Featured Article

5 Great Clothing Brands That Will Make Your Kid's Portfolio Stand Out

Last month, we featured 4 Great Places in Portland to Buy Clothes for Kid Models. This month we go online and search the world for some of the best and most unique kids clothing brands, looks that will make your child’s modeling portfolio stand out from all the rest. Full disclosure: these brands are somewhat expensive and take some time to ship. If you can’t connect the dots and get new stuff, look for these brands (or something similar) from a consignment dealer or reseller.

The Animals Observatory is a label unto itself: it’s a kid’s brand founded by Laia Aguilar and Jan Andreu that combines the sensibilities of high fashion with style and comfort made for kids. Their latest Spring/Summer collection, designed by Aguilar is, in the words of Milk Magazine, “the effortlessly chic style of Charlotte Rampling, a splash of Martin Parr’s colour and Gio Ponti’s design approach…”.

While The Animals Observatory digs bold colors, Play Up takes a more muted and organic approach. The brand’s latest collection is inspired by artist and weaver Eneida Lombe Tavares and hones closely to the brand’s mantra of fairness and sustainability.

Another brand that focuses on sustainability is OXOX, which we assume means “hugs and kisses and hugs and kisses” (not two beasts of burden dragging a cart). Founded in Lithuania in 2007, their items include things like Sticky Lemon Backpacks and Meduse Jelly Shoes (in bright green, at that). Their current spring is known as The Potato Collection, so you know this line is delicious in many ways.

4FunkyFlavors was founded in 2010 by 4 Funky Humans: a pair of DJs and a pair of record label operatives who came to together to make clothing. Along with designing for men and women, they offer some amazingly beautiful and totally unusual kids clothing. Based in The Netherlands, 4FF now includes over 60 people on their staff.

Organically sourced and built to last, the goods at Repose AMS are the kind of clothing that can be worn through several seasons of kids (meaning, they’ll hold up so they can be handed down). Their SS23 collection is warm and accessible and super fun.

Pictures are from each brand’s website.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

4 Great Places in Portland To Buy Clothes for Kid Models

For a lot of people, the go-to place for kids clothing is a seat in front of the computer with a cup of tea and a credit card. While online stores offer a worldwide range of selection, there are some great stores in the Portland are that offer cool clothes for your kid’s next portfolio. We like to support local Portland businesses, so here’s are 4 Great Places in Portland To Buy Clothes for Kid Models.

Black Wagon is located in the heart of the Mississippi District and offers a wide range of unique and stylish clothing options for kids’ modeling portfolios. From graphic tees to designer jeans to suits, this store represents over 3 dozen different brands, which means they have everything your kiddo needs for their next session.

Beanstalk is an award-winning consignment shop with locations in the Fremont and Montavilla neighborhoods. Beanstalk is a family-owned business that specializes in high-quality, eco-friendly clothing for kids. From organic cotton onesies to stylish outerwear, Beanstalk has great portfolio clothing for kids of most ages. Every week Beanstalk donates to local charitable organizations and families in need (and we dig that.)

Posh Baby is a boutique baby store that offers a wide selection of stylish and trendy clothing for babies and kids ups to age 4T. If you’re styling a little little, then this is a great place to take a look.

Grasshopper is a children's boutique has been a Portland staple for over 30 years. They offer a great selection of children's clothing, shoes and accessories, with a focus on quality and timeless style, which is always a great choice for kid’s photos. They carry popular brands like Petit Bateau and Bobo Choses.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

I Hate Self Tapes!

Guest Columnist: Acting Coach Karen Maseng

As a coach and a casting director, I’ve come across many actors who dread self-tape auditions. Some will actually turn down an audition if it’s a self-tape. Honestly, I just can’t believe any actor would waste such an opportunity.

I've auditioned actors in person for well over 20 years and I get why actors love it. But the reality is that self-tapes save production a lot of time and money. The new normal is a hybrid of self-tapes, virtual auditions and in-person auditions and I suspect it's here to stay. Actors who are serious about their career must learn how to feel comfortable auditioning in ANY environment. This will only benefit their work because it will force them to become more focused and resourceful.

