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Model Portfolio

Your model portfolio is your showcase and a portfolio can consist of prints, it can come on a CD or be online.
It is a good marketing tool to help sell your-self and show a variety of work to potential employers.
Agencies usually 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.

TFCD and PFT

TFCD stands for time for CD, PFT for prints for time.

Working for time is a co-operation for mutual benefit: The model puts in her/his time, resources and effort, and the photographer does the same. No money changes hands. Both benefit from each other’s skills and talents.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is the exclusive right of the copyright holder to make or authorise reproductions.

You need to respect the photographer’s copyright. Selling a photograph to the local newspaper would violate the copyright, as would scanning prints or using digital files for non-agreed uses.
If you want to send off lots of prints to a large number of agencies, you do not necessarily have to send original prints. Good quality photocopies are usually acceptable for a first submission. If they like your style, they will invite you to show or drop off your portfolio Get permission from the photographer first to make photocopies.
Photographs may not be sold or traded without the photographer’s knowledge.

What is a model release?

A model release is a legally binding agreement between the model and the photographer that assigns certain rights to both parties.

In its most basic form, a model release will state that you have given permission to the photographer to photograph you and to use the photographs.

Personal Safety

Always tell someone where you are going. You are welcome to bring a chaperone.
You are welcome to phone a relative or friend when you arrive and before you leave to let them know you have arrived or are leaving safely

Tips for Black and White Photography

Discussing ideas, make up and hair beforehand is always useful for both parties to make sure you are both working toward the same outcome.

Not all colours transfer well into black and white. It is worth remembering to use a deeper colour on the lips and apply a little more definition on the eyes.

In black and white photography, the paler and the more matt, the better. This will help you achieve a better contrast against eye and lip make-up.

Concentrate on a matt finish, it normally looks good in black and white photos unless you’re after the dewy look.

If the photographer is planning special lighting effects or wants some spark on the face, replace matt powder with shimmer powder.

Face Definition

After foundation is applied, use matte taupe or darker shade, depending on skin tone.

Apply to sides of nose, under the cheekbones, on the temples, and under chin.

Highlighting the face

To emphasize parts of the face, use a product that is a shade lighter than your skin tone.

Dot the product on the high points of cheekbones, on the centre of forehead, along the bridge of the nose, under the cheekline, and the top of the chin.

Colours for Black & White

Dark reds, dark greens and white work best for black and white photography.

Avoid pinks, yellows and light blues.

Shades should be stronger and applied more heavily than usual.

Make-up will loose up to 40% of its tone and colour through the lens - that’s almost half,

Find out from the photographer what lighting and lenses will be used as this will make a huge difference. You do not want to overdo it if the lighting and lenses are to a truer finish.