Packages start at $550.00 for 2.5 hours of professional photography,
Photo retouching, and photo editing
Standard Head Shot Session
30 Minute Session
1 Wardrobe
Traditional Head Shot Images Shot (Chest Up)
Client receives 1 Edited Image printed as 8 x 10 or 9 x 12
Silver Package
1 1/2 hour session
2-3 Wardrobe Changes (Dependent on Experience of Model)
Client receives 6 Edited Images printed as 8 x 10 or 9 x 12
Gold Package
2 Hour Session
3-4 Wardrobe Changes
Client receives 9 Edited Images Printed as 8 x 10 or 9 x 12
Platinum Package
3 Hour Session
4-5 Wardrobe Changes
Posing DVD provided prior to the shoot
Client receives 12 Edited Images printed as 8 x 10 or 9 x 12
Ala Carte Items:
Additional Images printed
Images in the digital format
Professional Modeling Portfolios
Knowing what makes a good modeling portfolio and how you should show yourself to the world!
Before putting together a modeling portfolio, it is important to know what type of modeling you can do. A portfolio of a Freelance model would probably include a variety of different types of photos, while a portfolio of a high fashion model would have high fashion images, and so on. So be realistic from the very onset of your career to avoid any setbacks or rejections due to the fact that you are attempting to enter a type of modeling that is not best suited for you.
You should know that your modeling portfolio is a true first impression of yourself as a model. A portfolio will always be the first thing that agencies and clients look at before they even choose to see you in person. And for that reason, it is highly recommended to focus on the building of an impressive modeling portfolio that will enable you to establish a successful career as a model.
Pay attention to the quality of the photos you choose to include in your portfolio. These photos need to impress agencies and clients alike and make you stand out from the rest. So always aim to project the best possible image of yourself.
Here are a few things to remember when building a modeling portfolio:
It is better to have fewer photos that are great, than having more photos that are of poorer quality. So the rule of thumb is that less is more. As a new model, your portfolio should have 6 - 12 photos, especially when you are presenting yourself to a new agency. As an established model, your portfolio should ideally have anywhere between 10 and 25 photos.
Always keep in mind that the purpose of a modelling portfolio is not only to show your good looks, but it should also demonstrate your ability to portray different characters, age ranges and personality. For this reason you should include good headshots without makeup, It's also important to have good body shots, with swimwear or tight-fitting clothes, especially if you plan to apply to the larger model markets.
In terms of the type of photos to include in your model portfolio, there are no specific rules that you should follow, but just remember to keep your portfolio as professional as possible by only including high quality photos. Do not feel pressured to include pictures where you are in a swimsuit or lingerie, unless that is the type of modeling you want to work in. As long as you know what type of modeling you are looking to do, that should be enough to give you some direction as to what kind of pictures to include.
We will break this down in three stages:
1) First set of Pictures
2) Photos for clients
3) The Final Goal / The Resume.
First set of pictures:
The first set of photos that a potential model needs are “simple” photos. These photos need to show exactly what the girl looks like: natural, simple, little makeup. Nothing overdone. The goal is to be able to be able to really critique the model, really see how she looks. The reason for this has to do with “who” will need to view these initial photos: a local, New York or International Modeling agency to accept the potential Model.The Photos are for Agencies Not Clients (unless of course the kid is “perfect” and you are going directly to the top 100 clients).
These simple photos can be done a few times. A trained eye can tell if the person is photogenic / cool looking / right for the modeling business. If the photos are too overdone, too much makeup, the agencies will not be able to really make a decision as to if that person is right for their agency.
Photos for Clients:
The type of photos a model needs for clients depends on what kind of model we are creating…. high fashion, swimsuit, beauty catalog queen, etc. Sometimes, the photos that are put into a portfolio need to cover all of the above, sometimes not.. It all depends on the model and how the agency plans to market the model.
A few questions are often asked:
1) Does a model pay for these photos? Who does pay?
2) What kind of photos are the “right” photos….
3) How many photos should a model have in their portfolio.
The answer regarding payment for photos is, “it depends”…. If a person has money, then yes they should pay. If person doesn’t, they should get a part time job and earn a few dollars to pay for the photos. Can an agency who is excited about the model pay? Or advance the money against future earnings? The answer to this is Yes. Many agencies do advance the cost of the testing.
I always feel it is good for someone to “earn” things vs being given. It creates more appreciation.
The worst thing a model can do is see clients with bad photos. There is way too much competition to show bad photos to potential clients. That is a killer. Many times a potential models needs to do many testing’s to get the right photos.
The trick is to get a few great photos vs. a lot of average photos. A few GREAT photos can open a lot of doors.
The agency will decide on what are the right kind of pictures.. However, unless this agency has developed a Star, don’t listen to them! Rule #1 Only listen to people who have represented and or created a star or two. Don’t be a guinea pig! (If an agency has represented a model that has gone on to be a Star, then they should know how to market you.)
The Final Goal / The Resume:
The testing photos are now turned into actual “pages” from magazines. How does this process occur? Testing photos to pages from magazines? Take the testing photos out and replace them with pages from magazines. Now that sounds cool yes? That is one of the goals. This is the creation of your “resume” your “portfolio” that will now be used to help you earn “real” money. As in the business world, usually the person with the best resume gets the job. That is correct for the modeling industry also. The Model who has the best “book” aka “portfolio” aka “resume*” wins the job….
