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The Model Portfolio Starter Guide
For new models and parents of teen models: what a first portfolio needs, how to spot scams, how to submit to agencies, and 18 poses. Fill out the form and your download appears right away.
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What's Inside the Model Portfolio Guide
Your first book
The essential images, what a comp card needs, and showing range without heavy styling.
Digitals vs. a portfolio
What agencies ask for first, and how to take digitals yourself at home.
Spotting scams
The one red flag that catches most modeling scams, and what to check before you sign.
For parents
Ground rules for teen models, and what to expect at a studio session with a minor.
Three templates
A look planner, an agency submission checklist and questions to ask an agency.
18 poses
Commercial, editorial and full-length frames, with what agencies use each one for.
Book Your Portfolio Session
See what each session includes on the model portfolio packages page, or read about model portfolios in Boston.
Example photos are AI-generated illustrations created to show each pose clearly. They are not photographs of Photography Shark clients.
Posing Tips Inside the Guide
You do not need modeling experience for a strong first book. Every pose is directed in real time. For more, see modeling scams to avoid and the teen modeling guide for parents.
Commercial smile
The single most useful commercial image. Think of something genuinely funny just before the shot so the smile reaches your eyes.
Neutral, not blank
Editorial expressions are calm, not empty. Think a quiet thought and keep the eyes alive.
Bring fabric that moves
A dress, skirt or long coat lets you show movement, which fashion clients look for.
Honest full length
Fitted basics, minimal makeup and hair down. Agencies use it to judge proportion, so keep it simple.
Hands are a skill
Fingertips, never flat palms, and soft curved fingers. Agencies notice graceful hands immediately.
One great hero shot
Your comp card leads with your strongest clean headshot. Choose it from the gallery, not on the day.
Model Portfolio Guide FAQ
Is the model portfolio guide free?
Yes. Fill out the short form and the PDF download appears right away. It covers what a first portfolio needs, digitals, avoiding scams, a page for parents, submitting to agencies, three templates and 18 poses.
Do I need a professional portfolio to get signed?
Not always. Many agencies start with simple digitals: plain, unretouched photos of how you look today. A professional portfolio helps when you self-submit, build a comp card, or show range once you are working.
How do I know if a modeling agency is a scam?
A legitimate agency earns a commission from paid work it books for you. It does not charge you to sign, train or join. Any upfront fee for representation is a red flag, and so is an agency that requires you to use its own photographer at a set price.
More Free Guides
For younger models and their parents.
For models who also go out for acting.
For dancers building a portfolio.