Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers

I also use stories to make it clear to them that being in front of a camera

in the studio isn’t like being in front of Mom’s camera at a picnic. One of my

favorite stories is about aSports Illustratedswimsuit photographer who shot

40,000 pictures on location to get 60 for print—and that was with a full

makeup and hair crew, photographic assistants, and professional models! The

lesson is that not every photo has to be perfect.

In a portfolio shoot, it helps to remind your models that no one will see

the photo before them. If they hate an image, they can choose not to use it.

Clothing.

When shooting images for a model’s portfolio, I have her bring a lot of

clothes to the studio. The clothes you finally decide on should be ones that

are not too trendy. These will look dated quickly and require more photo-

graphs be taken. Once a model is established, she can add more trendy items

to her portfolio. For the amateur model, try to accomplish a few basic shots:

a basic head shot, a glamour head shot, a basic full-body shot, etc. Show the

model’s beauty with a clean and fresh look instead of a highly stylized one.

When the clothes are an important part of the image, make sure that they

fit right—or at least appear to fit right. You can use clips behind the model to

pullclothestighteriftheyaretoobig,oryoucanposethemodelinsomeway

that disguises the poor fit, but you have to do something. Otherwise, neither

the clothes nor the model will look as good as they could.

Clothes can also be the source of inspiration for an image, so don’t think

of them only in terms of an accessory. When a unique or appealing or very

flattering garment catches your eye, think of ways you could build an image

around it.

Menvs.Women.

When compared with those used by female models, male models’ portfolios

do not need to show as wide a range of looks or emotions. Men should be

photographedlookingverycasual.Alittlepowderwillsufficeformakeup.The

photos should show the shape of the model’s jaw; if he is shirtless, side light-

ingisalsodesirabletocreateharderlinesandshowoffthechestphysique.The

idea is to convey a sense of power, almost treating the model like a sculpture.

Image Quality.

The quality of photos in a model’s promotional materials must be excep-

tional—even test shots must be carefully planned with a purpose in mind. Be

fair tothe models.Many agencies wouldrather see snapshots thanpoor-qual-

ity professional photos. Before every shoot, ask yourself what part of the

model’s “product” you are showing—her physical beauty, legs, lips, sensual-

ity, etc.

ADDITIONAL TIPS 123

The clothes you

finally decide on

should be ones that

are not too trendy.