How are resumes “judged” by the casting people? What makes one resume better than the other? Answer: It is all about who a model works for. Once a great designer, a hip national advertiser or major fashion magazine uses you, you are on your way. Casting people and editors judge a models book on the following criteria:
- Has the Model worked with any Prestigious Designers? eg.: Ralph, Calvin, Lagerfeld,Cavalli
- Which major Fashion Magazines has the Model appeared in? eg: Vogue, Bazaar, W
- Any National Ad Campaigns? eg: Guess, Gucci, Prada
- Who has the Model been Photographed by? eg: Steven Klein, Patrick Demarchelier,
If a model can show in their portfolio that she worked for Vogue or Bazaar for example, did the Gucci campaign and various famous photographers have taken her photo, she is on her way to a wonderful career as model. Having your photo in Vogue is perhaps like having a fortune five hundred company on your resume and you were the CEO of the company.
Supply and demand. Not too many models per year get the opportunity to have their photos appear in the fashion pages of Vogue, just as there are only a handful of guess and Gucci girls. The Models who appear in these campaigns portfolios are at the top of their profession.
Portfolios which we will now call a models “book” should tell a story: a story of who that model is. It should start out sexy and end with laughter. Turning on the client at the beginning and make them feel good with laughter when the close the book. The book should be laid out like a magazine. Photos going the right way, colors with colors and black and white with black and white. No advertising or catalogs in the book. ONLY editorials which of course includes covers. The ONLY advertising that should be in a book are HUGE campaigns.
What is the apex, the best of the best? The best “book” one can put together . . . the goal, the dream . . . perfect “resume”? That is easy, the best two magazines are American Vogue and American Bazaar. Covers and Pages from these two magazines are the best a model can do. They are the Bibles of the industry. Nothing is higher. Once on these covers or on the inside of these magazines every catalog company and advertiser in the world wants you. Your agent can then pick and choose what jobs are best for you. Hundreds of calls coming in every week. Hundreds of requests for your time. Every other magazine in the world wants you. Every famous photographer wants to shoot you. Designers must have u in there shows at $25,000 per show. Your advertising and catalog rates go through the roof!
*Note: book, resume and portfolio are all the same thing.
This article is an excerpt from Mr. Fisher’s forthcoming book “Forbidden Fruit” about modeling at the apex of the fashion industry. Used by permission. Article copyright 2010 Paul Fisher
Fashion Model:
Fashion to be promotes clothing and accessories by designers. There are two types of models in this category: high fashion and commercial. High modeling is an art form of fashion. The size of the model depends on the clothing. i.e. Plus sized models model for plus sized clothing.
First, there are enormous differences between modeling commercially and fashion. There are actors, pilots, firemen, housewives, students, etc. who model commercially, some are very successful and make a good deal of money at it. But they are not commercial in the same sense that fashion models are glamour and very famous in this industry.
Runway Model:
Runway models are associated with flawless looks. They appear before the public with no lens, or graphics company to airbrush a little beauty in. Its also known as "Catwalk Modeling" is displaying fashion, and is generally performed by "fashion models." of the International level.
A lot of models, when learning this modeling, tend to swing there arms way to much. Your arms should only swing as much as your body makes them. With runway men and runway women it is a little bit different of a looking swing. The reason for the difference is how a man takes his steps.
Next time you watch a model, watch and see how their lower arm is doing most of the swinging. Concentrate on keeping your Runway Models requirements are few. The model selection must match origination and intent of market, yet bottom line is designer’s subjective opinion.
Commercial Model:
Every day you see models in many different types of ads. They appear in newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction with an article in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, etc.
On the other hand, need only to have the ability to look like a real person. In modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are hired. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.
Bikini Model:
This gives lingerie web models more chances to be seen by models, scouts and model agents. Modeling agencies hold auditions for bikini models, and hold open houses periodically for bikini models chasing a modeling career.
Through us you can send your picture and resume to all of the modeling agencies in your area. They will call to schedule and an audition. Every major city has well-established modeling agencies. These modeling agencies may only be looking for swimsuit models jobs.
All models are required to go through various photo shoots and create a professional modeling portfolio. Putting together a models portfolio is an absolute must! The models portfolio should include a number of modeling photos and a modeling resume.
Teen Model:
If you are in teen age, your best opportunity is to search for teen modeling or auditions in this industry. This gives young models female more chances to be seen by models, scouts and model agents. Agencies hold auditions for nude modeling, and hold open houses periodically for teen chasing a career.
The key to being a good teen model is to always look your best. Being a model in teenage might seem easy. Although your physical appearance is the first characteristic teen models must consider, it is the young models with training and experience who are most sought after.
Editorial Model:
Every day you see models in many different types of ads. They appear in newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction with an article in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, etc.
On the other hand, need only to have the ability to look like a real person. In modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are hired. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.
Usually, the client hires an ad agency to produce an ad, the ad agency hires the photography, and either the art director from the ad agency or photographer hires the model through the agent.
Body Part Model:
Quality eyes, lips, hair, hand, feet, leg, and other parts of the body.
This is a special category that belongs in both fashion and commercial in this fashion industry. This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Sometimes models that look great in full-length shots or head shots don't have nice hands or feet so they are used to fix this problem.
Fitness Model:
The fit models must maintain their weight and size to work in this segment of the industry. They can work in this industry for a long time, and the work is all year round. This category models embody a more athletic, muscular ideal than the conventional fashion model. We do this by utilizing the tried and true method of "survival of the fittest".
If a fitness model can survive the rigorous schedule necessary to compete on our grueling competition circuit, you better believe that she can provide you with the professionalism in modeling that your company deserves! Everybody in your company works hard, so should the modeling professionals that you select as your visual representatives!
As you can see from the photos and as we discover in the interviews, these professionals work very hard to stay in peak condition. While they're all naturally beautiful, they're living proof that working out and eating right are an important part of their success.