The Making of a Model Portfolio in Artsy Ghetto Land

You Need a Model Portfolio?

Here's what you might ponder...

Pedro Salado, Model

When an up and coming Person, who has a little knowledge (yes, a good portfolio costs money and it has a far better chance to work) about the business and their place in it, shows up and asks "what do I need to do to get my mug in front of a lot of people to show them I'm serious about my commitment?" I tell them 5 great pictures. Full body, dressed up, formal, to nearlynaked so all can see your self, a fun shot where you're kicking back that shows whoyou are to work with, and a couple of you doing something "in the act" that might express your abilities, your uniqueness, your physicality.

And please- studio shots up against a white or black- read, PLAIN- BACKGROUND HAS NO PLACE in your portfolio.

Get outside in the woods, the streets, the canyons of some big city and rock it!

Ahhhh, Life to you!

Nobody has time to look at more than 5... and if the first 1 is dullsville, they ain't gonna leaf through the rest. Too many fish in the sea. And don't forget- their job depends on YOU showing up and looking good and working hard. If you blow it- "OMG, sorry I slept late", or "yeah, I was out til 4 last night, can't you just photoshop these eyeballs back to normal?", not only do you

look bad, the agency that reps you looks bad, real bad. So YOU have a BIG responsibility to think about your rep as your partner. You're in it together and that's the way it works.

If you want a great portfolio, talk to agencies, talk to photographers, and talk to other models. The ones that are working are probably the ones you want to talk to, duh.

So, this guy, Pedro, from Madrid, calls me up and he wants to shoot a portfolio and he sends along some pix he likes and he also wants to do a Zombie Boy look. Cool- the guy is serious, is willing to pay for a great job, is easily convinced he needs to include a great make up artist for the airbrushing and off we go to the Wynwood Arts District, generator, lights, airbrush, and gas mask!

Here are some shots from said shoot.

If you're interested, feel free to call or email me. Its not cheap, but the pictures don't show that either.

What you need and what it might cost:

1) 1/2 day of photography $500 volkswagen to $3500 top of the line rolls royce

2) 1/2 day Hair and Make Up $150 volksy to $450 rolls

3) clothes- an assortment of clothes ranging from casual to undies to black tie/ evening dress $0 to $5000

4) 1/2 day Stylist who might or may not contribute clothes and/or accessories $100 volksy to $2000 over the rainbow

5) Prints of your top 7 or 8 selects- 5x7 from Target $48 to custom printed 11x14 at $350 is happening these days.

6) a book to stick the prints in to pass around ranges from $23 piece of junk to $2500 or so custom etched leather or metal portfolio from any few of a group of top end portfolio case makers (names on request).

7) a good haircut a few days before your shoot at $12 to $250

8) come showered and clean, no make up, ready to spring happily into action.

Remember: you need to let it go, and jump for this. Nothing held back because there are 1 million 289 thousand 349 happy and competitive people ready and clamoring to take your place.

Best for the new week,

Wick

all photography by me

hair make up and airbrush by Teresa Morgan