So what’s to love about self-tapes?

I personally think that self-tapes give you an incredible opportunity to be creative, take your time and audition in a space that is far more relaxed and intimate than the audition room could ever be. That intimacy, that familiarity can produce a unique audition that will help you stand out from the crowd.

I know that many actors have roommates and very limited space to play with, but with a little bit of imagination and ingenuity you can create a nice little area for your self-tape auditions. Invest in a frame that can be put away easily. Buy several backdrops to see which one is more complementary. Play with lighting until you find the perfect setup. You can create a set in-front of, around and behind your camera to help you get into the world of the scene AND you get to pick your scene partner. Self-tapes are the only audition situation where you have a say in who you’ll be reading with and where you’ll be doing it. This is where your support network of fellow actors can be incredibly beneficial.

When you have an audition at a casting facility, a studio or an office, you have to get in the car, get stuck in traffic, look for parking spaces and pay a fortune for parking that might be blocks away from where you need to be. Once you get to the audition, the lobby is a great place to meet fellow actors and catch up but that could be very distracting and disrupt your preparation. In some instances, you might be intimidated by the talent you see waiting to go in, which could cause you to second guess yourself and lose your confidence. Other times you might be stressed because casting is way behind schedule and you’re worried about being late for another audition across town.

Once you get into the audition room, if you’re lucky, the person auditioning you is wonderful and gets a great audition out of you. But there are those times when the casting director or their associate might be unapproachable, distracted, humorless or stressed for a variety of reasons. And you can bet that most of the time the person you’ll be reading with is not an actor.

None of that to worry about when you're doing a self-tape audition. So, you could complain about having to work harder for your auditions these days or you could get to work learning how to love the self-tape. It might take a little time and practice, but the payoff is worth it!

Karen Maseng is a Portland-based acting coach with decades of experience as an actor, casting director and educator. Learn more about her unique approach to acting education here.

How To Prepare for a Kids Headshot Session

As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s headshot session is a success. A good headshot can open doors for your child in the future, whether it’s for modeling work or as an actor. To ensure your child’s headshot session goes smoothly, here are some tips for preparation.

Dress for success – Choose clothing that is simple, timeless and fits well. Avoid anything too busy or distracting, such as patterns, logos or large accessories. A neutral color palette is usually best but you can add a pop of color. Keep in mind that the focus should be on your child’s face so make sure their clothing does not overpower their features and goes with with their eyes and complexion. Portland agencies and casting directors have specific preferences for kids headshots so make sure your photographer is connected with the industry and knows what’s needed.

Hair and makeup – Your kid should have a fresh haircut a week or so before your shoot and their hair should be styled appropriately for the headshot session. If they have long hair, make sure it is styled neatly and out of their face.

As for makeup, most agencies and casting directors want to see no makeup on kids under 12. If your kid is closer to teenage than toddler, a bit of makeup may be OK. But it should be minimal: a light touch of powder, lip balm and a bit of mascara can help enhance their features. As with clothing, make sure you photographer is experienced with kids headshots and knows what the acting and modeling industry in Portland want to see.

Give your child time to warm up – Children can be nervous in front of a camera, especially if they’ve never had a professional photo shoot before. Get to the session early and give them time to adjust and get comfortable before starting the session.

Consider your child’s personality – It’s important to remember that your kids headshot should reflect their unique personality. It’s important kids know they are accepted as they are from the very first minute of the session, that a quiet kid won’t be expected to jump around, that an energetic kid’s not expected to be quiet. Eventually, the shy kid will “warm up” and the excited kid will “cool down” and a full range of their personality will show in the pictures.

Set realistic expectations – Children are children and they may not be exactly as as you’d like them to be. Pay attention to the previously paragraph and trust your photographer to make things work.

