How a Female Model Sets Up with a Portfolio Photographer

Getting Your Feet Wet as a Model

The Paid Photo Shoot

Okay, you are ready to create your first model portfolio but where do you start? You start by finding a professional female model photographer and the notes below will help show you how to find one.

What is a model photo portfolio shoot?

A paid photo shoot will be done with a professional modeling photographer of your choice and normally will cost from $300 & up depending on the photographer and the number of photos in the package. A good average is around $600 to hire a good girl model photographer.

Be sure that the modeling photographer you choose is ...

1. Knowledgeable in the type(s) of photography you need (i.e. You wouldn't want to hire a photographer who only does glamour if you're interested in fashion or runway)
2. Has experience working with models - A local portrait photographer may or may not have experience in the type of photos you need for your portfolio
3. Is within your price range (but don't let price be the only determining factor in who you choose. Remember, you want to look your absolute best so you may want to wait until you can hire a really good professional photographer)

You'll want to try for at least 3 different "looks" in totally different outfits for your first photo shoot.

After creating your professional model portfolio, have composite cards made and you should be ready to start contacting clients for paying jobs if you are promoting yourself.

Try to have an idea of what you are looking for during your modeling portfolio shoot

Your photographer should be able to make some suggestions but the final look for your paid test shoot needs to be your decision. After all, it's your money. You should come away with the feeling that you achieved the look you had in mind for your promotion.

If you have the means, I'd also suggest your using more than just the one portfolio photographer as this will help with diversity in looks. You'll come away with two or more professional photographer's interpretation of you.

A final thought about your photos

When you get your model pictures back on cd or prints, you should only use the very best photos you have to put into your portfolio book. If you have doubts about quality, leave it out. This is covered more in the female model portfolio photography section.

Hope this benefits you in hiring a photographer for your first paid photo shoot and I look forward to hearing your model success story soon!

Bob Pardue Photography