybe have her lips touching the class..Just trying to help..some!And it might even be better in Black and White!