Research photographers – Not all photographers are created equal. Before booking a session, research photographers in your area and look at their portfolio to see if their style is a good fit for you and your child. Make sure you understand what the session fee includes and what to expect from the photographer.

Plan ahead – Make sure you have a schedule and arrive on time for the session. Being on time will help reduce stress and make sure your child has enough time for the session

Be positive – Your child will look to you for cues on how to act and feel during the session. Encourage them, tell them how proud you are of them and be positive throughout the session.

After the session – Once the session is over, it’s important to be patient as the photographer edits and retouches the images. You may see a preview within a few days or a week but the final images can take longer. Once you receive the images, choose the ones that best fit the needs of the industry and use them to create a portfolio.

Follow these 9 steps as you work with your photographer to ensure you get a great kids headshot.

Michael Verity is a photographer in Portland, Oregon specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors and models of all ages for more than fifteen years.

Shop Talk (Industry Edition): What To Expect in 2023

As we head into a brand new year, we polled a handful of industry insiders and experts for their insight into what to expect in 2023, how to get better at your craft (and what to watch on TV).

What are some positive developments you see happening in the Portland acting and/or modeling industry in 2023?

Katie O’Grady (Acting Coach/Director/Actor/Owner of The Studio NW and Acting for Kids and Teens): Actors took the time to update their marketing material and dive into classes. Our students also volunteered and reached out to the community.

Tara Manning (Owner/Booker at Talent Model Management): We are so thankful to see the movement in our industry after the lull with Covid.

Crystal Walen (Director of Commercial/TV/Film Board at Q6): We are 1 week in so not much.

Dennis Troutman (Talent Division Director at The Option Agency): I’d like to be optimistic in thinking we will get more TV/streaming series this year. 2022 was a decent year for film, but it was the first year (in many years) that we did not have any shows.

Karen Maseng (Acting Coach at KMaseng Acting): One of the most positive developments I’ve seen is that creative people are not waiting around for production to come in from other places. The small town feel of Portland is a strength, not a weakness. Actors are supporting each other and making connections with production people, fostering relationships and collaborations with writers and directors. The result is a local community that is beginning to thrive, finding creative ways to make films.

Kristina Haddad (Acting Coach at The Actor’s Lab): I think things will continue to open up in terms of more jobs coming to town compared to the past few years. Those that advocate for more film and TV projects in the region are working hard to bring new business into the community and are very passionate about elevating the industry here; so I feel like this is a very positive landscape in that regard.

What will be the biggest challenges facing the Portland acting and/or modeling industry in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Continuing to have faith that we are on the path to new work.

Tara Manning: I’m hoping for a less challenging year. We have gone through many these last few years.

Crystal Walen: Work coming back to the city; it was slower than it has ever been in 2022.

Dennis Troutman: I think we certainly have to factor in a (likely) looming recession. This will impact all industries, and I don't think advertising/marketing will be any different.

Karen Maseng: Convincing production that Portland actors can be cast in bigger roles. A common complaint from Portland actors is that production always casts the juicy roles in LA. Having spent well over 20 years as a casting director in Los Angeles, I tell Portland actors that in order to compete with LA actors, they have to invest the same amount of energy and time on their careers. All too often the answer I get is: “Why bother? We don’t have the same opportunities here as they do in LA, so why spend the time and money?” It’s a vicious cycle. You have to commit to your career if you want to be taken seriously.

Here's the good news - Your audience is now the world, and it’s starving for content. Your cellphone cameras have opened an incredible opportunity for you to become really inventive with what you can create and post on social media, and you don’t have to live in LA to create fantastic material. If you really work at it and the content you create is interesting, you’ll start getting the attention of casting directors, producers and directors.

Kristina Haddad: It’s very unpredictable - so while the hope is to get some shows/films in town you don't necessarily have any guarantees. BUT most important is to remain prepared in terms of your training and sharpness - keep the acting muscles in shape regardless.

