01. Decide on your modeling type

Before you get started on your modeling portfolio, dedicate some time for a bit of soul searching. Pinpointing your modeling type will help you narrow down and focus your portfolio, so that potential clients will be able to easily identify your area of expertise and assess whether you could be the right fit for the job.

If you’re an experienced model, the chances are that you’re already rooted in a specific niche of modeling. For aspiring models, consider which area within modeling you’re interested in and best suited for.

Look into each modeling type and its set of requirements. For example, while commercial models tend to vary in height, size and age, promotional models working at trade shows and other events are normally required to be friendly and approachable. Is your portfolio going to be clothing and fashion based? Or more focused on make-up work?

02. Arrange a professional photoshoot

Your photos are the stars of the show on your modeling portfolio. Make sure to truly show off your skills by investing enough time and effort into a professional photoshoot. If your portfolio is going to act as your modeling resume, you'll need to make sure your photographs reflect your talent and experience.

The first step in planning a successful photoshoot is choosing the right photographer. This is best done through recommendations or browsing through photography portfolios online. Ideally, the photographer you hire will be experienced in the field. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can look for a student or a photographer who’s just starting out in the industry.

Once you’ve found your photographer and arranged a time, make sure to come prepared on the actual day of the photoshoot. This means everything from choosing the right outfits, to practicing your poses and getting your hair and makeup done - preferably by a professional. Remember to sync with your photographer and prepare a shot list beforehand. This will help everything run as smoothly as possible on the day.

03. Show your versatility

While it’s best to be associated with a particular modeling type, when it comes to style and shooting angles, try to present your full range of abilities. Whether you're more Karlie Kloss or Ashley Graham, don't forget to show it off. Potential employers, scouts, talent agents and modeling agencies want to see versatility and flexibility in models. This is especially true if you’re just starting out and don’t yet have a strong signature style.

Demonstrate to prospective employers that you are capable of working in different types of productions by including a mix of images in your online modeling portfolio. This means photos that vary in style and artistic vision, as well as shots that show off different angles and takes on your features.

04. Choose the ultimate template

Now that you’ve done your photoshoot, it’s time to pick the website template that best suits your needs, style and personality. When considering your options, go for a portfolio template over a personal web page, that will help you shine and give you the website layout you need to share your complete body of work.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal template, you’ll be able to fully customize every detail, from the images you upload, to the gallery style and written content. By selecting one of Wix’s professional website templates, you can rest assured that the final result will be pixel-perfect, whether or not you’re a web design pro.

05. Present your best shots

After completing a photoshoot or project, you’ll probably have a huge collection of images to sort through. For a truly professional portfolio, it’s crucial that you only include the work you’re proudest of. A handful of successful photos is better than a never-ending scroll of mediocre ones. Around 10 to 20 images should be enough.

Remember that oftentimes, people who browse your portfolio won’t have the time or patience to look through your entire gallery. Prepare yourself for that by giving prominence to your best shots or to the most prestigious projects you’ve worked on.

In particular, pay attention to the first few images that viewers see the moment they land on your website. Create a striking homepage design that includes a range of eye-catching photos of yourself, in order to demonstrate your skills and versatility from the get-go.

When selecting your best shots, keep in mind that there are a few basic types of photos that you should include in your portfolio: headshots with and without you smiling, mid-shots and full-body shots, possibly in different outfits and locations.

06. Include high-quality images

This point is vital in making sure your modeling portfolio is impressive and effective. Compromising the quality of the images will make you appear unprofessional, and you also run the risk of putting your greatest assets as a model at risk of being overlooked. Don’t let pixelated images come between you and your career.

On top of choosing only the sharpest visuals, use a professional gallery to ensure your images look their very best. The Wix Pro Gallery will automatically optimize your images, so you won’t have to worry about the technical side of things. It will also enable you to customize your gallery layout, add smooth hover effects and choose which shots to emphasize. 

07. Use diverse media

Still photos will clearly play the definitive role in your modeling portfolio, but why not keep things interesting by adding different types of media? Show off your full range of capabilities by adding any videos and commercials that you’ve worked on. These can help reveal aspects of your professional demeanor that static images may not. 

You can either embed videos directly onto your site or upload videos from external sources like YouTube and Facebook. If you’d like to create a short video yourself, check out Wix’s video maker to put together a few images and video clips that will entice your audience and add a dynamic touch to your modeling portfolio.

08. Share all the vital information

Whether or not you choose to write a resume and upload it to your model portfolio, bear in mind that there are a few essential details that potential employers will be looking out for.

Models are usually expected to share information like age, height and other body measurements, as well as hair and eye color. You may choose to include additional features that are unique and appealing about you (tattoos, acrobatic skills, birthmarks, or anything else that might make a photoshoot more interesting).

09. Add a contact section

What’s the use of creating a modeling portfolio if people can’t get in touch? Make sure that prospective employers or clients can easily reach out to you.

Your contact information can appear as a separate page, in your website footer or as a section within another page, such as your About page. Either way, make sure it stands out and can be found intuitively.

When creating a contact page, include basic details, like your name, business email address and phone number. You can also add a live chat widget so that visitors can contact you easily and get an instant response. Another option is to create a contact form, enabling people to reach out directly on your site.

Modeling portfolio FAQ

What should be in your modeling portfolio?

A modeling portfolio should showcase your best work and highlight your unique look. It should include a variety of photos, such as head shots, full-body shots, and lifestyle shots. You may also want to include some of your runway or print work.

How do you make a modeling portfolio?

There are a few different ways to make a modeling portfolio. You can hire a professional photographer to take your photos, or you can take them yourself. If you choose to take your own photos, be sure to use a good camera and lighting.

Once you have your photos, you need to create a portfolio that is easy to navigate and professional looking. You no longer need to create a physical portfolio by putting your photos in a binder or portfolio case; you can create an online portfolio by uploading your photos to a website.

Do models need a portfolio?

Yes, models need a portfolio to show potential clients their work. A portfolio is a great way to showcase your unique look and experience. It can also help you get noticed by casting directors and agents.

If you are serious about modeling, it is important to create a portfolio that is well-curated and professional looking. Your portfolio should be a reflection of your unique look and style. It should also show potential clients that you are serious about your career.