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Ditch your cell phone pics

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Ditch your cell phone pics

Modeling
MM Edu

You don’t need professional photos to start modeling, but that doesn’t mean you should use just any picture in your portfolio. Even some photos taken by professional photographers should never see the inside of your portfolio.

So how do you come up with an excellent set of photos for your Model Mayhem profile without spending a dime? What should you avoid?

Note: This is not advice about how to get signed by an agency. Different agencies will prefer to see different styles of photos in applications. For example, commercial model agencies will often prefer to see well developed comp cards, while many editorial fashion agencies will want to see simple snapshots. If you’re unsure, call the agency and ask.

What’s wrong with cell phone pics?

They make you look like you’re not serious about modeling. If you can’t be bothered to spend 15 minutes taking a halfway decent set of photos to show what you look like, why would anyone think you would bother to, say, show up to a shoot on time? Modeling is all about appearances. If you don’t appear serious, people will assume you are not.

Photographers: wynnesome (center); RebeccaChristine (top left & right-center);
Merry P (top-right & lower-left); Eye of Sicari (lower-right)

Throw away these photos*

Photos you took with your cell phone
Photos you took in the bathroom mirror
Photos you took by holding a camera at arm’s length
Photos from a night out with your friends
Photos where you had to crop out another person
Photos from a wedding, even if the photographer was a professional

Okay, don’t throw them away, but don’t use them for modeling. Put them on Facebook. Your friends like seeing all kinds of pictures of you.

How to get good photos for free

1. Get a friend

If you don’t have one of those, a family member will do. In a pinch, find an acquaintance with 10-15 minutes to spare. If you don’t have any of the above, you may need to spend some time in other areas of your life other than modeling.

2. Get a camera

And not a phone camera or webcam. Very few of those are of high enough quality not to look like phone or webcam photos, and those sorts of photos don’t make you look serious. It doesn’t have to be a professional camera, but taking pictures should be its primary purpose.

3. Get a clean space

Yes, I know you live in a tiny apartment and you throw your clothes everywhere. Spend a few minutes clearing a small area so we don’t have to see your mess. Clutter is ugly. You don’t want your photos to be ugly, do you?

4. Let there be light

If possible, shoot these photos during the day, in a place where there’s a lot of indirect sunlight. When you’re standing in direct sunlight, you’ll probably be too bright in some places and too dark in others. If you must shoot at night, turn on all the lights. If possible, don’t use the flash on the camera. That usually flattens features and is notorious for causing red eye.

5. Wash your face

Don’t wear makeup. Think of your face as a blank canvas. People want to know what they’re working with. Don’t worry, though. Everyone has blemishes. That’s why makeup and Photoshop were invented. Also, keep your hair simple and natural. If you want to play with makeup, do so after you have the basic photos finished.

6. Wear simple clothes

These photos are about you, not your credit card statement. Jeans and a t-shirt or tank top are excellent. Swimwear is also good, especially if you expect to be modeling in that (or less). People need to know your body type, and bulky sweaters, puffy jackets, and hoop skirts prevent that from happening.

7. Take these four shots:

Head and shoulders, straight on
Head and shoulders, turned at an angle
Full length, head to toe
Something to show your personality. Smiling, brooding, laughing, whatever. Show us who you are. No duckface. People will make fun of you for duckface.

Model: April

Now you have sufficient photos to submit in a Model Mayhem portfolio. Load them up and start networking with some of the amazing talent on MM. Be sure to thank the friend who took the pictures for you.

For inspiration, here are dozens of Polaroids (so called because in the days before digital models were almost always shot with Polaroid cameras) of real-world agency models. They don’t always follow what I say above, but they’re allowed to because they know how to book models using those photos.

http://modelcouture.livejournal.com/741330.html

http://modelcouture.livejournal.com/763092.html

http://modelcouture.livejournal.com/802809.html

*Yeah, there are rare exceptions. If you know which specific photos can be used in a good model portfolio, you don’t need this article.

MM Edu

MM Edu brings you tips, advice, and knowledge in modeling, photography, post-production, style/makeup, and Using MM. The expertise comes from our beautiful and brilliant members!

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Who wrote this?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Diaz/824599800 Brian Diaz

This was a collaborative effort by the MM EDU team.

Guest

Who is on the team?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Diaz/824599800 Brian Diaz

The MM moderators and gatekeepers, as well as a number of Internet Brands employees who produce and edit content for many IB websites.

If you have a comment on the content of the article, we’d love to hear it. Thanks!