What is the one skill actors should focus on to increase their success in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Actors must deep dive into acting classes that support being on-camera so we are all ready to go when our market kicks back into gear.

Tara Manning: Up to date head shots and solid auditions.

Crystal Walen: Making sure all online profiles are up to date, resume, photos, and skills. Casting Directors can see the last time you logged in and how long it’s been since your headshot was uploaded. For some folks it has been years. You should log in once a month to CF and CN. [Editor’s Note: “CF” is Casting Frontiers and “CN” is Casting Networks.]

Dennis Troutman: Audition technique.

Karen Maseng: Learn to love self-tapes! I’m stunned that there are still so many actors who hate self-tapes and can’t wait to get back in the audition room. I firmly believe self-tapes are here to stay. They save production a lot of money and I suspect that the future will include a hybrid of self-tapes, virtual casting and in-person auditions. Actors must learn how to be comfortable auditioning in ANY environment. I personally think that self-tapes give you an incredible opportunity to be creative, take your time and audition in an environment that is familiar and far more relaxed than the audition room.

Kristina Haddad: Training - keeping the acting muscle in shape and cultivating a healthy mindset

What is the one skill models should focus on to increase their success in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Models MUST take beginning acting classes. In Portland there are countless opportunities for new faces but they must be ready to say a few lines and know how to work with the camera.

Tara Manning: Keeping their sizes updated and portfolio fresh.

Crystal Walen: Update their book, the more photos you have the better.

Just for fun: what was your second favorite TV show in 2022? (We'll assume The Great British Baking Show was #1. :)

Katie O’Grady: White Lotus

Tara Manning: No time for TV. (o;

Crystal Walen: Severance

Dennis Troutman: Letterkenny

Karen Maseng: Slow Horses

Kristina Haddad: I want to say the Real Housewives of New Jersey but will go more high brow and say White Lotus.

Any other insights you’d like to share?

Katie O’Grady: Keep believing we are still the best city to work and grow as an artist in!! Find ways to support each other both online and in-person. MAKE ART regardless of who sees it.

Tara Manning: We are loving the images with you! Thank you! [Editor’s Note: Thank YOU!]

Crystal Walen: For auditions, practice 2-3 seasonal "personal" stories. Often during callbacks and sometimes for auditions, you will get the tell me about you. Or tell me a fun story of something you did recently. Master 3 stories to use that you can be ready to tell. The clients change so they have no idea its a story you used before and the Casting Director doesn't mind. Embellish, make it entertaining and memorable.

Karen Maseng: Embrace who you are and learn how to bring your unique experiences to every audition. Get comfortable in your own skin and stop worrying about what you think the casting director wants. The casting director wants to see you, not some version of what you think they want!

Kristina Haddad: Always be working on your craft - even if the industry is in a slowdown period. I'm a HUGE advocate for creating your own work or luck as it were. Be it a short film, a play, a feature - you have the ability to create so don't wait to do your art! And it can take on many forms - a night of original poetry; YouTube sketches; or just a gathering of actors to read plays and scripts.

Want to learn more? Read what Portland actors are saying about the coming year in our Shop Talk (Actor’s Edition) article here.

Michael Verity is a photographer based in Portland, OR specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography.

His acting and modeling clients are consistently placed in film, television and theater productions and his fashion work has been published in magazines worldwide. His creative and business clientele range from middle management to C-level professionals working in a variety of industries.

Prior to becoming a photographer, Michael was a journalist who interviewed dozens of musicians, including a 90 mile an hour conversation with Joan Jett in the back of an ‘82 Chevy.

Shop Talk (Actor's Edition): Where I Was and Where I'm Going

We polled a handful of successful Portland actors on what they learned in 2022, who inspires their work and where they’re focusing their efforts in 2023. Here’s what they had to say.

What was your most educational/enlightening/fun acting experience in 2022?

Matt Berger: I think the most formative experience of 2022 was building a community of fellow actors and comedians in Portland, and organizing an independent comedy improv troupe. It’s one thing to take lessons or classes in a formal environment, it’s another to take the initiative to rehearse and learn on your own as well as book yourselves for shows/work.

