Start your modeling portfolio in Chicago with a captivating headshot. Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble finding the perfect headshot the first time. Know that headshots are always just the models head and shoulders and depending on the current trend may be from the waist up. Your headshot should show you in your “natural” state. Simple makeup, minimal jewelry, and minimally styled hair. If you have facial hair, it should be well groomed. In other words, leave the winged liner, statement jewelry, and teasing comb at home. Smiling or serious, your headshot should put your best face forward and be the first image in your portfolio in Chicago.
Next as you compile this portfolio in Chicago, you’ll need a full body shot. Make sure your posture and form are proper so that it can accurately display your body. These are usually very simple, wardrobe-wise. You’ll need a fitted white shirt or tank top and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans or a tailored trouser. Long skirts or jackets or too many layers just cover up what the casting agents are looking for. Ladies, break out those heels and gents, a casual dress shoe will do the trick. Keep it simple and classic—you can get creative in other photos. You might also want to include a swimwear shot. Many people protest at the idea of a swimsuit photo. Just try to remember that some jobs require a uniform and this is one of those jobs. Keep the photo fierce or playful, especially if you want to explore commercial modeling during your career in Chicago.
You can form a more well-rounded portfolio by including different types of work that you have done in Chicago or other places if you have been modeling for a while before moving to the Chicago area. To show your versatility you’ll want to include some editorial work in your portfolio. Find a theme, create a look, and collaborate with a team if you don’t have anything striking enough. This is another scenario where collaborating with peers and others that are in the industry can really help you learn how to stand out and get the best photos out of any shoot you work on.
Commercial modeling is arguably the hardest to get across in your portfolio. Take your photographer to a food truck festival and really enjoy those tacos. Use your purse or backpack as a focal point in the shot. Pore over magazine ads, and try to recreate them. Take inspiration from other models and portfolios to see how they pose with products. Commercial modeling is acting in print and can be incredibly hard to sell. But when you do it right, the photographs are incredibly compelling and sell both the product and your abilities as a model in Chicago.
Lastly, you’ll want to include any tearsheets you have. A tearsheet is a page torn out of a publication where you’ve been featured in Chicago or any other city you have worked in previously if this isn’t your first rodeo. For your digital portfolio, linking to the publication will suffice. If you are going to include tearsheets in your physical portfolio, be sure that they have cleanly cut edges and are in protective plastic sheets. It will leave a bad impression if your pages look tattered. These are your portfolio must-haves. This will leave you with a small collection of photographs. You can fill it out by adding other shots from these categories. Make sure there is at least one of you smiling, and end on a compelling headshot for your portfolio in Chicago.
