As an aspiring model, you need an amazing model portfolio to kickstart your career. It’s your chance to make a great first impression on agencies and clients.
You must try to get all aspects of your modeling portfolio right. It’s not only about shooting your portfolio; a lot more planning goes into creating a great portfolio.
Your modeling portfolio is key to your success. It shows off your talent, versatility, and style. Making a great portfolio can help you land your dream job. This guide will show you how to make a professional and eye-catching portfolio that stands out.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for models that explains how to create a killer modeling portfolio for yourself.
Steps on How to create a model portfolio
- Focus on the type of model you want to be
- Choosing the right fashion model photographer
- Learn and practice the best model poses
- Deciding on the type of model photos you need
- Hiring a professional hair and make-up artist
- Getting the model photoshoot right
- Choosing the perfect images for your model portfolio
- Get a printed modeling portfolio book
- Create your online modeling portfolio website
- Start Marketing Yourself
- Update Your Model Portfolio Regularly
Focus on the type of model you want to be
While pursuing your passion for becoming a successful model, you also need to be realistic and aware of the stereotypes that are a part of the modeling industry. In most cases, your body type would define the kind of assignments you get, as most clients have a preconceived notion of what they feel fits their brief.
For example, it's harder for shorter or petite models to break into fashion modeling. While these stereotypes are constantly being broken, and you certainly can break them on your way, it helps to be realistic and honest about your strong points. This would increase your chances of achieving success and reduce setbacks and rejections.
Making an informed decision about the type of modeling you want to pursue would bring clarity and focus on how you want to shape your modeling portfolio. For example, as a freelance model, you would need a lot of variations in your portfolio photo shoot, but as a high fashion model, you would need to focus on high fashion images.
The good news is that there are many choices you can pick from on what kind of model you want to be.
Choosing the right fashion model photographer
If you have signed up with a modeling agency, in most cases, they will offer to organise your shoot with a pre-approved photographer and charge you for it. Chances are that the photographer they would use would probably not be the best professional fashion photographer you would want to trust with your model portfolio book.
You should ideally not even contact modeling agencies before you have a properly done, well-rounded portfolio in place.
How about choosing one of your friends to shoot your portfolio? Again, the answer is NO. Avoid going with the first or the most convenient option that presents itself. Also, if you choose your friend just because you are comfortable getting shot by a friend, think twice about becoming a model. As a professional model, you would need the confidence to take on assignments and work with new people daily. It’s time to start honing those skills.
Do your own research, study portfolios of models, ask for referrals and take your time finding the right photographer for your model portfolio shoot. Look at their photography portfolio website to see their work style.
Choose a photographer whose area of expertise and style matches your vision and style. For example, if you want to become a freelance model, then a commercial advertising photographer may be your best bet, as that’s the kind of work you would be doing the most. It doesn’t matter whether you get your photoshoot done by multiple photographers – it can save you money and time by choosing the right photographer that can deliver on your vision.
And finally, do look into the finer details before hiring the photographer. For example, what’s included in the package you are being offered, how many photos you would get, what rates and any extras, and whether you will get photo prints and/or all digital images.
Learn and practice the best model poses
Posing as a model in front of a camera is an art unto itself. The objective may seem simple, but it's more complicated than you may realize. In model photography, you must translate a three-dimensional object, your body, into the two-dimensional space of a flat image. Photography poses have to be learned, which improves with practice and study.
Put together an inspiration board with tear sheets of the best model poses that you love. You can also practice in the mirror. Here is an article on the Best Model Poses with awesome tips for a great portfolio for modeling.
Our articles might inspire you if you are a male model looking for professional posing tips and ideas (Shared the resources below). Choose your outfits selectively. Clothing is part of the process of a narrative for any marketing campaign. Your poses should always make the garments look their best.
Do check out these articles on modeling
Deciding on the type of model photos you need
It’s important to know the kind of images you want from your model portfolio shoot beforehand. Lay down the specifics of photos that you need for a well-balanced portfolio for the types of modeling you are best suited for. Make sure that you get great portraits, close-ups, and full-body shots as well.
Plan your wardrobe changes to show your versatility (swimsuits for great body shots and an evening dress for those advertising clients).
Convey your brief clearly to the photographer and discuss things in detail so that both of you are on the same page regarding what needs to be achieved from the photoshoot. In your discussions with your photographers, decide on the poses, the wardrobe items, the locations, the looks, themes, and concepts for the photo shoot. A clear understanding goes a long way in achieving the results that you want from the photoshoot and insures against any mistakes or nasty surprises.
