3 Must-Have Poses for Female Model Portfolios

So, your dream is to become a model and maybe walk the runway in NYC or Milan! Well, hold on! First things first! Before you go to national or local modeling agencies to apply for jobs, there are a couple of things you need to do.

Guide to female model portfolios
One, is to create a “book” of pictures to leave with the agents when you make the open calls.

Here are some valuable tips for beginner models; no matter if you are a teenager or young woman - poses you must include in female model portfolios in order to present yourself as a professional in the entertainment business.

Pose #1: The headshot
In my opinion, the head shot pose is the number one picture in your portfolio. It is basically a close up photo showing only your face and shoulders.

When your photographer creates this photo, ask him or her to shoot it pretty much head-on, preferably outdoors with good lighting.

Most female model portfolios include this image with little or no makeup to show your natural look. The agency reps want to know what you really look like and what they have to work with so do it right (according to them).

Pose #2: Full body photo (s)
Next, comes the full body shot, or several if you will. These modeling portfolio pictures can be done wearing a variety of different outfits to suit the style and type female model you want to be.

Important: Agencies normally like to see at least one of these shots straight on; wearing either tight fitting clothing or maybe a swimsuit (especially if you plan to pursue glamour modeling jobs). For the most part, they will be satisfied if your photographer takes a photo such as this of you in a snug sweater or top (no tanks) and some slim fitting jeans.

Pose #3: 3/4 length pictures
Similar to the full body above, female modeling portfolio samples should include some 3/4 length poses to round out the book. These pictures also show an assortment of posing techniques, expressions etc. in different clothes for each shot.

The pose is photographed from somewhere around your waist up. They can be frontal (slightly skewed) to profile or even a shot from the back (looking back toward the camera, etc.).

Those are 3 posing tips for female model portfolios you really need to consider. The other pictures should focus on your talent and imagination. Look at some modeling portfolio samples online to get ideas for your photo shoot. Have fun at your modeling photo shoot!!

 

Getting started
When you start out to become a model – read all you can from this and other sites, talk to other talent, agents, etc. in the business and your career will have a better chance to blossom.