Building a Modeling/Acting Portfolio

Are you trying to start acting or a modeling career but don’t know how? The first thing you will always need is a solid portfolio/headshot. It’s your visual resume, your ticket into showing modeling agencies your talent and versatility, and your headshots are to communicate virtually the same thing for film or theater. I’ve seen plenty of model’s portfolios, and sometimes I wonder if they thought about the quality of the images they have chosen to display… A good rule of thumb is; it’s better to have fewer images with higher quality than lots of image that don’t convey experience. I don’t want to see another model take a picture of their selves that has a crummy of the mirror shot. Remind yourself that what you display will directly affect you.
On average any solid photographer with experience don’t come cheap (since we are dealing with averages note that you may get a better or more expensive price… this isn’t exact its an estimate…). This isn’t your friend grabbing a camera and taking 400 photos of you hoping that 3 turn out. You want great images well those don’t come cheap. People who are trying to work a deal with a photographer, just remember that they are business professionals and they have a business that they are running, equipment isn’t cheap and you are using their time and resources, don’t expect anything for free! If you want some great images then you are looking at the starting cost being around 100$. IF you simply need headshots (50$ is the lowest I’ve heard of) normally its over 100$ starting as well. I don’t suggest that you fake it until you make it in the industry and try to cut corners normally you’ll waste your time and efforts, just stick with what works and get yourself some solid images.
Once you get a great photographer it comes down to selecting the images that will represent you. I try to select ones that make me stop as I am glancing through. If there aren’t any because there are too many to choose from then work on diversifying your choices: first select a good close up (headshot), next I suggest looking for a full body shot, and a three quarters/uniquely angled/ black and white/ or specially processed image. If you had an outfit change then try to not choose all the shots that are in the same outfit. When all else fails ask the photographer; they usually are trained to focus on the details and can help you decide which images truly pop out from the rest and why. These images will be put on a composite card, which will be used as a visual portfolio. If your images stand out, exemplify professionalism, display diversity, and show versatility then the rest is up to you to attack the market get your name and face out there and get some exposure so you can land that job! Good luck! If you have any questions, let me know I’m more than willing to help you out in any way I can!