Tracy Rogers: Photo shoot for Vital Choice in Josephine, OR.  Even though I was not featured it was a paid gig that included travel and hotel in a charming town in Southern Oregon.  The cast and crew were super creative, kind and professional.

Tracey Hugo: Being on set working with my husband and young adult children doing what we love and "playing" together has been a wonderfully unique experience. As a family, we've completed a dozen film/modeling projects together!

Tiffany Fajen: I took acting classes at The Studio NW and got guidance from some incredible coaches. I truly believe it took me to another level of commitment and dedication and drove me to explore this as a career. I'm so happy I did!

Luke Carlson: Booking my first role after a year of almost zero auditions coming in.

What specific skill do you think set you up to have that experience?

Matt Berger: Ironically, it’s taking that step to take a comedy or acting class, or attending shows and events to network. I hate the idea of networking on paper, but you won’t be able to make and produce your work without a community of likeminded artists. Networking was arguably my most valuable skill set in that regard.

Tracy Rogers: I think my ability to connect with folks set me up for a positive experience.  Being present helped too.

Tracey Hugo: I think it's all about attitude and an eagerness to try new things. We enjoy our individual experiences, while also work to enjoy experiences together making family memories. It's a work hard, play hard mindset.

Tiffany Fajen: I knew I wanted to go deeper into more theatrical acting. In a way, my commercial acting experience pushed me to pursue this. I love commercial acting so much but I knew I wanted to help drive stories through film and television.

Luke Carlson: I remember my mindset during the audition. I was going trough a rather transformative period in my life and felt, for the first time, zero attachment to the outcome of the audition. So, maybe there is something to that.

What actor/actress inspired you in 2022? Why?

Matt Berger: Regina Hall without a doubt. She put out two incredible yet polar opposite performances this year in Amazon’s Master and Universal’s Honk for Jesus Save Your Soul. To see her play against type in Master was thrilling, but watching her walk the comedic and dramatic tightrope in HFJSYS was even more impressive. She’s a performer to watch out for.

Tracy Rogers: Issa Rae. She is a badass creator/writer/producer/actress/entrepreneur that lifts up the people she works with and her community.

Tracey Hugo: As a group, young and new actors inspire me. They just into acting class and on set with an energy and eagerness to participate in the magic!

Tiffany Fajen: I'm sure the expected answer for this question would be a movie star or big celebrity name but to be honest, I am most inspired by the community of working actors around me. I've come to know quite a few people in the PNW (and beyond---thanks social media!) and seeing the incremental progress and even struggles helps me not feel so alone in this industry. It fuels me to keep going and to have the vulnerability for aspiring actors (and models) who come to me with questions. I believe when acting communities are really healthy, its a circle. Someone inspires me, I take that inspiration and bring it to others and the cycle begins again.

Luke Carlson: Dacre Montgomery

What show inspired you in 2022? Why?

Matt Berger: Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal. I’ve loved Nathan’s work since his days on Comedy Central. The Rehearsal however was one of the strangest and cringe worthy comedies I’ve seen in quite sometime. It took the idea of an unreliable narrator to a whole other level. Some folks might be against audience manipulation, but this show proved it essential.

Tracy Rogers: Ted Lasso - I love storytelling that makes me laugh and cry and restores my faith in humanity.

Tracey Hugo: Landscapers and Peaky Blinders both had strong female characters who lit a spark for me as a middle aged actress. The performances of Olivia Colman in Landscapers and the late Helen McCrory introduced characters with intense layering which inspired my desire to dig deeper into character development.

Tiffany Fajen: I was really inspired by the character development and the ways the stories unfolded in Only Murders in the Building.

Luke Carlson: Obi Wan. For a long time people were not happy with the Star Wars universe, but this show I think made a lot of people fall back in love with it as it was done so beautifully.

