You are only as good as your worst picture! These words ring true whether they involve family photographs or those of a professional trying to establish your best image. It is hard to explain to most people, but your portfolio always gets into the agency’s office before you do. These people are very busy, or at the least they want to make you think that they are busy. All of us have heard variations of the “first impression” story, but in the business of modeling, it rings very true. The world of the model is a “first impression” business.

In the preparation of your portfolio, pictures speak volumes about you as a working model. The most important investment an aspiring model can make is the contracting of a professional photographer with a wealth of experience at shooting models. These pictures will be expensive and must be considered as just part of getting yourself established in a very competitive business. A professional photographer will not only take the pictures, but will also make suggestions as to the type of photos that will present you in your best light. The one thing that you must avoid like the plague is the photographer who wants to add you to his bedroom wall, by giving you a discount on your pictures. Pay for your pictures with money, not your body!

Your photographer will be able to advise you about what size pictures will work best in the area you are seeking to work. In most markets, the 8x10 picture is the best choice as it allows for the full development of your character. Listen to the pro and don’t strike out on your own as you will only come to grief over your choice. In making your selection of which pictures to include the one thing that you must remember is that “less” is really the best and this has nothing to do with the clothing you are wearing. Quality always trumps quantity! The one all important idea that must be remembered is that the purpose of a portfolio is not to show how beautiful you are, but rather to demonstrate that you have the ability to present different character images to the viewer. Allow your personality to be developed through the photos and concentrate on creating the best photo you can.

All of us remember the “cheerleader” stories from high school. If a boy dated a cheerleader, he was dating a real hot mamma. Modeling can create the same stories about the character or expressiveness of a girl who is engaged in the business. What one must do is guard one’s reputation with a ten foot stick! There is not any requirement that you must have a certain style of picture in your portfolio. If you do not want to do lingerie modeling, don’t include a picture of you in lingerie. Good modeling agencies will never ask you to compromise your culture or religion. If you don’t do nudes, don’t include a nude in the portfolio.