It is not essential to start your modeling career with a portfolio but it is advisable to have some images of portfolio quality to help sell yourself i.e. to show potential modelling agencies or for posting on websites, model forums such as Model Mayhem, Purestorm and Net Model  etc.

Please note that the images must be used  for your own self promotion only, if placed in a magazine or other websites etc for self promotion a credit to the photographer is required. Strictly No Commercial use of the images.

Most photographers now shoot sessions using digital technology, which makes it very easy to get web ready images of any shots taken. These are very useful to have for both future agency and independent models, as it will allow excellent quality images of you to be uploaded onto the internet whether it to be for an agency or your own personal site.

Here are a few points regarding a modelling portfolio session:

•  Discuss with the photographer prior to the session what you want to achieve.

•  Try to create at least three looks from your session.

•  Photographers generally do not provide clothes so you will need to take a selection of outfits along to the shoot also make-up. A towel if shooting in or near water to dry off afterwards, preparation!.
  

•  Have some shots with a natural look i.e. very little make-up as many agencies ask for this.

•  Ensure the shots are based around the type of modeling you are interested in.

Before you attend your portfolio shoot it’s worth remembering the following things:

•  Hair removal should be done at least 48 prior to the shoot to allow for any redness to fade.

•  Don’t wear tight fitting clothes or jewellery before the session as they will mark your body and any marks could appear in the images.

•  Take high heels as even if your feet are not seen in the pictures taking the shoes will improve your posture for poses.
  

Time for Print.

Time for Print as previously mentioned, is when a model works with a photographer, neither of them charge for the time they are committing but the photographer provides the model with prints of selected shots taken. This can be a useful and cheap way to gain images for your portfolio if you find a photographer who is wiling to work on this basis. It has to be noted that not all photographers are willing to work on this basis.

It can take a model years to build up their book, and indeed a portfolio should contain the work of several photographers so don’t think you need a full portfolio to start your career and you should also know that many models portfolios contain images of paid modelling work they have carried out so when you start modelling don’t be afraid to ask for copies of any images taken of you for inclusion in your portfolio.