The model portfolio

What is a portfolio?

Do I really need a portfolio?

Which and how many photos

Are nude shots essential?

Online portfolio

Print portfolio

Comp cards, zed cards

How to get a portfolio

The really useful model portfolio

 

Working for time (TFCD, etc.)

Introduction

How to get a free portfolio

Working for time

TFCD time for CD

TFDL time for download

Why do it?

What does it really cost?

Rewards for the model

Selecting a photographer

The photographer's muse

Permitted uses of photos

Photographer's usage

 

Sell your body

Marketing for models

Agency representation

Model agencies list

Freelance modelling

 

Other Sections

Models Guide

Market your talent

Modelling scams

Modelling opportunities

About

 

Latest updates and additional information

blog/models

blog/modelling scams

 

Contact the Models Guide with your question about modelling

 

 

What is a model portfolio and do I need one?

A model's portfolio - or book - is a collection of the model's best, professionally produced photographs. Family and holiday snaps don't count.

Depending on where you are in your career, your model portfolio would contain photographs produced specifically for your portfolio, tear sheets (published photographs from past assignments, torn out of magazines) or a mixture of both.

 

Before you spend money on a portfolio, find out whether you need one at all.

If you have decided that you do need a portfolio, remember that your model portfolio is your calling card and showcase. Research your options.

You can also ask me to produce your model portfolio: Get the really useful model portfolio.

Be prepared to spend some money. The cheapest photographer you can find may well not be your best option, neither are the portfolios offered for many hundreds of Pounds. Take a look at the really useful model portfolio for an idea of what you should get for your money.

A portfolio is most likely to be online. Print portfolios do still exist.

Portfolios on CD have been dropped from this edition of Wolf's Models Guide because I have not seen any for some time.

Comp cards (or Zed cards) have also become very rare. They still feature in the Models Guide because something printed is still an impressive and relatively low-cost marketing tool. They can act as a door opener and a reminder of who you are but they should not be a priority.

You want your portfolio to stand out. Avoid giving the impression that you tried to assemble your portfolio on the cheap or, worse still, that you could not be bothered to make an effort.

Browse this section from the links on the left.

 

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Wolf's Models Guide is owned and maintained by Wolf Kettler Photographer. © Copyright Wolf Kettler. All rights reserved.