How To Build An Effective Online Portfolio
Everyone in the industry has got one.
It's something that represents you, your talent, and what to expect for potential clients.
It's your resume that has to speak for itself by showing that you belong in the business.
Here are a handful of key points that will help you either start or build your online portfolio.
Start On the Right Foot Some models fill their portfolio with amateur shots when they begin to model.
This won't get the ball rolling.
I've also seen models with cellphone pics in their well established portfolio, which in turn brings it down a notch.
Look as professional as possible and make models/photographers know they're dealing with someone with experience.
Variety Make sure you have shots from several shoots.
Even though you loooove that one shoot you did, post a MAX of 2 images with different outfits/locations (or both) to keep them unique.
Too many images from the same shoot will saturate your port and give the impression that you don't have enough content to fill the 'empty' space.
Get Different Opinions Models focus on their bodies and photographers are always aware of the technical side...
but everyone sees the image differently.
It's best to get a few thoughts and critiques from people who see you in a different light.
Whenever a model selects her edits from the proof-sheet, I always am blunt and let her know my honest opinion so she knows how others view the shots.
Avatars Stop Traffic This one goes without saying...
but I still have to drop the hint.
Avatars have to be one of your best pictures that represent your work and make people want to click (which leads to your galleries/site/FB etc).
I can go through 20 pages of avatars without clicking, but once an image jumps out at me, its worth the time to research what they're all about.
Create Your Own Style Ask yourself, "What makes me stand out?".
Don't have an answer, then get creative.
If you have a unique style, then you will get noticed easier and remembered for longer.
Business is constant for models/photographers that have their own style because it can't be seen anywhere else.
Hopefully there were a couple things that will help you use your portfolio more effectively and bring in more business!
It's something that represents you, your talent, and what to expect for potential clients.
It's your resume that has to speak for itself by showing that you belong in the business.
Here are a handful of key points that will help you either start or build your online portfolio.
Start On the Right Foot Some models fill their portfolio with amateur shots when they begin to model.
This won't get the ball rolling.
I've also seen models with cellphone pics in their well established portfolio, which in turn brings it down a notch.
Look as professional as possible and make models/photographers know they're dealing with someone with experience.
Variety Make sure you have shots from several shoots.
Even though you loooove that one shoot you did, post a MAX of 2 images with different outfits/locations (or both) to keep them unique.
Too many images from the same shoot will saturate your port and give the impression that you don't have enough content to fill the 'empty' space.
Get Different Opinions Models focus on their bodies and photographers are always aware of the technical side...
but everyone sees the image differently.
It's best to get a few thoughts and critiques from people who see you in a different light.
Whenever a model selects her edits from the proof-sheet, I always am blunt and let her know my honest opinion so she knows how others view the shots.
Avatars Stop Traffic This one goes without saying...
but I still have to drop the hint.
Avatars have to be one of your best pictures that represent your work and make people want to click (which leads to your galleries/site/FB etc).
I can go through 20 pages of avatars without clicking, but once an image jumps out at me, its worth the time to research what they're all about.
Create Your Own Style Ask yourself, "What makes me stand out?".
Don't have an answer, then get creative.
If you have a unique style, then you will get noticed easier and remembered for longer.
Business is constant for models/photographers that have their own style because it can't be seen anywhere else.
Hopefully there were a couple things that will help you use your portfolio more effectively and bring in more business!
