You do not need a portfolio to become a Model

Elite Model Management, one of the most famous agencies, among others, allow you to submit photos through their website. Their scouts will look at them for a few seconds. They make it clear that you do not have to spend a lot of money on photographs - if they take you on, their own photographers will shoot you and it won't cost you a penny.

Elite - I am using Elite purely as an example of agencies in their league - require four photographs: one headshot (a close-up of your face) with a smile, one without a smile. One full-length body shot and a half-length body shot.

You should not wear makeup and your hair should be natural and away from your face. You should be before a plain, light-coloured wall and you should not pose. For the full-length body shot, you should wear a two-piece swimsuit.

Of course, only very few are lucky enough to be taken on by a model agency of this caliber.

If you are planning to sign up with one of the not-so-top modelling agencies, you will need to find out about their policy regarding portfolios. Before you do, read the modelling scams section of the Models Guide - selling aspiring models portfolios that they do not need and charging them for what should be free is, sadly, a lucrative business.

If an agency wants to sign you up but requires that you pay for your portfolio, it is very possibly a scam!

If you want to become a freelance model, offering your services on the Internet through your own site or one of the reputable modelling sites, such as OMP or Musecube, start with a few simple snapshots, similar to the ones that agencies want to see. Build a portfolio from working paid and for time.

Photographers are willing to use you even if you do not yet have an impressive portfolio.

^ top of page