For tips and inspiration on planning your images, have a look at some stunning model portfolio examples.
Hiring a professional hair and make-up artist
Although not a must, getting a professional hair and make-up artist for your portfolio shoot is recommended. A professional can add much value to your model profile and make you look even better with the right hair styling and make-up. Remember, your model portfolio is your big step forward, and it's best to get it right first.
Your photographer should be able to recommend a good make-up artist (any good photographer should be able to make great recommendations on this). Again, definitely have a look at the make-up artist’s portfolio website to get a sense of their style. Always have a backup plan (carry your makeup or enlist a friend's help) if your make-up artist fails to show up.
Here are examples of the best hair stylist portfolio websites you can check.
Getting the model photoshoot right
Make sure that the photographer and you have scoured the locations beforehand. If you are shooting indoors only, ensure the studio is well-equipped. You will depend on your photographer for this, so do point it out in your discussions. Also, make sure that the photographer has allotted you enough time to accomplish everything and not rush through things.
Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot day and arrive a little early at the location. Make sure that you are calm and not stressed out. Remember, even a tiny hint of nerves appears in the final images.
Choosing the perfect images for your model portfolio
After your photoshoot, it's time to get down to the process of choosing the right images to build your modeling portfolio. Balance your choices and focus on getting both versatility and quality. Don’t end up choosing multiple images in the same pose or wardrobe.
Make sure you select headshots with and without you smiling, full-length shots, and 3/4-length shots. Your portfolio should have between 10-20 images – make sure you pick absolutely the best of the best images that cover all your facets. Do discuss your selection with your photographer and take her advice, but remember that, finally, it’s your selection. All your portfolio shots should be high-quality, stunning and stand-out images that make a great first impression.
Get a printed modeling portfolio book
A printed portfolio still comes in handy if you are meeting someone (remember that you would be meeting a LOT of people). This gives the other person a tangible, real thing to go through while you are there with them. Typically, a printed portfolio is 8” x 10” size (other common sizes are 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12, 11 x 14), but preferences may vary depending on your city.
Make sure you have pristine, high-quality prints placed inside a high-quality portfolio book. Do not miss out on the small but important details.
Create your online modeling portfolio website
Print portfolios are great for face-to-face meetings, but you cannot be present everywhere. Chances are that most agencies and clients will end up seeing your portfolio online. This is where your portfolio website comes in. Make sure that you choose the right platform for your portfolio website that lets you achieve the unique style that best represents your personality. Your modeling portfolio website needs to be not just stunning but functional as well.
Pixpa is a website builder platform that is trusted by creative pros around the world. Pixpa offers an easy yet powerful drag-and-drop website builder and includes Client galleries, eCommerce, and blogging tools to enable you to manage your complete online presence through one seamless platform.
Explore all features that make Pixpa the perfect choice for designers and other creative professionals. Get inspired by our curated list of 17 stunning portfolio websites for models built on Pixpa.
Why a Well-Organized Modeling Portfolio Matters
In the competitive world of modeling, having a well-crafted portfolio is key. It shows off your skills, versatility, and personal brand. It's your chance to share your best work with clients, agents, and casting directors.
By curating and presenting your portfolio well, you can stand out, increasing your chances of getting top modeling jobs.
Showcasing Your Best Work
Your portfolio is where you show off your strongest work. Choose and arrange your best photos to show your range and style. This makes your portfolio strong and visually appealing.
Making a Lasting Impression
First impressions matter in the modeling world. Your portfolio is often the first thing people see. A professional-looking portfolio shows you're serious about your craft.
This can help you get better modeling contracts and move your career forward.
Importance of Modeling Portfolio | Impact on Modeling Career |
Showcases your best work and skills | Increases chances of landing top modeling opportunities |
Demonstrates your versatility and personal brand | Helps you stand out from the competition |
Creates a professional and polished presentation | Leaves a lasting impression on industry professionals |
"A well-organized modeling portfolio is the key to unlocking doors in the industry. It's your chance to make a lasting impression and showcase your unique talents."
Selecting Your Best Photographs
The key to a great modeling portfolio is picking your top photos. Go through all your work, find your strongest shots, and put together a set that shows off your skills and style.
When picking photos, keep a sharp eye and high standards. Look at each photo objectively, checking the quality, lighting, and how it makes you feel. Choose only photos that really show who you are and how versatile you are as a model.