Schproda

Rants don’t belong in EDU.

http://www.facebook.com/davidinmurphys David Gonzales

I like this article for the fact that it shows not only what we don’t want to see as potential collaborators, but it also shows potential models when we DO want to see. Seeing the difference makes it easier for the aspiring model to understand why their cell phone, prom, wedding, Facebook photos are not helping them on MM
guest

Just goes to show that having loads of shots is not required, those four sum it up perfectly, only addition i would make, have a change of clothes sometime during the shoot.
The Tog

100:1 says silly models still won’t pay attention to this or heed our advice when we tell them we actually know what we are talking about and won’t pay them simply because they get naked etc.

Jam_digital

So if we ask a model to model naked for free we must know what we are talking about? Im still trying to get it!

http://www.brandoncookimagery.com/ Brandon Cook

As kindly as possible, I would say yes. Please know what you’re talking about before asking models to pose naked for free. The rest of us don’t want models thinking all the photogs on here are just trying to get girls naked and put them in compromising photos.

Keithdewey3

This article is a good addition to the MM Edu archives. Well done and thanks for taking the time to do this.
Anonymous

Yay, good old horse sense here! No more cell phone pics!
Damianne

Yay!
Dyylan

mm. I agree, but honestly I have three cell phone pics in my port. Two of which are from a website to which I am featured, and the other because I love it. To note, both of the published cellphone photos have viewed, commented on, and listed…I do agree though, but I think its fine as long as you have professional photos..everything does not hae to be sooo serious MM
Kevin Godfrey

Oh and don’t forget two extra things if you’re serious about modeling:-

1. Always respond (preferably in writing) to a photographer who would like to take your photograph, even if it’s “thanks, but no thanks”.

2. It may be fashionable to have tattoos, but most professional studios are turned off by them. The exception will be small discreet tats that will not unnecessarily ‘draw the eye’ if they are visible in a photo. By the way tats cannot ‘always be photoshopped out’ – sometimes it is possible to do this but why make the photographer’s task more difficult. In fact a large tat cannot be photoshopped out without compromising the image quality of an artistically lit body.

MamboPhoto

Nobody communicates in writing these days… most requests to shoot will be made by email or phone and it is perfectly acceptable for a model to reply in a similar fashion.

Kaouthia

Sorry, are emails not written?

http://twitter.com/Tightsfashion CJ

Amen to the tattoo comment. I once wasted an entire afternoon because a model who said she had a small tattoo on her back actually had a quite large tattoo on her lower back that extended down almost down to between her buttocks… as I was looking to shoot her in tights/pantyhose there was no way to get useable shots.
Joe

Agree. When I hire a model I want a clean canvas, not someone else’s.

rp_photo

Another common mistake is for models to favor images that are clearly inferior but taken by someone they like or at an event where they had a lot of fun.
http://twitter.com/Jawnie John

I agree in principle, but, I see cell phone pics being used a lot by models to promote themselves and to stay visible – this isn’t such a bad strategy. These are mostly party pics at night clubs or wherever.

To the point of the article, I just had an unsuccessful negotiation with a model who has really nice, professional pics from 2-3 years ago, but everything in the last year are party/cell phone pics. When we couldn’t agree on the price (she said she ‘used’ to be paid more), I asked her to send me something more recent that might justify my upping the fee. She didn’t respond and I never heard back for her.

In this case, the cell phone pics got my attention, but didn’t get her the job.
http://www.facebook.com/pablobaxterphotography Pablo Baxter Photography

I could not agree with this more. When all I see in a “model’s” “portfolio” are cell phone pictures or snapshots I cringe. I also think it is common courtesy for a model or photographer to respond to an inquiry even if they are simply saying “no thank you”.

ChrisFerris

Couldn’t agree more about the courtesy of a reply. I have no problem with a model saying “not interested, but thanks”. What rudeness and a BS attitude one reveals when you don’t reply at all. Truly a sign of not being serious. I find this is the case with most “kids”…under 25 years of age.
Samantha

I completely agree with the courtesy part.I lack it shows a lack of respect and really makes me mad that you dont have the decency to write someone back to say no thank you.I always write back and tell them I’m not interested and I would just appreciate the same

Sharisiders

There’s nothing wrong with having a cell phone pic up. Those are used all the time in advertising. They can be seen as intimate, personal and raw.

