Your portfolio can’t exist without photos. Whether printed out or online, make sure that the images are high-quality, that you’ve used photo editing programs to enhance your features, and that the shots make your personality show.
Quality over quantity
A few stunning shots will make a more significant impact than many average ones. High quality includes great lightning, no digital noise, and no distracting background.
If finances allow, working with a professional photographer will give you much better results because they will know how to present your best features and demonstrate your potential to future employers.
Style
If you have a particular winning style, showcase it. Urban, aggressive, casual, smart, and formal – male models are needed for all types of products. Also, there is nothing wrong with black and white photos or with some non-standard images that show your personality.
Editing
Photos need to be edited, and everyone can learn how to edit headshots. This does not mean distorting your features but enhancing them with brightness, contrast, and smart technologies that make your shots pleasing and attractive.
Whether you are a model or a photographer, Luminar is the enhance photo editor for you, with an easy interface and professional features that anyone can learn and apply.
Poses
What kind of poses is a must? Of course, they have nothing similar to female poses. It is up to the model to choose, but here is what we recommend.
Full body
The primary shot captures the model from head to toe. A slightly lower angle will make the shoulders and chest seem more prominent, adding to the attractiveness.
Choose your clothes carefully: men in suits and ties are attractive and formal, but you can also opt for casual jeans, knitwear, a basic shirt. This depends on how you want to be perceived. Get inspiration from famous male models.
Half-length
A photo from the mid-thigh up focuses on your upper body features and arms. If you are not sure where to put the hands, there are many hand poses to try.
Body shot
Female trade show models often include swimsuit shots in their portfolios. This is done primarily to show their body types and measurements and how comfortable they take such photos.
The same is applied to male models. However, if you are against photos in swimming trunks, you can wear tight-fitting jeans and a t-shirt to show your actual body measurements.
Close up
Your face is just as important. Add a few close-ups — one with a smile that shows your teeth, another in a profile that showcases your jaw, and a serious one that shows your features. The modeling agency needs to see your entire range of capabilities. Make sure that you are clean-shaven or that your beard is neatly trimmed.
Casual
A few photos that show you casually are great because they make you stand out among the rest. You can lean against a wall, walk down the street or even play with a puppy. These shots will show your flexibility, inclinations, what kind of jobs you are willing to take and how good you look in commercial photos.
Information
Even though you might think that the photos talk for themselves, writing down some information about you is crucial too.
Measurements info
Write your measurements for agencies and bookers. Height and weight are the necessary measurements, but also it is preferable to specify the waist, chest, shoulder size, and length of the sleeve. Even shoe size matters since the agents need to provide you with fitting clothes for the photoshoots.
Aspirations
There is no need to write a full biography, but mention places you have worked at, awards you have won, and your best features. Don’t omit the things you would like to do and your flexibility in location and time.
Contact details
Make sure you’re reachable. The more ways to contact you and see more of your work, the better: a link to your website, social media profiles, e-mail, phone, and Skype are all necessary so that agencies can contact you.