Choosing photos should match your brand and the message you want to send. Make sure your photos work together to tell a story that fits your goals and what your audience likes.
The photos you pick will be the first thing people see. By organizing them well, you make sure your best work stands out and makes a strong impression.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one."
- Mark Twain
Attribute | Considerations |
Lighting | Make sure the lighting makes you look good and highlights your best features. |
Composition | Focus on how the image is framed, balanced, and looks overall. |
Posing | Pick photos that show your natural ease and confidence. |
Emotional Impact | Choose images that make people feel something strong and connect with them. |
By carefully selecting portfolio photos, curating portfolio photo quality, and organizing portfolio photo selection, you can create a modeling portfolio that showcases your best qualities and versatility and leaves a lasting mark on industry pros.
Curating a Cohesive Style and Theme
Creating a cohesive style and theme for your modeling portfolio is key. It makes your portfolio look good and memorable. You can match your portfolio's look by finding your unique personal brand. This helps you show your style and approach to clients in the modeling industry.
Your modeling portfolio shows off your personal brand. It's important to know what makes you stand out. Think about these things to make a strong portfolio style and theme:
Signature Aesthetic: Decide on the look you want, like clean and simple, bold, or something else.
Portfolio Branding: Use the same colors, fonts, and designs that fit your brand.
Portfolio Curation: Pick and arrange your best shots for a smooth and themed look.
Portfolio Organization: Organize your portfolio to show off your best skills and variety.
Working on a cohesive portfolio style and theme will leave a strong mark on potential clients. You'll also share your unique personal brand in the modeling industry.
Crafting a Professional Layout
Creating an impactful modeling portfolio is key. The layout and design are crucial in showing off your skills. A professional layout can grab potential clients' attention and leave a strong impression.
A clean and simple design is essential for a successful portfolio. Choosing a website template with a minimalist style lets your photos and information stand out, making your portfolio look good and easy to use.
A clean and simple portfolio design lets your modeling portfolio stand out. It focuses on your best work and makes your portfolio easy for clients to navigate.
Here are some tips for a great professional portfolio layout:
Use a consistent and harmonious color palette
Add plenty of white space for balance and clarity
Choose a clear and logical portfolio layout that guides the viewer's eye
Make sure sections flow smoothly, and your portfolio presentation is cohesive
Modeling Portfolio Online vs. Print
You can choose between an online or print modeling portfolio in the modeling world. Each has its benefits and things to consider. These choices affect how you show off your skills and variety to clients and modeling agencies.
The Digital Advantage
An online modeling portfolio lets you show your work lively and interactively. You can use videos and animations to make it more engaging. Plus, it's easy to share online, reaching more people in the modeling industry.
The Tactile Appeal of Print
A print modeling portfolio makes a strong impression because you can touch it. The quality of the prints, how they're arranged, and the overall look show your eye for detail and professionalism. It works well in face-to-face meetings or interviews, where you can share your portfolio presentation with others directly.
Choosing between an online modeling portfolio and a print modeling portfolio depends on what you like, the needs of your modeling industry area, and what your audience prefers. Many models use both portfolio formats to ensure they cover all their bases and offer portfolio options for everyone.
Online Modeling Portfolio | Print Modeling Portfolio |
|
|
"The choice between an online and print portfolio should be guided by your specific industry needs and the preferences of your target audience."
Optimizing Your Modeling Portfolio for Digital Viewing
In today's digital world, your modeling portfolio can reach people all over the globe with just a click. To make sure it stands out online, focus on two main things: quick load times and a design that works well on mobiles.
Ensuring Fast Load Times
How fast your portfolio loads is crucial for a good user experience. People today have short attention spans. If your portfolio takes too long to open, they might not wait and look at someone else's instead. To keep your digital portfolio optimization sharp, here are some tips:
Compress your image files without losing quality
Use fewer high-resolution images
Make your code smaller to speed up your online portfolio design
Think about using a content delivery network (CDN) to spread out your portfolio files
Responsive Design for Mobile Devices
People use mobile devices a lot nowadays, so your portfolio should work well on them. A mobile-friendly portfolio makes things better for users and shows you're up-to-date. Go for a responsive portfolio design that changes size based on the screen. This way, your work looks great on phones, tablets, and computers.
