Tools of the Trade (Modeling)

   A model needs to promote him or herself by using an online portfolio and a composite card (also known as a Z or Zed-Card) along with a suitable way to communicate via Email.

Online Portfolio

This is a combination of your best work. These should be readily available online without any hindrances to view them like a log in or passwords, just out in the open and ready 24 x 7. - Elite Looks online portfolio example here. They should contain a combination of photos such as:

• Headshot - very important for the reason being that we all remember faces better than names. This is obviously supposed to show off your facial features, while emphasizing your best and diminishing your weakest. If your photos are not doing this then you may need to seek the help of another photographer. Here are a few of our favorites. Click here
   
• Body / figure shot - this photograph highlights your figure. Wear tight fitting clothes or show enough skin (in good taste) e.g. swimsuits, exercise or sporty attire, lingerie, etc.
   
• Various looks - the rest of the images should be comprised of a good mix of business, evening and casual looks. It is important to illustrate flexibility by showing a good variety, but there is nothing wrong in showing a few more of a particular look, if that is an appearance you know you excel in, or in which you specifically wish to specialize.

 
• Video Profile - Another very useful tool is a video clip online. If you are determined to succeed this fantastic tool may be an option for you. See Elite Video Profile Example click here
   

Hard Copy Portfolio

This is last century's way of pushing your image. Typically this grouping is comprised of 4 - 20 images, usually in an 8x10, 9x12 or 11x14 inch format with a glossy finish if they're  prints from a photo lab. Some agencies will accept color Xerox's instead of photo prints but be prepared to furnish proper photos. Ensure that the binder or book that contains these images are the best that you can supply because second chances are rare in this business.
 The portfolio should include the following elements:

• Headshot - very important for the reason being that we all remember faces better than names. This is obviously supposed to show off your facial features, while emphasizing your best and diminishing your weakest. If your photos are not doing this then you may need to seek the help of another photographer. Here are a few of our favorites. Click here
   
• Body / figure shot - this photograph highlights your figure. Wear tight fitting clothes or show enough skin (in good taste) e.g. swimsuits, exercise or sporty attire, lingerie, etc.
   
• Various looks - the rest of the images should be comprised of a good mix of business, evening and casual looks. It is important to illustrate flexibility by showing a good variety, but there is nothing wrong in showing a few more of a particular look, if that is an appearance you know you excel in, or in which you specifically wish to specialize.

It is a good idea to get at least 3 or 4 different looks within your portfolio. Each look has a different style that not only makes the portfolio visually more interesting, but gives a model more experience - and that's what clients are looking for!

As a model completes print assignments, they should keep their portfolio updated by including these assignments as "tearsheets" . These act as visual resumes, proving to your clients that you can not only look good, but are trusted by others to work with you.

Composite card

 The composite is the model's business card that contains the best 3-5 photographs from their portfolio. Typically, a great headshot is featured on one side, and the back contains images representing different looks. This card should also contain information such as one's name, and physical stats, e.g. 34B-24-34. This card should be used to send to prospective clients or upon the request of the client looking for models. If a model is with an agency, the agency will keep stock of some composite cards and will promote their models accordingly, depending on the look the client is requesting. See Links for more info on how to acquire one if you need the help.

Proper Email Address

 If you are going to use the internet to contact agencies and potential clients then make it say something about who you are. It is sad  when we see a gorgeous model and her email is SexyLongLegs@Hotmail.com . That can be the kiss of death. For every job there are hundreds of qualified people trying to get to the same place you are. Think your marketing approach out carefully and if it is not effective do not be afraid to change before you get too old.
Some good examples of what this means can be seen here.     More Info

Tools of the Trade Categories & Types Working with an Agency   A Photographer's View Got What it Takes? Self-Promotion   Modeling Glossary Questions Answered Modeling Events   Learn watching video Here Watch runway video Now Broadband connection needed