C Drzymalski

I recently got into a conversation with a guy who’s a builder (ground worker) about photography.
He stated ‘I’m not a photographer’ then showed me some pic’s he took of his g’friend, full length and portrait.
The funny thing was his pic’s which were snaps were a lot better than some model put up on their MM ports.

http://www.facebook.com/lorancephotography Larry Lorance-Photography

I would like to see pictures that tell me that you are serious about modeling… and represent the girl that is going to show up at for a shoot. Include a full length pic a face pic and a couple of poses to demonstrate your posing abilities.
Agent

OMG! Someone actually said it!!! Those are the 4 shots I have been looking for since I joined MM 5 years ago. Finally I have seen them here.
Jessica Vaugn

I was sure to do major magazines before posting cell phone pics- but cell pics and unedited images only STRENGTHEN your book when you have a strong book already… ESPECIALLY if the people who built your book tend to do a lot in post. I have had many fears put to rest about “looking like my pictures” simply by cell phone pics that show what I look like in “real life”/unretouched. Selectively bash the cell phone pics, but not rules are 100% on this one guys!
http://www.facebook.com/BarbarannGarrard Barbarann Garrard

I 99% agree..1% of me does not agree however; some of my very best photos were taken with a cell phone. A few of my photos in my port were taken with a cell phone, and have received a lot of compliments.

http://www.brandoncookimagery.com/ Brandon Cook

I’m with you in the fact that there’s always a few exceptions. You specifically could easily take some decent cell phone pics. But when a photographer gets to choose between a models port with nothing but cheesy cell pics or some basic, but thought-out snapshots, the choice is usually easy.
The other side of the coin though is that I often see “photographers” praising models photos that are so far below average that if I had shot it, I would have deleted them before anyone saw, much less posted on a website.
I remember that you 99% agree, and I’m absolutely not directing any of this at you, just elaborating on your post. I hope you don’t mind.

http://www.brandoncookimagery.com/ Brandon Cook

I really wish models would learn a few things about photography too. It’s hard for me to take someone serious that doesn’t have the slightest clue about what makes a photo “good”.
Seasoned photographers generally know something about posing/modeling because they take the final product seriously enough to invest time in learning something about all aspects of a photo.
If a model shows (with their portfolio) that he/she can atleast pick the good ones from the bad ones, I start feeling like shooting with them won’t be a complete waste of time, but if all I see is garbage – I figure we’re on two entirely different levels and will most likely pass on the chance to shoot with them.
Yes, there’s always the argument of undiscovered talent or the diamond in the rough, and as the photographer, it’s my job to keep an eye out for that. But if you’re trying to be “discovered” show that you care and invest some time/money into your profession, just like the photog did that you want to work with.
http://www.facebook.com/dukerichards Duke Richards

And for the love of all that is good in this world…never, EVER…EVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVER……Do the duck lip thing! It is totally unattractive and makes ya look like a doofus!
Calvin Wallace

This needs to be written out? It’s common sense!
Bruce Goodrich

Excellent point made here. If all that “model” has is cell phone images, it makes me question how serious they are…especially if they have been a member for some time, 300+ friends that they have never worked with.
As far as nudes, let your portfolio speak for itself.
Minxie

THIS POST IS A GOD SEND <3<3<3
Lloydwright69

totally agree excellent article lets hope people heed the advice !
Johnnyraff

I agree, if you want to be a pro model ditch em….
http://www.splashfoto.com/ Cindy seip

OMG… so true!!!! When editing: your worst photos are the ones they remember.
Paul S. Robinson

Ditch Your Cell Phone Picks. I think your opening statement is poor advice to models.
From what I have heared from model agencies models should have images in their portfolio that have the wow factor. If models are encouraged to seek out amatuers to take their portfolio pics they will have less of a chance to gain work. I realy doubt that top models like Cindy Crawford started out with amatuerish portfolio pics.
As a professional photographer it is my job to provide images that have that wow factor which hopefully will assist the model in gaining real work. Trade for it or pay for it but get it done by a professional!
Gregg Cobarr

This article about what aspiring models should do about submitting photos is definitely right on target!!! I can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve seen a model on Model Mayhem (sometimes with many photos) and tell them to send me some photos where I can tell what they actually look like! I hope that new (or even established Model Mayhem models) read your article completely and do as you suggest. It would be great to look at a model’s portfolio and at least know that they actually look like in addition to any other photos they’d like to post. Thanks, MM, for a great article!!!
Ratra

Thanks for doing what I have been trying to do here for years. Not that the wannabes and dilletantes will take heed. Some are genuinely desirous but have short fuses or raw nerves when it comes to even gently critiquing any attempt, however obviously amateurish, to present themselves. It simply doesn’t look like they are serious. Cel phones pic are AWFUL!
Jason

I beg to differ, cellphone pics aren’t too bad, it has a lens a sensor it should be good enough if you know what to do. Just look at my folio http://www.jasonlei.com some shots in there are done on an iPhone 3GS. Specifically the panorama of a stage and crowd, a few headshots.