What specific skill are you going to focus on improving in 2023?

Matt Berger: I’ve spent much of the last year honing my comedic skill set that I’m looking forward to spend some time on more dramatic muscles. While it’s ground I’ve worked before, it’s always good to readdress those skills after some time away.

Tracy Rogers: Being present

Tracey Hugo: Heading into 2023 I'll be focusing on grounding myself more and narrowing in on the specific roles/characters that I love to play.

Tiffany Fajen: I want to practice my emotional range but more importantly I want to be able to compartmentalize those expressions so I can feel safe and real at the same time.

Luke Carlson: Becoming more present to the moment and trusting instincts.

Matt Berger is represented by ZT Agency and studies with Ted Rooney.

Tracey Hugo is represented by Big Fish Northwest and Talent Model Management and studies with The Studio NW, Bonnie Root and Brian Sutherland

Tiffany Fajen is represented by The Option Agency and studies at The Studio NW

Want to learn more? See what industry experts are saying in our Shop Talk (Industry Edition) article here.

Michael Verity is a photographer based in Portland, OR specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography.

His acting and modeling clients are consistently placed in film, television and theater productions and his fashion work has been published in magazines worldwide. His creative and business clientele range from middle management to C-level professionals working in a variety of industries.

7 Headshot Looks to Include in Your Portfolio

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In Portland, commercial bookings are the bread and butter of most working actors. For that reason, agencies will tell you a strong commercial headshot should be the core component of your portfolio. And we definitely agree!

We also know depth doesn’t hurt and, especially if you’re planning to expand outside the Portland market, having some additional looks in your book is a good idea.

Here’s a brief check-in on what a well-rounded headshot portfolio looks like:

Commercial

Commercial looks are bright and shiny and colorful and happy. You’re selling yourself as someone who can sell a product. Clothing is simple, smiles are big and eyes are bright. It all about “selling cereal and cell phones,” as we tell our clients, and this look is indeed your most important look when working in the Portland market.




Theatrical

This is the next logical look to have in your book. Some actors equate “theatrical” with “serious” and, as such, practice their most serious stare for this image. In fact, you want your theatrical image to be as approachable and engaging as your commercial look. Perhaps a little less bright and shiny and smiley but, still, connected and enthusiastic.



Procedural

Procedurals — shows about lawyers and cops and firefighters and nurses and doctors — are another key category for working actors. Are you a Sopranos-style wise guy? A button-down lawyer? Working class hero? Look at shows in production, figure out who you are, style an outfit that fits the bill (but doesn’t look too much like a costume) and make yourself marketable in this category.

Family

The befuddled dad, the datebook-juggling mom, the wise grandmother, the cool uncle with all the tats, the goofy aunt with all the crystal necklaces. Or maybe something simpler, like an easy-going girl next door in a nice cardigan over a white T-shirt. Think about how you’d best fit into an on-set family and consider a look of this sort.

Bully/Edgy/Gritty

For kids, it’s called the bully look. For young actors, it’s edgy. For older actors, the word ‘gritty’ comes to mind. Whatever you call it, it’s a look that’s a bit darker and more aggressive (and can look pretty cool in black and white.) Here’s where you get to use that serious stare you’ve been practicing.

Glamorous

If you’re a leading man or leading lady (or just clean up nicely), having a “glamorous” image in your book never hurts. More and more agencies are saying “thumbs up” to adding half and full body shots to your portfolio. This can be a great spot to put on a nice dress or a sharp suit and make that happen.


Smart/Quirky/Nerdy

This one should probably be higher on our list because “smart” in all its variations is a pretty marketable look. As you can see from the pictures, a change of clothes and a change of expression can take you from edgy to glamorous to smart in just a few minutes.


Other Looks To Consider

If one of the looks we’ve covered doesn’t quite match your character (or if you just love taking headshots), you might consider some of these variations:

Comedic: In the immortal words of Evil Knievel: “Don’t try this at home.” If you’re funny, you know it and you should have a comedic look in your book. Maybe even at the top of your book. If you’re not funny (or don’t look funny) this one might not be for you.

