Choosing images for your portfolio is tricky business, which is why most Toronto models and actors have an agent to help them through the process. Not only does an agent help you get jobs, they also know what types of images to use in a portfolio. This is the most important task after choosing the right photographer.
So how do you get images that can be used in your portfolio?
We suggest talking to your agent and finding out what kind of look you are going for, if need be bring examples of shots that you agent has approved of. Then talk to your photographer and communicate these ideas.
Most agents will be looking for images with natural expressions, clothing that does not have labels or text or too many patterns, and background that are not overly distracting.
Our tips for strategically choosing photos for your portfolio.
Firstly, don’t choose your images alone. Not because you are not capable but because you see yourself in a different way than “everyone else” does. Since “everyone else” is going to be looking at your images at casting calls and go sees, take their advice when choosing for your portfolio. Ask a few good friends, family members and anyone you might know in the industry who will be completely honest with you about the images form your photo shoot.
*Do not ask your grandma who loves you very much and who loved your grade 9 school photo (zits, bad hair and all) to help you choose images for your portfolio, you will want an unbiased opinion.
Don’t eliminate images based on silly fixable (photoshoppable) things like fly away hairs, blemishes, tonality, and contrast. Most of the time when your photographer shows you your images they are at the proof stage, and will most likely not be through the final editing stages. Look at the whole picture instead of focusing in on just that one little flaw. Discuss with your photographer the options available for that photograph because every image is different.
When choosing a variety of images from a ONE photo shoot remember to try to choose images that cover multiple looks, such as outfits, expressions, locations, and backdrops. As an example, at Rowell Photography, our basic head shots package include 5 of your favorite images. We shoot mostly in studio and sometimes outdoors. We ask our models and actors to bring with them 3-5 different outfits. This makes it very easy to find a variety usable images from that shoot.
We suggest:
1 very strong face on head shot (to be specific no hands, no legs should be visible in this shot)
2- 3/4 shots in most cases this is a relaxed pose something that shows your chest, your shape, and your face. (no legs in this shot)
1 full body shot that will show your full body, everything must be seen in this image including feet. This is preferably a standing shot.
Last shot should be your favorite image if you haven’t already chosen it. We recommend a sitting 3/4 or head shot just for variety.
Knowing what type of jobs your agent will be submitting you to is very important as it will help describe the type of market you want to appeal to. If you are going for a high fashion Vogue Paris magazine look than your photographer needs to know that so they don’t photograph you like a school kid for a back to school Gap ad. Knowing what kind of model or actor you are going to be is very important, because your portfolio can help you get closer to those roles.
Remember your portfolio is your business card, it makes a statement of who you are or who you are going to be in this business. You want it to represent and encompass everything you do. Your head shots are an investment in your career. If acting classes and runway training are your college degree than your portfolio is your resume for your future career. One of the most important things you can do as a model or an actor is build a consistent relationship with your photographers that allows them to get to know you on a personal level so that they can catch you at your most natural moments. Then they can help you build the best portfolio possible for you!
It is not uncommon to stick with one photographer you like for a long time. Bill Willowby photographed Audrey Hepburn for most of her career, and Howell Conant photographed Grace Kelly for her entire career up until her death and both created some of the most iconic photographs of the last 50 years. Just food for thought.
If you have any questions about choosing photos for your portfolio, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Erika & Ryan
Here are a few images we have taken lately.
by Erika Hanchar
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