dasloaf

I was wondering if anyone has an idea on what makes a good modeling portfolio? Someone asked me and I don't have any idea!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dasloaf, look at the Model Mayhem site. All of the models have portfolios on that site. I think it will be very obvios when you see good fotos. Just an idea.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

http://www.modelmayhem.com/ is now in my LINKS folder, thanks for the reference.

dasloaf

thanks, it will be a departure for me from sport pictures!

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

I have done a few. I try to avoid the gimmiky shots with complicated backgrounds or elaborate sets. I usually shoot in front of plain background paper. I suggest three different "looks" or wardrobes. I shoot mostly full length shots, but include one or two closeups. I try to keep the "focus" on the model, not the set, and look to give any potential employer an idea of what they would be getting when they review a portfoio. Typically, most of the more elaborate shots you find in portfolios are from actual shoots the model has participated in, and it is ok to have them--it shows versatility. But think every model needs a few no-frills shots in their port, especially if they are just beginning. The purpose of a port is to gain work!

CamObs Loc: South America (Texas)

Tear sheets typically have 3-5 shots with 3-5 different looks, hair, makeup, clothes, etc. If you are doining a location shoot, have a hair stylist, make-up person and an assistant to move gobo's, reflectors etc. Agency's generally keep a book with the tear sheets so they can rapidly flip through the sheets and not spend a lot of time poring over the photos. They just want versitility of the model to show.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Be sure and get model releases if you are going to use the photos.

CamObs: what is a tear sheet and what does it look like?

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

Go to model mayhem for examples of online portfolios that are similar to tear sheets, which are printed. Regarding model releases, maybe, maybe not. I'm not a lawyer, and I dislike the idea of turning to photographers for legal advice, but, generally, you will get paid, which is work for hire, and the model should own the rights; or you'll trade out (TFP- trade for prints)where typically you'll both have limited rights to use the images for self promotion, but not commercial use. Even with work-for-hire you can still get permission for limited use for self promotion--everything is negotiable, but it should be in writing, and signed, prior to any frames being shot, period. Agree on terms up front, and get it in writing. That's all the "legal" advice you get from me!
Btw, the forums at MM are great for basic information--read over the lists of topics.

billybob40

Here are some templates I use in my business.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=MODELING+TEMPLATES
Look around ebay's templates they can help in all photo work.
Questions and answers to help build a great portfolio…
How large should the photos be? 8×10, 8.5×11, 9×12, 11×14?
The correct answer does tend to be somewhat market specific. In New York, 9×12 and 11×14 books are popular and often required. In Miami, snapshot sized “mini-books” are a popular trend.
In most metropolitan markets, like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago and San Diego, 8×10 and 8.5×11 books are the norm and more than adequate. I would recommend purchasing a book that holds 8.5×11 pages – after all – if you are hoping to do print work – your tearsheets are likely to be 8.5×11 – so you want them to fit in the book.
How many photos do I need to have?
Less is better! You will not impress with quantity – you will make a lasting impression with quality.
If you think about it – I can take two good photos of you – a headshot and a full length shot – and show that you are beautiful and have a good, fit figure. So if this is the case – why all the stress about a portfolio?
The purpose of the modeling portfolio is not just simply to show that you are attractive – it is to show your ability to portray different characters, age ranges and importantly personality!
As a new model – 6 – 12 pictures is adequate to present yourself to a new agency. 20 should be a maximum – but only if they are 20 “WOW” pictures. Good pictures don’t make the grade.
Do I need to shoot with more than one photographer
to develop my portfolio?
NO. Certainly if you have lots of money to spend – hire several photographers to help you develop your portfolio. You will not get more work because you have spent a ton of money to shoot with multiple photographers. You will get work with a selection of pictures that show you at your best, show your range of emotions and ability to portray various characters.
Most of the models that you see featured on my web site carry portfolios with only my photos in them and they are working steadily. The key is a well thought out, well planned, well executed selection of pictures to best market you.
Should the pictures all be in Color?
Is every advertisement in color? Of course not! Black and White is not only an artistic medium that can be effectively used to create and convey a mood, but it is also a medium that is still very much in use today – so don’t be afraid to include a few great Black and White photos in your portfolio.
Do I need to do photos in a swimsuit or lingerie?
There is NO type of modeling or photograph that you HAVE to do to be a model. You do NOT have to model swimwear. You certainly do not have to model lingerie, and you do not have to model anything that is in conflict with your cultural or religious beliefs. Certainly, the more that you are willing and able to do, the more opportunities that you will make available to yourself, and there is no legitimate modeling agency that will ever tell you otherwise.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I mainly photograph news events. I'll tell you, I won't sign a models release. They seem to be the most open-end agreements which favor the photographer taking the picture. Some of them give unlimited rights which allow the photo to be used for anything and anywhere.

CamObs Loc: South America (Texas)

One page summary sheet. Name came from the publishing industry where a page was "torn" out of a document to send specific info to "stringers" (contributers not on payroll). Since the advent of the web and so much info being put out there, tear sheets can also mean everything from a web print screen to a portfolio submittal.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Thx. I know what a newspaper tear sheet is but couldn't figure out what it meant in internet age.