Feature | Benefit |
portfolio load times | Quick loading keeps potential clients interested in your work |
mobile-friendly portfolio | A responsive design makes your portfolio easy to see and nice to look at on any device, making the portfolio user experience better |
online presence | Optimizing your modeling portfolio for digital viewing lets you show your talent and professionalism to more people |
A well-optimized digital portfolio is key to finding new chances and boosting your online presence as a model. You can make a strong impression on potential clients and agencies by focusing on quick load times and a design that works on mobiles.
Incorporating Multimedia Elements
To make your modeling portfolio stand out, consider adding multimedia elements. Videos, animations, and interactive features can showcase your creativity and personality and make your portfolio memorable.
Portfolio videos let you show off your modeling skills. They highlight your poses, expressions, and movements. This shows that you can do different types of modeling, like fashion or lifestyle.
Portfolio animations add movement and energy to your portfolio. They help show how well you can act out a character or idea. This makes your portfolio more exciting and memorable.
Interactive elements can make your portfolio more engaging. Features like 360-degree panoramas or augmented reality let people dive deeper into your work, making your multimedia modeling portfolio unique and fun.
By adding these multimedia parts, you can make your modeling portfolio presentation stand out. It will show your portfolio creativity in a big way, helping you make a strong impression on industry pros.
Ashley Jang has displayed both modeling photos and videos in her portfolio. Not only has she done photoshoots for categories such as jewelry, beauty, and fashion (See below).
She also has done video shoots as an actor for commercials and short films.
Highlighting Your Versatility and Range
Building a successful modeling portfolio is more than just showing your best work. It's about showing how versatile you are in the modeling industry. Clients look for models who can fit into many portfolio genres and styles. This makes you a valuable asset.
Your portfolio should have a mix of photos that show your portfolio diversity. This mix could include:
Editorial-style shots that show your skill with high-fashion and artistic direction
Commercial images that show your talent for product-focused modeling
Dramatic, emotive portraits that show your range of expressions and mood
Action-oriented shots that capture your dynamic movement and modeling skills
By showing this portfolio versatility, you show clients how adaptable you are. This makes you more attractive and valuable in the industry.
For example, Simone Smith showcases a wide range of shots through her portfolio, categorized into Beauty shots, Fashion/Editorial shots, and Brand shots.
Keeping Your Modeling Portfolio Up-to-Date
As a professional model, keeping your modeling portfolio fresh and updated is key to staying competitive in the industry. By regularly checking your work, adding new photos, and removing old ones, you ensure that your portfolio shows your latest skills and successes, making it more attractive to potential clients.
To keep your portfolio fresh and relevant, try these tips:
Review your portfolio often to spot outdated images that don't show your current look or skills.
Add new, high-quality photos to your portfolio that highlight your latest work or changes in your look or style.
Pick your best work for your portfolio. Remove any photos that don't fit your brand identity.
Get advice from professionals like photographers or casting directors to improve your portfolio content.
With a well-organized and up-to-date modeling portfolio, you can show clients your versatility and range. This can boost your career development and help you land better opportunities.
Start Marketing Yourself
Now, it should be your biggest priority to get your modeling portfolio in front of the right agencies and clients. It's definitely much easier with an online modeling portfolio website – wherein you can share the link to your portfolio website with anyone.
Also, create a marketing portfolio, which is a critical tool for any model, especially one looking to be spotted. You must also start using social media – Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to get spotted. Also, create your profile on websites such as Model Mayhem, Fashion Model Directory, and One Model Place – these can also get you the right exposure.
Update Your Model Portfolio Regularly.
While getting into the fashion industry may seem impossible, getting discovered in today's socially connected world has never been easier. The important thing is to master the craft and build an audience. Then network with professionals and work your way up in the fashion world.
It is very important that you update your professional portfolio website with the latest content - newer photoshoots and campaigns. Also consider exploring modern website templates specifically designed for creating impressive design portfolio websites, which can enhance the visual appeal and user experience of your online showcase. Keeping everything updated on your website regularly helps modeling agencies forward your latest images to the clients so that they can make a final decision.
Your model portfolio website should cover these important points:
- A Website that works well on mobile devices
- Has a minimal, Clean, and Modern design that focuses on showcasing your portfolio in the best way possible.
- Loads fast and is clutter-free
- Showcases your images in beautiful grids for a quick overview but also enables viewers to enlarge images for a closer look.
- Include a stats page, as agencies and clients would need that information.
- Include an “About Me” page and tell about yourself, who you are as a person, your achievements, and your story.
