| The typical neighborhood photographer
hired to put together your portfolio is simply not in touch with the fashion
marketplace, regardless of talent. The photographers who work within the
modeling and acting industry know exactly what clients are looking for
and how to work with models to produce the best results.
Most agencies begin by taking a test shot. This
is a simple professional photograph taken to see how photogenic you are.
The whole idea is to capture you at your best. The model/photographer relationship
is critical in producing the best result. At most agencies you may be photographed
by more than one photographer, depending upon the results of the test shot
and the client for whom you will be modeling.
Agencies can provide you with professional photographers
at your request, or you can find your own. Following are some questions
you need to ask photographers before you shot with them:
(1.) What is the price for the
shooting?
(2.) Are you shooting color or
black and white?
(3.) Are you shooting in slide
(transparency) or negative?
(4.) What is the price per 36
-exposure, color/B&W roll?
(5.) Does this price include
contact sheet / prints / quantity?
(6.) What is the price per 8x10
/ 9x12.5 glossy, color / B&W print?
(7.) Does this price include
make-up and hairstyles?
(8.) If not, what is the price
per hour for such services?
(9.) Are you shooting in the
studio or on location, or both?
(10.) Is there an extra charge
for going on location?
(11.) Who owns the negatives
or slides?
You will need as much information as possible to
choose your photographer and to determine the best way to fill your photographic
needs within your budget. Remember, it takes about a year for a model to
learn photo-posing and to present an experienced looking portfolio. After
that, new photos or tear sheets should be done periodically. Agencies work
closely with the model to ensure that your look is up to date.
The advantage of shooting
with different photographers is that you receive greater exposure as a
professional, and new opportunities to build a working rapport with other
professionals in the business. After seeing how god you look and how well
you move and work, photographers are sometimes in a position to recommend
you for jobs.
The photographs in your portfolio must be a tight
selection showing you off to good advantage. |
