Modelling Portfolio Tips for Beginners: What to Include and What to Avoid
Your portfolio is your first impression with brands, jewellers and photographers. Here is how to build one that gets you booked, even if you are just starting out.
In this article
What a modelling portfolio is for
A portfolio shows clients what you look like and how you can change your look for different jobs. A fashion label, a jewellery brand and an ad agency will each look for something different, so your portfolio should show range without losing a clear sense of who you are.
You do not need dozens of photos. Eight to twelve strong images will do far more for you than forty average ones.
Start with digitals
Digitals (also called polaroids) are simple, unedited photos that show your natural look. Clients trust them because they show exactly what will turn up on set.
Take these in daylight against a plain wall, with little or no makeup and hair pulled back or left natural:
- Headshot, front facing, neutral expression
- Headshot with a natural smile
- Left and right profile
- Full length, front facing
- Full length, side view
Wear fitted, plain clothes such as a black vest and jeans. Update your digitals every few months, or whenever your hair or body changes.
The core portfolio shots
Once your digitals are ready, add styled images that show your range:
- A clean beauty shot: close-up, soft light, minimal makeup. Essential if you want jewellery, skincare or cosmetics work.
- A commercial smile: bright, friendly and approachable, the look ad clients want.
- A fashion editorial image: stronger styling and posing, more attitude.
- A full-length fashion shot: shows your proportions and how you carry clothes.
- A lifestyle image: a natural moment outdoors or in a real location.
- A traditional or ethnic look: valuable for bridal, saree, jewellery and festival campaigns.
Choosing a photographer
For your first shoot, look for a photographer whose existing work matches the kind of modelling you want to do. Ask to see full shoots, not just their best single images.
Agree in writing what you will receive: the number of edited images, the delivery date and whether you can use the photos online and in your portfolio. If you are shooting on a collaboration basis (often called TFP), the same rules apply.
What to wear and bring
- Two or three outfits in solid, flattering colours
- One fitted outfit that shows your shape for full-length shots
- Basic accessories that you can add or remove
- Clean, simple footwear, including heels if you want fashion work
- Makeup basics for touch-ups, even if a makeup artist is booked
Arrive rested and well hydrated. Clear skin and bright eyes matter more than any filter.
Mistakes that cost bookings
- Heavy editing: if your photos look very different from you in person, clients lose trust.
- Too many similar photos: ten selfies in the same pose show no range.
- Poor-quality images: blurry, dark or low-resolution photos suggest you are not serious.
- Group photos or cropped friends: every image should be about you.
- Old photos: a portfolio from three years ago does not show what you look like today.
Keep your measurements accurate
Clients book from your stats as much as your photos. Keep your height, bust or chest, waist, hips, shoe size, eye colour and hair colour up to date, and measure honestly. A wrong measurement can mean a wasted fitting and a lost client.
Put your portfolio where clients can find it
A great portfolio only works if the right people see it. Upload your best photos, digitals and measurements to your Artists In World profile, so jewellers, fashion brands and production houses can find you when they search for models in your city.
Looking for talent or crew?
Browse actors, models, technicians and production services on Artists In World, or create your own profile and get discovered.
