What are the costs to get a modeling portfolio done.?

Question

I would like to become a model but i dont know how to get started. I need to know how much a modeling portfolio will cost me?

Answer 1

I have heard a lot of bad thing about SOME (not all) modelling agencies and how they make you pay for photos and photo sessions before they take you on then never give you any work. Always check with the local Better Business Bureau.

I think a better starting place before you go to agencies is if you have a friend who is reasonable with a camera (do not have to be a professional or even that good just okay) Just take 100 photos of yourself in different poses, clothing and backgrounds then pick out 10-20 nice photos. You can then use this as a portfolio, and even better instead of printing them which cost you money every time, host them on a website and get some business cards print with the website address on and just hand these out instead. This is a far cheaper way of doing it and with no RISK. You should never have to pay to get a job if you do there is a high chance it is a scam.

However if you would like a personal portfolio site please contact me and I will set you on up for free. I can design you a fully personalised flash website with as much or little information and then host it for you. This site can contain a gallery of your photos, personal information, list of work, contact details, etc or if you prefer just a couple of photos and nothing else. It can be password protected and all images will be protected as is humanly possible, or the photos can be available to download.


Examples of work can be provided on request. Just message me here if you want, I am a professional website designer but have lots of free time (and enough money) so I am currently doing free sites for small bands, small artist etc, basically anyone who could not afford them otherwise. I have my own hosting server so can offer hosting servers or you can host the site yourselves. No images sent to me will be used for anything other than your site and I will not give anyone your detail or link to the site. You will have complete control and the site can be removed or changed at any time. This is not a scam and I will design a site for FREE, I do not need the money, and enjoy working. If you do want it message me you can tell me what you want and how you want it done and I will help.

Answer 2

You build up a portfolio as you do work. Actually buying the portfolio isn't a problem, its taking the first shots, and then getting the work. At the moment, due to the recession you can get head-shots much cheaper. If you look around you can probably find someone who will do a couple for about £20-£30. I can't really recommend a place, since I am not sure where you live. If you really are interested in becoming a model then you should look for a proper agency, that doesn't want money up front. I have seen a couple that will even take some first photographs of you to start your portfolio. Be very careful of scammers. They are very numerous. Do your research first.

Answer 3

It depends on what you are willing to pay and how serious you are. Usually, good photographers charge for their services. That's just how it goes. $500- 1000 is not unreasonable. Keep in mind that you can approach photographers for TFP or TFCD opportunities. These are entirely free shoots with less experienced photographers. Better photographers also do TFP, but they generally need to see some previous work from the model that proves that you have the look and can model. My advice- if you are serious, find a good photographer with a solid book and pay the money. Find someone with experience and if you are starting out, find one that can coach and direct.

Also, the idea that a snapshot will get an agency's attention is silly. They see so many people in a day, many of whom have full portfolios with tearsheets. You need to show your skills and your look. Above all, you have to show a level of commitment. Find a pro. It will serve you well.

Answer 4

You don't need a portfolio to start. Get a friend to take some good snapshots of your face and full body, in different poses and outfits (including a swimsuit).

Then get them in front of agencies. If you have genuine talent (and less than 1% of all women have what they need to do fashion work), they will set you up with a photographer and often foot the bill.

NO ONE who has what it takes needs to pay for a modeling school. Those schools are pretty useless as a career step.

Also note there is little fashion work in the US outside of NYC, LA and San Francisco. There are small fashion shows in most cities, but that's not consistent work. You might check http://www.craigslist.org for the city near you. Often people who need temporary models advertise them under "marketing/PR." These types of gigs don't pay big money though..maybe $20 hr.

Lastly you should know that any kind of modeling work that isn't fashion is considered "commercial" work. Any size and age can get commercial work. Just know that the odds are that it will be fun sideline, but not a good living.

Answer 5

Most places will charge $500.00-$1000.00 or even more and it could take a really long time to get that back via your modeling work. Look around for someone near you who dosen't do photography for a living but is a professional. Photographer charge hugh amounts cuz they often only work weekends and only a few at that. Look at postaroo.com and see if they have listings for your area, also do a google search. I provide profesional photography (but it's not my only job) for $50.00/hour, look for something $100.00/hour or less you don't want to spend so much that you start out your career in major debt.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Where do you live?

I'll do a photo shoot for you for $500.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v367/brueger/My%20Portfolio/

Answer 8

u have to travel alot