Starting a career in modeling can be very challenging, more so if you don’t have anything to show off to potential agents and casting directors. Fortunately, creating your own modeling portfolio is pretty easy. With the following steps, you can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed and bagging the first few projects that will kickstart your modeling career. Good luck!
Take photographs for your portfolio.
You should include professional-looking pictures: shots of you with different makeup and hairstyles for each look. You should shoot them in a nice studio set up and few natural light pictures (but not direct sunlight) without a lot of distraction in the photos. These are meant for agencies and clients to get a look at you. Consider a headshot, a body shot, and profile shots.
The most important thing to communicate in a portfolio is that you are able to present a range of “characters” and looks.
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Consider getting professional photos taken.
Though professional photography can be expensive, it can make the difference between being passed over and getting an audition. Think of professional photography as a worthwhile investment in your career!
Get your favorite professional portfolio pictures clicked from the best photographer in India. Today your portfolio should give you a complete Makeover from the Best Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist in India. A Professional Fashion Stylist for your costumes would be the best for your Portfolio shoot.
Sandesh Jayakar’s The Bombay Studio is India’s premier photography agency with over 10 years of expertise in the area of portfolio photography for aspiring models and actors. Specializing in amazing portfolio shoots, they are equipped with an efficient team of photographers, fashion stylists, makeup artists, and in-house post-production teams.
Once your professional portfolio shoot is done, consider emailing your portfolio pictures to Casting agents, Ad agencies & Production Houses.
Take your measurements and know your stats.
This information can help to model agencies place you. Knowing the information off the top of your head will help you seem professional when you are speaking with an agency or potential client.
The most basic measurements to know are your height, weight, and shoe size.
You should also know your clothing measurements such as dress size, hip, waist, chest/bust, etc.
Your personal stats include information such as hair color, eye color, and skin tone.
Visit a modeling agency.
Almost every major city has multiple modeling agencies, and almost every agency has "open-calls" where they look for new talent.
Bring your photographs and/or portfolio. Be sure to have your (accurate) measurements as well.
You may be asked to walk or pose for a headshot or other photos during an open call interview.
If an agency rejects you, don't get disheartened; often an agency is looking for a diverse set of models, so you may just not fit their model lineup right now.
Be wary of scams.
Try to research the reputation of a modeling agency prior to an open call or interview. Too many people don't know about the business and end up getting conned.
No agency should be asking you for money to meet you. The agency will charge you a commission when you model, but shouldn't get much upfront. They should let you know in advance about their fees.
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Navigating a Modeling Career
1. Be truthful about your measurements.
Don't say you're skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems fitting you and the truth will come out. You could potentially lose future jobs due to word of mouth, and you could find yourself without a career!
2. Be professional, polite, and courteous.
Remember that, even though you're not working in an office, you need to be professional. Treat the people you work with respectfully. You never know who they know or what sort of a recommendation they might give of you. Never look down on anyone. You may be a model, but that doesn't give you the right to be snooty, affected, or pompous.
Always show up on time for any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, your reputation may precede you and nobody will want to work with you.
Be organized. Models often get called to places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.
Develop professional relationships with photographers. You help the photographer look great, and they will help you look great. It's a win-win situation, so be sure to treat photographers with respect.
3. Treat modeling like a real job.
Individuals who don't take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there's a lot of work behind all the glitz and glamour you see at fashion shows. Modeling is a full-time occupation that requires constant attention. One week away from it and your career can be over.
Understand that modeling has only a small window of opportunity, and even if you take a short break, you may never be able to return. Models usually only work in the business for a limited amount of time. If you become famous inside of the business, you may be able to extend your career.
4. Be creative on the job.
Photographers want to see you pose in various poses with different props and backdrops. Changeability is key, so work for the camera and interact with the world around yourself. Listen to the photographer's recommendations, but don't be afraid to try your own poses or attitude as well.
Book your Portfolio Shoot here