Pixiq

The following tips are for models who want to make sure their portfolio prints are as great as they can be. I used to hand this out to potential models during a pre-shoot interview but more often than not these days, I e-mail them to a new or aspiring model—who is looking for some advice—before a shoot. Fell free to cut and paste and use for your own model or portrait photography. You don't have to buy into all of the tips; these are what work for me. Use what you like and toss the rest. Happy shooting.

1. Be on time.

And after you arrive at the shoot location remove your wrist watch. Don’t put it back on until just before you leave. No matter how nice the watch is, it will distract from the real subject of your portfolio photographs—you.

2. Keep jewelry to a minimum.

Seeing the same necklace in different shots and different outfits diminishes from the impact of those images.

3. Wear solid colors.

Nothing detracts from your face or figure more than clothes covered in busy patterns and prints. The time to wear these kinds of clothes is when a client is paying you to wear them or for fun, not during a portfolio shoot when the emphasis should be on you.

4. Make sure your clothes fit.

While this seems obvious, it happens all the time. Ill-fitting clothes provide another distraction to viewers of your portfolio. Swimsuits, for example, should be snug, with no gaps when you move and shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

5. The camera shows the truth.

If you have skin problems such as peeling from a sun tan or incomplete overall tan coverage for the clothing or swimsuit you’re planning to wear, call to reschedule. Minor problems can be corrected by makeup or retouching but they can't work miracles.

6. Hair styles.

To provide variety in your portfolio images, style your hair differently for each change of clothing during a shoot. The photographer can change the film and lighting used, but nothing can change the way your hair looks.

7. Short Hair?

This presents a challenge for creating a variety of looks. Maybe try a wig. While wigs can be expensive, you may be able to borrow one. Don’t forget hats—except for cowboy hats, that’s way overdone. Hats can also change the look of your photos too; look for fun and interesting hats in thrift stores.

8. Experiment.

When creating portfolio images use the time to try something different. If your portfolio features casual photographs, wear something more formal. If all you have are photographs of yourself in a business suit, consider wearing a swimsuit or lingerie for a few poses.

9. Smile.

At least some of the time. The expression on your face tells the story of who you are. If you have only one look, the portfolio will become monotonous. Most people—models included—have one side of their face that photographs better than the other side but don’t let that stop you from posing one way or another.

10. Tattoos and piercings?

Unless you want to create portfolio of images showing you’re only available for limited types of assignments, noticeable tattoos and multiple piercings, while stylish today, will ultimately detract from your portfolio and any future assignment opportunities.

11. Makeup.

No matter what style and color of makeup that you think makes you look best, you should change your make up style and color when changing hair styles or outfits to make each portfolio image truly different. Don’t be locked into only one look.

12. Footware.

Wearing the right shoes can make as a big a difference as the right makeup. It’s a good idea to bring along at least one pair of shoes with the highest heels that you have—or can borrow.

13. Relax.

A portfolio shoot is a team effort. Feel free to make suggestions about posing and makeup, but avoid taking over the shoot. Both model and photographer must work together to achieve the best possible portfolio images.

Joe is the author of "Joe Farace's Glamour Photography" published by Amherst Media and available from them, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and bookstores everywhere. For tips on a daily basis follow Joe on Twitter at www.twitter.com/joefarace.