A Portfolio is a visual "resume" and "catalogue" of what the model can do. It is the most important tool a model has for interviewing and getting jobs. The model portfolio contains a series of photographs of the model as well as "tearsheets."

Tearsheets are pages from actual ads or articles where the model's photo was used. Tear sheets are extremely important because they show that the model has actually "worked" real jobs before.

A portfolio should generally contain shots, which feature the model in the most positive way for the types of jobs he/she is trying to get. When it comes to portfolios, "you sell what you advertise."

In other words, if you're trying to get a job as a swimsuit model, your portfolio should feature several swimwear shots rather than a series of shots in ethnic wear.

Two Basic Shots - Headshot and Full-Length
The most basic shots that every model needs are a headshot and a full-length shot.
For models, their most important feature is their face.

The face is 90% of what we find "beautiful" about a person, and the face also helps us critique personality and character of the person. A great looking headshot is essential for marketing the model.

Also, for most work, the client will need to see what the model's body looks like. A full-length shot in a fitted dress, denim jeans, swimsuit, or lingerie will show the tone and figure of the model. For men, Italian look (tight fitted clothing) or a tight jean is preferred for a full-length shot.Remember that the full-length shot is to show the "outline" of your body, and you will completely defeat the purpose if you wear anything loose or baggy. (Actually loose clothing makes you appear much heavier -- and also makes it look like you are trying to hide your figure.)

Other Portfolio "Basics" -
Additional portfolio shots often include some 3/4 length shots (head to hips) in a variety of clothing to show off looks from formal to casual.

Also, it's important to show how the model can "interact" with products or other models. Therefore, having some photos that look like they came out of an "advertisement" is also important in creating a dynamic and well-rounded portfolio.

How Many Photos?
A portfolio normally contains 10-30 photos and tears. However, the key is QUALITY -- not QUANTITY.

A portfolio with 5 great shots will always be better than a portfolio of 20 great shots and 20 mediocre ones. Careful editing of shots is important. As you gain experience and more photos & tears, use your best new shots to replace older shots in your book.

Never include a bad photo or tearsheet to "get your number" of pages up.Clients and photographers will always remember you by the worst image you have in your portfolio. Make that decision hard for them!Clients and photographers alike really appreciate having models with "current" looks (it does a client little good to see a bunch of photos of someone with hair to their waist when you arrive with a crew-cut). So even if the shots are really great -- if they don't match your current looks -- you'll have to eliminate many of them.

Make it Memorable
Always remember that you are competing with sometimes hundreds of other models for the same limited number of jobs. For that reason, the images in your portfolio should be as dramatic and memorable as possible.