Business Professional: A variation on the procedural look, this one dials you into a more specific niche, which can range from the power suit politician to the young tech-savvy intern. This is especially helpful to have in the Pacific Northwest, where there can be a lot of institution/industrial work. It’s not glamorous work (and you may never even see it) but it typically pays well. Like the cop/procedural look, the right category for you depends on your casting type.

Dramatic: The word “dramatic” can mean a lot of things, depending on who you are. It can mean grizzly old guy or teenage goth girl. And, of course, these subtle shades of character can fit under a larger umbrella: a teenage goth girl may or may not look “edgy.” Look at a dramatic headshot as an opportunity to go even deeper into how you’re typically cast or characters you just love to play.

Need some additional help? At Michael Verity Photography, we include pre-shoot wardrobe consultation with every session. If you’re in the market for new headshots, take a look at our headshot pages and shoot us an email to start the conversation.

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Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

How To Create A Modeling Portfolio

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Great visual presentation is essential in all professions. But when it comes to modeling, looking fabulous is a must and it all begins with your portfolio. As an aspiring model, your portfolio is your resume; it is often the first impression a client or an agency gets of you. 

Creating a modeling portfolio is so much more than putting together a collection of images. Unlike a collection, a portfolio conveys a story about who you are, showcases your talent and versatility as a model and tells the client why you are the best person for the job.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a fantastic modeling portfolio for a great first impression on clients and agencies.

How Do You Create A Modeling Portfolio?

A modeling portfolio is a series of professionally taken shots that showcases your abilities as a model. It’s a critical part of marketing your skills to clients and often makes the difference between landing a modeling gig or not. In short, you must make it count. 

Before we get into how to create an eye-catching portfolio that will boost your modeling career, it’s important to know that a modeling portfolio is not reproducible. Each model, including you, has distinct physical and psychological features to showcase. Instead of emulating another “more successful” model’s portfolio, focus on showing what makes you stand out from the other models.

1. Determine Your Modeling Type

The first step of building a great portfolio is deciding what specific type of modeling you are best suited for or prefer. Although the modeling industry has been actively embracing diversity and breaking stereotypes, your facial structure, body type and general appearance still play a part in the assignments you get.

Understanding the type of modeling you are best suited for can increase the chances of success in landing jobs and make creating a portfolio easier. Fortunately, there are many different types of modeling you can get into. From commercial modeling, fashion and runway to fitness modeling. 

Selecting one type of modeling will help you understand the expectations your clients will have for your portfolio. It also helps potential clients to easily assess your skills and suitability for a specific role. Research the different types of modeling and the kind of shots you need in your portfolio. 

2. Practice Your Posing 

Posing for a camera is an art that you must learn as a model. While it may seem straightforward, it is way more complicated than people realize. As a model, your poses should bring out your best angles and make the clothing or outfit look their best. 

Modeling photoshoots tend to take a long time, even with experienced models, so don’t wait until you are in the studio to figure out how you should pose. Allocate some time to research and practice beforehand, as it will also make you comfortable posing before the camera. Take a look at other models in your niche, their poses, and the type of photos in their portfolios. Try to emulate the poses you see. 

3. Hire The Right Photographer 

Everything – your poses, outfit, and locations -- may be on point but if the photographer isn’t up to the task then your portfolio won’t bring out your best. Choosing a photographer is the first step in planning a photoshoot and is often the most important.

Ask for referrals and check their work beforehand. Most photographers will have modeling portfolios that they have shot, so you will know if they are a good fit before engaging them.

4. Get Your Hair And Make-up Done By A Professional

While it's not a must, getting a professional hair and make-up artist can add a lot of value to your modeling profile so ensure you ask your photographer for a recommendation. 

5. Prepare Adequately For The Photoshoot

Treat the photoshoot as your first modeling gig. Make sure you know the locations beforehand and make all the necessary travel arrangements. Also, ensure you have been allotted enough time so you don’t have to rush things through.

