How To Create a Modeling Portfolio in 8 Steps (With

Tips)
Updated July 5, 2023
When trying to start a career as a model, it's typical to send your portfolio to modeling agencies to highlight your
skills and strengths. A modeling portfolio can help an agency review your appearance and experience to see if you're
a good fit for their clients and organization. Understanding how to create a portfolio can help you prepare for a role
in this field and make a positive first impression on an agency.In this article, we discuss how to create a modeling
portfolio by explaining what one is, why it's important and how to produce an effective one.
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What is a modeling portfolio?

A modeling portfolio is a collection of professional photos that display your talent as a model. When applying for
modeling positions, most agencies expect you to send a portfolio so they can judge your talent and decide whether to
hire you, depending on their clients' requirements and requests. A modeling portfolio typically includes several
pictures that highlight your skills and diversity as a model. Related: How To Become a Model: 7 Tips

Why is a modeling portfolio important?

It's valuable for individuals to create a portfolio if they're trying to begin their modeling career. Models with
experience and professional contacts may not require a portfolio if they've already established themselves within
their industry. Entry-level models might want to create a portfolio so they can start their careers. Individuals with
little to no relevant experience can benefit from having a variety of application materials, including a modeling
portfolio, to send to different modeling agencies. Adding a modeling portfolio to your application, in addition to a
resume, can help you highlight your professionalism and may make it easier to reach a wider audience of employers
and clients, especially if you make an online portfolio.Related: How To Make a Digital Portfolio in 5 Steps (Plus
Tips)

How to create a modeling portfolio

Here are steps to follow to create your portfolio and pursue a professional model career:

1. Find your modeling specialty

Before you make your portfolio, it's helpful to find your modeling type. Your modeling type refers to what sort of
jobs you want as a model. For example, you could be a fashion model, commercial model or live model.
Determining your model type can help you customize your portfolio with images that reflect the industry you hope
to pursue.Related: 10 Different Jobs in Modeling To Explore

2. Hire a team to take your photos

Once you decide what type of modeling you want to pursue, research and hire a team of individuals to help you take
the photos you require. This typically includes a good photographer and a hair and makeup artist. When making
your portfolio, it's essential to use professional photos. Professional photography is typically more high quality than
personal photography and can help you demonstrate your skills and potential. While you may be able to do your
own hair and makeup, an expert can highlight your features and maximize your look in the photos.Related: How To
Become a Catalog Model in 7 Steps

3. Learn how to pose

After you hire a photographer, learn how to pose as a model. Modeling usually takes skill and practice, which is why
it's essential to know how to pose. It's also beneficial to learn these skills to ensure you're ready for professional
photoshoots. Consider using the internet to research how to model.Related: What Is Print Modeling? (With Job
Duties and Skills)
4. Have a photoshoot
After you've prepared, it's possible to arrange a photoshoot. This is where you get the pictures for your portfolio.
Start by picking outfits for your shoot and remember, your clothes may vary depending on the type of modeling you
choose. For example, a fashion model typically wears different clothes than a commercial model. Make an
appointment with a professional photographer for your shoot. Before they take pictures, have a conversation with
your team so everyone is aware of the vision you're trying to create for your portfolio. During the shoot, take several
pictures in different poses.

5. Create a photo book

After your photographer sends you the pictures from your shoot, create a photo book. Having a physical book is a
beneficial way to show a modeling agency your portfolio during an interview. Select your favorite pictures and print
them out. Include typical beauty shots, commercial headshots, full body shots and simple snapshots, and either buy a
photo album for the pictures or print a photo book using a website. Make sure you arrange your pictures in a way
that looks visually appealing and showcases your unique style.Related: Fashion Modeling vs. Commercial
Modeling: What's the Difference?

6. Make an online portfolio

It's also valuable to make an online portfolio in addition to your photo book. An online portfolio allows you to send
your photos to model agencies digitally. Models often put their professional pictures online to gain more attention
and creating an online portfolio website is an easy way to do that. Consider creating a professional website to host
your portfolio. You could hire someone with digital expertise to make it or use a free website builder
yourself.Related: 10 Portfolio Website Builders (And Why They're Important)

7. Improve your social media presence

Besides making a professional portfolio website, it's also helpful to use social media platforms to showcase your
skills and allow modeling agencies to review your work. It's also advisable to add a link to your professional social
media accounts to your application documents to ensure hiring managers and clients have access to them. Your
online presence can help you foster and maintain a positive public image. Related: 14 Effective Ways To Grow Your
Social Media Presence

8. Include your contact information

Other than your photos and measurements, it's essential to add your contact details to your modeling portfolio. This
includes your name, phone number and email address. This vital information can ensure that agencies know how to
contact you if they want to book you for a particular campaign or hire you full-time.