Supermodel Resource

A model portfolio should be made to represent you as a good model. A good model portfolio is one of the most important tools in the profession of modeling. This needs to be updated regularly to get you some good modeling opportunities from top clients.

It is through the model portfolio that a modeling client sees how you look in different outfits and situations and how photogenic you are. Hence a modeling portfolio must represent you as a good and experienced model, not as an unprofessional.

When you plan to attend any interview for a job, the first thing you would look for is your resume. Without that hardly anyone would go for an interview. Your resume includes all your information about your background, education and experience, right? Similarly for modeling assignments you need a model portfolio.

Once you’ve chosen modeling as a career, you need to begin with creating your model portfolio. First of all, what is a model portfolio? Model portfolio is nothing but a collection of your best photographs which can fetch you great modeling assignments. Remember first impression is the best impression and you are making your first impression through your portfolio.

Some models tend to burn out after a shoot. Other will be very excited and raring to do more work. Whatever way you react, you must bounce back to normalcy real fast. Learn to calm yourself. This will get easier as you go along. Staying up late or bouts of tension will make you more stressful and this will reflect on your face. Stress always takes it toll on the body. You have to be able to unwind and get back to normal with a few hours as tomorrow is a new day and a new shoot!

Once the photo shoot is over, it is time for everybody to pack up and leave. If you are in the initial stages of your modeling career you can hang back and chat with others, ask questions about modeling, request more work etc. But don’t be a clinger. Remember that the photographer and others on the set may have to go for another shoot so don’t overstay your welcome. On the other hand, don’t run out the moment ‘pack up’ is declared. Somebody on the set may want to discuss work with you but may not be comfortable in front of everybody eg. the end client. This is not to confuse you but you should know the nuances of the modeling industry. One important point, try not to leave anything behind.

Now, that the shoot is all done and over, when will your pictures be ready? You are definitely dying to see them. Take the photographers advice on the turnout – sometimes this can be a real bruiser, but will be helpful for you in the long run as you can learn from your mistakes. A photographer is the best person when it comes to judging a profile. He is one who makes a good face look great! Take all his comments with a pinch of salt and keep them in mind for future.

1. Arrive on time – The most important thing is to arrive on time at a photo shoot. Studios usually pay by the hour so if everyone is there but the model, a lot off time and money is wasted as everyone else will need to be paid for their time. Ultimately it’s the end client who pays for all this and if he is dissatisfied, the model may not be asked for another shoot. You as a model should build p a reputation of smoothing a shoot along and working more in real time. 

2. Plan – Once you arrive and are done with the pleasantries, sit down with the team and work out a plan of action on how to proceed. The mantra for a perfect photo shoot is ‘Plan your work and then work your plan’.

3. Getting ready – The next step is to get ready – so now it’s all about the right make up and clothes. This stage may vary shoot-to-shoot depending on the budget of the end client. At one shoot you may be left to do your own make up from your vanity case in a corner of a room or you may be taken to a special make up van where make up and hair experts will work on you (and a caterer my bring you delicacies to complete the perfect picture)  - an ideal form of pampering! 

4. Last minute adjustments – While the model is getting ready, everyone else is also busy setting things in place. The lighting and sets need to be organized and last minute adjustments made. The photographer now schmoozes the art director, checks that the client is happy, rechecks the cameras and positions, issues instructions to the photo assistant etc. Yeah, it’s a lot of repsnisbility which is why nerves are often frayed and models are advised to ‘make life easy for the photographer’ by not throwing new tantrums.

5. Show time! – Yeah, now its finally show time! You are ready to face the camera. Make sure there’s good communication on the sets. The photographer will b issuing out verbal orders – understand and do them as well as give a feedback. Initially this give and take relationship may be a little difficult but as time goes on, the rapport is built up and understanding each other becomes much easier.
   
   
6. Establish a touch-or-don’t-touch understanding at the beginning – When work is done with large format cameras, posing needs to be precise and so may be slow. In such cases, the photographer may find it easier to physically move the hands, head etc. of the model to the correct position. If you as a model are uncomfortable with this, let the photographer know this up front. Don’t make yourself miserable to ease the photographer’s work. This point should be discussed and clarified at the shoot and built into the professional working relationship.
   
   
7. Stay relaxed – This is a challenging part of the shoot and certainly not as easy as it sounds. The photographer may be telling you about the main light, the posing spot, the required expression, your arms and legs in different positions, while you may be trying to hold the product so as not to cover label – all of this with a host of onlookers. You need to stay relaxed through this so that the tension does not show up on your face. 

So you see a photo shoot is not all about switching on some great music and dancing around in front of the camera – it involves a whole lot more. But despite all this, you’ll see the excitement and electricity on the sets and certainly have a lot of fun!