Joe

I think the original intention of the thread should not be taken too literally. You can create art using a cell phone camera, and, conversely, spending $$$ on equipment will not make you a good photographer. The point is that models, especially beginners, should be selective who they work with and what images they post on their portfolio. It’s not only about sloppy and unflattering images that do not highlight your strength as a model, it also about your professional attitude, self-criticism and creativity.

Stuart

While I get better I’m finding a fair bit of local TF work with models looking for their initial shoots – this is a hint i’d add for prospective models wanting initial portfolio shots.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/2400624
Model2011_miasinha

Many of you realize is the only pictures of nude models etc … but do we realize that the model really want? …
because sometimes there is such I do not want to do more nude photos because it had been used only for such pictures, it is not that good but I want more pictures with clothes etc to do the nude for free, is our body that is there is not exposed to the photographers, so I think we should pay well to have jobs nude models ….
BudFox

Great suggestions. After all models, would you want to work with a photographer who put cell phone images in his/her portfolio? I would suggest that models seek TF shoots as well. A lot can be accomplished in an hour. Simple poses and both the photographer and model could benefit.
SteveFocus

I feel another important point that should have been mentioned was NOT USING Senior Portraits if starting out….they look just like what they are…a memory of your senior year. This isn’t professional and shows that you are not serious. More like a whim to become a model. Also shows your youth and immaturity.
Mary Star

Agree…tatoos are not pretty or useful. I have never once in 20 years had a client want models with tattoos….sad as some models were perfect, uuntil the client saw the hideous tattoos on their arms, backsm shoulders and even chest. Ughh

Gillian

Any photographer worth a damn can airbrush out a tattoo. Anyway, tattoos and body modification’s in general are becoming a big part of fashion and life in general. Welcome to the modern world.

Paul S. Robinson

Gillian, are you a photographer? If you are then you would know airbrushing photos has gone the way of film. You would also know that hours can be spent removing those large and very detailed tats. I photographed two models who had extensive tattoo work on them and would neve consider photoshopping all that ink out of the images. Time is money in this business like any other.
Samantha

I agree.there are magazines out there that show off models with tattoos and if you dont like tattoos then either airbrush them,or dont work with that model.

Alis Herndon

I agree with Gillian. If you’re going to photoshop the extra 5 pounds of off her anyway, not to mention blemishes, you can damn well airbrush out a tattoo. The way fashion is moving at the moment is more inclusive of body modifications anyway.

Rayroz001

Can you guys please make sure you post this on the MM’s Facebook Page I want to make sure some models actually read it. Especially those who want to try to get into modeling.
Model2011_miasinha

because many photographers do not want to know what models really want …. This is very sad … already talked to a photographer and he thinks like me …

Rayroz001

Well the way I see it communication is very important, ask for detail of the shoot first. Don’t be afraid to open your mouth. Nobody should be force to do something they don’t want. The photographer should tell you the details of the session and the model should tell what she is ok with and what not, so both side can be clear on what they agree before they shoot. Because when you getting paid you do whatever the person that is hiring you to do.
When you pay the photographer, as a model you expect to get what you ask for and not what the photographer want.
When doing a TF I think both side should agree on the theme or type of photos.
So If you want the photographer to do a shoot for you, you pay the photographer and tell him what is that you really want.

Terry

Great article. 90% of the photos in the PFs are abysmal to say the least! Another problem I have found is quite a few pictures are 2 or 3 years old!
I would find it extremely useful if the month and year of the shot was displayed on the thumbnails!
Lots of good advice given here too, definitely keep it simple with a tidy plain background and minimal (if any) make up.
Lcowles Photography

Great advice. When looking for a model, I want to see their face. So many ports have a lot of pictures but I can’t see what they really look like. Also take the time to post your measurements. Many times I have cloths that needs to be modeled. I have a certain size, I don’t have time to wrtie to every model to ask measurment.
Blgphotography

How about step One- Hire a professional photographer! For an organization that would not exist with us professional I can’t believe you didn;t even mention this in any step!! Wow!
http://twitter.com/azurelaroux Azure LaRoux

I would like to request that the “MySpace” style images be excluded, or at least minimized as well. These would be images overprocessed to the point that you can’t make out the models features or have so much text or other graphic images that the model can’t be easily seen.

