Model Photography: Secrets of an Expressive Portfolio

When a model starts or develops her career, she is sure to keep a book, which she fills with actual photos. Competition for interesting projects, shows, and shoots in this niche is very serious, so a good portfolio can open up many opportunities.

Beauty shots

Such photos usually open a portfolio, allowing you to get general information about the type of model, her age, and the main features of her appearance. A beauty photo is a close-up color shot of the face that captures the neck and upper part of the shoulders. Makeup and hairstyle should be as natural as possible. An important feature is that the hero/heroine is not smiling in a beauty photo. To get a successful shot, the photographer must set the light correctly: avoid dark shadows and excessive glare. Retouching of such photos is minimal: you can remove a pimple that appeared at the wrong time, but deep processing of skin, hair, and other details of appearance is inadmissible.

Photo in a swimsuit or lingerie

For a portfolio choose a neutral body, a monochrome bikini, or a closed swimsuit. Before the photographer and the model have an important task: not to allow the photo to look frank, but at the same time to keep a note of sexuality. If the hero/heroine of the photo shoot feels embarrassed in front of the camera, you can use the editor retouchme.com/remove-clothes-from-photo-app and “remove” the clothes from the pictures, which turned out during the snapshot shooting.

Snaps

Snapshots assume a full-length photo, which will allow you to assess the proportions and type of physique. The main requirement is naturalness! Moles, freckles, hair texture, skin tone – all this is not subjected to processing. These photos are devoid of artistry, as their task is to show external data, not artistry. Nevertheless, the work of the photographer is very important: the camera should catch a straight angle with flat light, and at the same time the model should look lively and interesting. Clothing emphasizes the figure: tights, tight-fitting long sleeves, and T-shirts are preferable. Long hair is shown in two variants: loose and gathered in a ponytail. The photographer shoots frames in full-face, half-turn, from the back, and sometimes also does belt shots. Shooting is carried out using a neutral monochrome background.

A variant of snapshots is model tests. For them, the absence of makeup and accessories is still important, the list of suitable clothing is replenished with jeans, a shirt, a T-shirt, and other casual things. The model is more creative in the process: she can pose and show emotions.

Fashion shot

This is an optional component of a modeling portfolio, but it is the one that can attract the attention of producers, agents, and casting managers. There are no restrictions and prohibitions here, the model can choose bright images and dynamic poses, extravagant makeup, and complex hairstyles. The photographer is also not limited in requirements to the photo, unexpected angles, complex processing, and filters are used.

Commercial photos

This section of the portfolio can be filled with shots similar to those published in magazines, advertising brochures, and big boards. Please note: in this genre, flawless looks and a “runway” look are not as important. Advertising models are sought by supermarkets and hospitals, kindergartens, and law agencies. The photographer should catch as many different sincere emotions as possible: sadness, joy, fatigue, hope, etc.

Portrait with a smile

A variant of a beauty photo, but necessarily with an open smile. Teeth – one of the important details of appearance, to which attention is paid. A light retouching of the photo is possible, but radical changes in the color and shape of teeth should not be made.

Expressive portrait

The final photo of a modeling portfolio is an emotional portrait. A strong frame, which differs from neutral snaps, will allow you to make a more complete impression of the model and her image. As a rule, a separate photo shoot is required to get successful shots.

The model should constantly update the bouquet with current shots, and the photographer plays a big role in the success of the portfolio.