Get adequate sleep the night before the shoot. When the big day comes, arrive early. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for direction.

Ideally, you have a plan outlining exactly the kind of images you need beforehand. If not, communicate your expectations to the photographer in detail so you are both on the same page on the goals of the photoshoot. 

Decide on the wardrobe, locations, themes, poses, and concepts to reduce the risk of mistakes or nasty surprises. Depending on the type of modeling you want to pursue, ensure you get great portraits, close-ups, and full-body shots.

Potential clients and agencies want to see versatility and flexibility, especially if you are just starting out. Plan your wardrobe items to show versatility. Generally, you will want to include basic pieces of clothing that show off your frame and features. 

Take images that vary in style to demonstrate your capability of working in different productions. Play around with the poses to show off different angles and your best features. 

6. Choose Your Best Shots

This is one of the most challenging steps of creating a great modeling portfolio. After completing the photoshoot, you will have a vast collection of images to sort through carefully to ensure only the best goes into the portfolio. 

The general rule is to have 9 to 19 images, more than that is too many, and less than 9 won’t be enough to show your versatility. 

Focus on showcasing versatility and your qualities, don’t choose numerous images in the same pose, location, or wardrobe items. Select different types of images, including headshots, full-body shots, and mid shots, in different outfits and locations if possible. 

Pay attention to the first few images in your portfolio. Experts recommend including a “page-turning” shot at the front to capture the attention of anyone looking at it. Clients and agencies will look at hundreds of portfolios and will not spend time on yours if you don’t capture their attention with your first image.

7. Create Your Modeling Portfolio!

There are several ways to present your modeling portfolio. One way is using a printed portfolio. A printed modeling portfolio book comes in handy since you will be meeting many people face to face.

A printed portfolio is tangible and allows the client or scout to peruse the work with you present. You can make a portfolio by printing images and adding them to a folder, but it doesn’t look as sleek and professional as a properly printed portfolio.

A printed modeling portfolio also shows you are serious about your modeling career. 

8. Include Your Model Details

A modeling portfolio is like your resume. Don’t forget to include details such as modeling experience, hobbies, interests, work you are willing to do, and your information. Key information includes name, age, height, eye color, hair color, body measurements and sizes, distinguishing features (such as tattoos, birthmarks, etc.), and contact details.

9. Update Your Model Portfolio Regularly

As you age, it's important that you update your modeling portfolios with more recent photos and work experience. Updating your portfolio also shows clients and agencies that you are able to keep up with the latest trends.

You should also check your measurements regularly and make changes to your portfolio. You can also update or replace images when you get better shots or change hairstyles and other features. 

How To Create A Modeling Portfolio Online

The internet is where much of the action is. While there will be face-to-face meetings now and then, chances are most clients and agencies will first look at your online portfolio. 

Many top models prefer having a website as it offers an opportunity to show off other skills and qualities that may boost your modeling career. Alternatively, you can create an electronic version of your portfolio to send to potential clients online. So, how do you create a model portfolio online?

Many website builders have portfolio templates that you can select depending on the preferred layout. Once you choose a template, you can customize it to present your artistic vision and design of the portfolio. Drag and drop website builders are great if you are just starting, but if you are looking for something unique and more professional, you should hire a website designer.

Like the printed portfolio, ensure you only pick the best images for your website, with the most captivating being the most prominent. Having a website also offers an opportunity to add diverse media such as videos or other projects that you have worked on. 

Don’t forget to add an “About Me” page with your vital information, and a contact section that employers and clients can easily reach out to you. You can also share links to your online modeling portfolio on your social media pages to reach more people. 

Are you interested in taking high-quality images to build your professional modeling portfolio? Contact Michael Verity Photography for modeling portfolios, acting and business headshots, fashion editorial photography and kids portfolio styling in Portland.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade. If you are in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area you can book a session with us.