YOUR PORFOLIO!

    When you are a model, you want to be proud of what you stand for. Your image is everything and you will always be compared to the person standing next to you. The way that you represent yourself, hold yourself, and the first impression that you give are all important factors in who you are and how people see you. The portfolio that you create as you try to ascertain your first 'tear sheet' is something that will not only help you to win jobs, but will also provide a very lasting impression.

 

    This is your one shot, your opportunity to show people once and for all who you are and why they should be interested in hiring you. And it is imperative that the portfolio you show is up-to-date, that is if you are applying for jobs and utilizing your portfolio to represent who you are. So as you work to develop and update your portfolio, you want to be sure that it ends up being something that you can take great pride in, that you work with a photographer you can trust, and that the pictures represent the character of what you are about. It is always a good thing to show a diverse style of pictures as well, showing your range and flexibility as a model.

 

    If you are a model just starting out, then the very idea of a portfolio can be a bit overwhelming. Many models start out with "Time For Print" shoots - a photo shoot where a photographer provides you the pictures in return for shooting you. Just be vigilant that you do not cross the threshold lines or limitations that you are comfortable with. You should set clear expectations of the limitation prior to the shoot, whether you are doing a traditional fashion shoot, or evolving to more of a Maxim style shoot.

 

    Your portfolio should contain a diverse set of pictures, including head-shots, full-body shoots, as well as vertical and horizontal style pictures. Remember, these pictures are the 'first impression' shots. When you are just starting off, you have nothing to speak of, so there are numerous hurdles a first-time model will need to battle through in order to develop a portfolio that will work for them.

 

    Be patient, do not make hasty decisions, and work only with those photographers that have impeccable references. As you work to develop your portfolio, you want to include any promotional jobs you may have worked, as well as any other semi-professional shots you may gain as your experience grows. Even the most seasoned veterans will need to rely on their portfolio.

 

    But your ultimate goal is to get your 'tear sheet'...a firm representation that you have made it to print! Tear sheets show that others have had the confidence in your look and are extremely valuable assets to any models career. A tear sheet can convince prospective clients that you can carry off a certain look and others have believed in your look and style.

 

    As your portfolio starts to take shape, a more refined focus will come into picture. You will see what kind of industry jobs you are successfully attaining, and it may allow you to focus on the niche you best fit in to. Finally, your portfolio is an ever evolving working document; one that you need to constantly update and perfect as you grow your career. In the end, be sure that you work with experts that know how to properly put a professional portfolio together. Don't be shy about getting advice from other models that already have successful portfolios! And once you start attaining 'tear sheets', the sky is the limit!

 

( First Appearing on Miss Social Network )