- If you have videos and commercials, do include them on your website.
- Have clear contact information, making it easy for people to reach you.
- Connect with your social media account and start a blog as well – tell behind-the-scene stories, and show off your character and who you are as a person.
Your model portfolio website will represent you in front of agencies and clients and needs to make a great impression on you.
Explore Our Essential How-To Guides Right Here!
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Have a Look at Top Model Portfolio Examples Built with Pixpa
Now that you have learned the steps to make a stunning modeling portfolio, here are some model portfolio examples to help you get inspired:
1. Xiaomei Wei
Xiaomei Wei is a Keller Williams Beverly Hills realtor and a fashion model based in LA. Her portfolio includes a gallery of beautiful portraits exhibiting the modeling side of the Mei. The menu also gives visitors different options for contacting her via social media, email, and phone. It also includes a pathway to her online store and Amazon profile for easy access to her ecommerce business.
2. Christine Kent
Christine Kent is a fashion model based in New Jersey. The homepage showcases large photos of Christine and mentions the kind of assignments she can take up. The menu gives easy access to her work gallery and online store powered by Pixpa. Fashion models should give it a look to start their journey of modeling and doing online business.
3. Mica Moody
Mica Moody’s modeling portfolio exemplifies a minimalist approach to portfolio building, allowing you to focus on what is really important. Her portfolio does not have much information beyond her portfolio pictures, digitals and model information. However, this approach works because it cuts down the clutter and enables scouts and modeling agencies to get the information they need immediately and without hassle.
4. Swami Valentini
Swami Valentini is a London-based commercial model. Her modeling portfolio website uses an impactful landing page with all her necessary details in one place. When we load Swami’s model website, we are greeted with her headshot and a small introduction. Scrolling down, we get her modeling information. There is also a link for contacting her for bookings on her landing page, which is very smart.
5. Simone Smith
Simone Smith is an independent model based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. Simone’s modeling portfolio is another great example of how grid-based layouts work really well for modeling portfolios. Her landing page makes use of a hero image which is vibrant, aesthetically pleasing and impactful. As an independent model she also includes a rate chart at the bottom of her landing page and a link to her contact form for bookings.
6. Keithen Polk
Keithen Polk is a motivational speaker, model and actor. Impactful minimalism is a defining feature of Keithen’s modeling portfolio website. He utilizes a dark color palette and a striking cover image to bring attention to the center of the website. Scrolling down we can read a short introduction to him and his work and a link to his booking information.
Having a great modeling portfolio is a force multiplier and increases your chances of getting the breaks you need. However, there is much more than you need to do as a model to ensure a long, successful model.
Do read our article on top tips to be successful as a model
Conclusion
Modeling can be a challenging profession but with the perfect portfolio website at your disposal landing the right gigs and catching the right kind of attention can be effortless. We hope this article was helpful to you in understanding how you can make your modeling portfolio website stand out. While we are here, also check out this article on the best modeling agencies in the US to help you get started with your modeling career.
Pixpa can simplify the process of creating an online modeling portfolio website making it effortless and affordable. Check out this article on the costs of building a portfolio website to see how a website builder like Pixpa can reduce costs and give you the greatest possible return on investment when creating your model website.
You can sign up for Pixpa’s full-featured, 15-day free trial and start creating your model portfolio website today. No credit card is required to sign up, and no hidden charges!
In Search of More Website Designs? Explore Our Curated Examples!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a modeling portfolio?
Your modelling portfolio usually includes sample shots and curated examples of previous work. It also includes a short bio to introduce you and your work, your contact information etc.
How do you make a modeling portfolio?
Earlier, it was common for people to carry bulky, physical copies of their modelling portfolio everywhere. Thankfully those times have passed. Building and sharing your modeling portfolio website has become a breeze thanks to all-in-one portfolio website builder platforms like Pixpa. You can create and host your modelling portfolio on your own personal website with a custom domain. This makes sharing your work with the world easier than ever before.
How much does a modeling portfolio cost?
You can build your modelling portfolio website for free with Pixpa’s 15-day full-featured trial. Paid plans start from $3.60 per month with no hidden charges. Check out this elaborative guide to learn how much it really costs to build your modeling portfolio website.
Do models need a portfolio?
Yes, all models need a portfolio of their previous work and sample shots. This helps prospective employers know who they are hiring and what they can expect. Modelling portfolios is a mandatory requirement in the fashion industry for models.