Your portfolio is for photographers, the people who may hire you, to be able to see if you can fit the look they need. If I can’t see you in your port then how will I know if you are right for the part?
Jess

THANK Youuu.
Hangonn

One more thing, you might want to add is, Please at least have 1 Image of you Smiling in your port, often times I see 20 images in your port but not one with a smile, Either you don’t like to smile, or you have bad teeth , Just my 2 cents !!!!
Ctalbot22

It is also a good point to add that what makes a good photo to a photographer does NOT always make a good photo for a model to have in her port. I have been on both sides of this and I understand the differences but too many people do not and they just go on thinking that the other person (photog or model) doesn’t care about their needs.
www.fgostudios.com

When I look at a portfolio it only takes me a few seconds to determine what I’m looking for.
I like to to see clean photos of the models just a simple be yourself photo show me your personality not that you can be serious or sexy or anything else. I just want to see your smile your style and your personality.
Solvi

Find out if you want to be a fashion model, a high fashion model, commercial or glamour. Even if you want to be an act model or not.

Some customers don’t want models who have displayed to much skin. Nice to be aware of.
Rick

A photographer can spend thousands for equipment. I as a retoucher have spent thousands on my computers and software. I’m serious about what I do. If you are serious as a model, why wouldn’t you want to save 400 or 500 hundred dollars to pay a good photographer.It’s an investment in your future I was a photographer for 20 odd years if you showed me whats posted above I would laugh and say “Next”
Victor

I find that 4 simple, ‘unadulterated’ photos in a portfolio are a great help for photographers to see how a model really is. Ii is very difficult to have an idea about how a model really look (and therefore her true potential) judging by photos that often underwent several hours of retouching. I notice that because of that problem an increasing number of photographer are requiring the model to meet in person before a shoot in order to avoid surprises Also most pro agencies do not require pro photos on your first contact with them but just 4 simple plane shots without makeup: 1head shot. 1 full length, 1 profile waist up and one swimsuit. Why not to include those in your MM folio to make a candid statment about your true potential? Photographer will appreciate it, guaranteed.
http://www.puls8digitalimaging.com/ Richard Brittenden

I couldn’t agree more with the comments made in this article. I have been wondering for a couple of months now, how the subject of cell-phone images in ports could be addressed. I even considered writing to MM mods about it.
The images are never in focus, have little or no color control, almost always have idiotic expressions and generally lower the standards of this site, where most members are serious about what they’re trying to achieve.
Muscaravisions

There are a few things i have came across here … one of which is no shows .. they waste your time and energy, when i posted that a model was a no show on her page i could only wish she did not have the power to remove the comment… then other togs and agencies would not waste their time with these people!
if you cannot make a shoot you mail or text call the tog/ agency!!!
i really think model mayhem would benefit from removing the wannabes from the site making on whole a more professional site! not convinced this would happen as hit numbers would go down though… someone made a point about the naked model trap where people post for naked models ( always take a good friend or chaperone preferably one that can handle themselves and leave addresses and contact details … never deviate from your plan)
Oliver

Great tips
Oliver

Great tips, the one thing I would add is that models need to have a variety of expression in their faces, and poses, if they have the portfolio they need to learn to use it. Having the same face in every bloody photo doesn’t show any diversity, and shows a lack of coaching, and experience, especially if these are photos from shoots. The same stunned dear in the head lights, or smile with your head leaning in the exact same direction, doesn’t really say much about what I can use you for. Getting 1 good shot is great… But 10 different photos
Phototsbycoelho

The fact that people don’t have a clear thought of what modeling is about is a major factor to the use of cell phone pics as well as photos taken by people with a camera. I work with allot of new talent and the idea of actually working during a photo session is the easiest way to get them to change their mind. When they leave tired and complain about it. It’s almost certain you will not see them out there working as a model. It’s a shame how even these cell phone cameras get in the way when your trying to photograph a Wedding. It’s out of hand.
StormBoy photos

good article .
id add use a professional photographer if you want a professional port.
pretty simple really. but i am amazed at how many attractive people under sell themselves with either amature photos or phone photos or taken by cousin jed with his new camera.

And as steve said dont use school formal or leavers photos.
Odimages

How does a model get professional shots??!! A-Hem! I think MM is for Photographers also…..Models, why don’t you contact us, make an appointment, keep the appointment and work out a TFP shoot! Very easy…and we’re usually happy to do it!
Ruud van Gaal

Next to family, friends and acquaintances there are ofcourse lots of photographers on MM (or other sites) who are quite possibly willing to do TFP shoots. Just ask them to also provide non-Photoshopped pictures.
Joe

Agree with all points regarding photos that do not belong in a model portfolio. While on the subject, a serious model should also be selective about pictures taken by “professionals.” For example, a photo of you with a gun, especially nude, when it does not serve any thematic or aesthetic value, reeks of a GWC searching hopelessly for a subject, and therefore I suspect how really experienced you are.