Modelling Portfolios- A Model’s Passport

Above anything else as a model, you should have charisma and versatility, which you can show at in-person castings . You can’t show off your entire personality in the few minutes you get, but this is definitely enough time to show the agents your modelling portfolio and convince the casting team that you are a worthy individual. But how do you create an amazing portfolio?

What is a modelling portfolio?

It is a very self-explanatory term. Normally a model portfolio is a folder with plastic wallets in it, to hold photos of your modelling experience. It is a compact overview of your range of services and experience. By including a range of different photos, you can give potential clients an impression of your level of versatility.

What should I put in my portfolio?

To create a successful modelling portfolio, you must try and include as many different photos as possible. Make sure they are high quality, well sized photographs (20 x 30cm) and arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. To give a good overview of your skills, make sure you include a variety of:
- poses
- settings
- moods
- costumes
- lightings
It is also important that you offer a mix of colour photos and black and white photos. This is the best way for your portfolio to show where your strengths lie and whether you are suitable for the viewer's project.

The do’s and don’ts in a modelling portfolio

You can definitely filter and edit the pictures in your portfolio so they look as professional as possible, but if you are trying to hide or conceal flaws, you must do this very carefully. We recommend leaving face-tune up to professionals so you avoid the risk of an unprofessional-looking portfolio. Not only the photos but also the folder itself must be high quality and in good condition. The exterior must be free from any stains, scratches and unpleasant smells. Make sure you regularly wipe down the folder and leave it to completely dry. As well as the photos themselves, a good portfolio also has wallets for a Sedcard and your business cards. This means you can give them to potential clients who are looking at your portfolio to ensure they can stay in contact.

Can I make a digital modelling portfolio instead?

Because of the large number of photos and the heavy folders, some agencies, like starboxx, have started to use digital formats to save their models any hassle. This also allows the clients to assess the portfolio for longer. The so-called ‘webbook’ is exactly the same as a modelling portfolio, but it is all digital. You can send potential clients a code to access the webbook and they can then download any images that they like. At starboxx, we offer many different templates and designs so you can make your webbook your own. Although this variant is much more practical and offers many advantages for both sides, some clients still prefer models to have a physical portfolio, because it has more information about you and the level of upkeep reflects how passionate you are about modelling. The more photos you add, the higher your interest seems.