How to build a modeling portfolio - the right way

I meet so many up and coming models or even models who are getting work but can’t seem to get to the next level who feel stuck on how to build a great porfolio.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money, work with the top photographer in the country, or even have an agent to build an amazing portfolio and start working. From working with models, agents, and casting directions, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you begin building your portfolio the right way.

First, you need to figure out who you are as a model. The key here is being realistic. I love that you have big dreams, and I believe you can achieve them, but for the average model (non nepo baby) you have to break in where it makes sense and then conquer from within.

When I say to be realistic, all I mean is to think about what you could actually book right now. If you’re 5’6, chances are you won’t jump right into runway or editorial high-fashion unless you have an extremely unique look and are good at networking. You might be able to break in through commercial work, fitness modeling, or beauty. Right now, there is more competition than ever in the industry- don’t compete with the perfect fitness model when you could be great for commerical work and then work your way into fitness modeling. The types of modeling are interchangable, but I hope you get my point.

To figure out who you are as a model (at this time in your career), I recommend looking at agencies and seeing if there are any models that look similar to you or have a similar height/build and check out their portfolios. Then copy their portfolio. With such high competition, you have to tell agencies what to do with you. You have to show them what type of casting they should be sending you on and the goal is to start booking. Once you start booking, you can navigate your way into different types of modeling.

Once you figure out what who you are as a model (aka. what you could book right now), begin building your portfolio. Work with experienced photographers to capture a few really good images. Although it may seem ideal to work with a new photographer who is willing to collaborate on a free shoot, if the photos aren’t good, agencies won’t accept them.

I worked with a model recently who told me that her agency is strict on who she does free shoots with because “if you have bad photos, the New York and Los Angeles agencies won’t take you seriously.” Agencies need clear, well-lit, lightly edited photos. Over-edited, over-contrasted, poor-lighting, etc. is not going to book you jobs.

This is also important if you are a working model who can’t seem to get to the next level. Are you doing work you love? What is it about your portfolio or your look that is holding you back from getting to that next level? Find models who have the career you want and look at the types of photos they have in their book. Do your photos align with theirs as far as quality and style?

With all of this said, collaborate with friends, explore different styles of art, but be wise about what you include in your portfolio- this includes your social media if you’re using those accounts as a portfolio. Speaking of social media, the filters aren’t doing you any favors. If you show up to a casting and look nothing like your social media or portfolio, the agents won’t bother.

And finally, apply to the right agencies. Look at talent and commercial agencies, modeling agencies, agencies in different cities, etc. Find agencies that don’t have other models who look just like you and submit. And then keep submitting. Most agencies let you resubmit every 6-12 months.

Read more about how to submit to agencies, how to know if an agency is legit, or agencies that accept petite models.