Hello everyone!

I'm just getting started with modeling and would love some tips and critique on my port. I know it's pretty plain and I'm currently working on getting more professional photos done.

Thanks!

Hi Mercedees,

You've got quite a few images that are so soft and washed-out, your skin is featureless. Example:


Most of those images in that series would be quite usable if they were not postprocessed into a thick haze. Don't hide in shadow, but don't be afraid of contrast and interesting light.


Despite your lighted side being blown out, this is an interesting and appealing image.


And this is flat-out charming. Shows a lot of life and personality.

Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback!

Hi Mercedees,

First -- you've taken a great step in asking for critique.

The first question to ask is "What kind of work do I want to do?"

From what I have seen, there are primarily three kinds of modeling:
   a) Commercial projects, such as a clothing brand line, etc.
   b) Posing for photographers who are either learning photography, or working on building their port, or doing it as a hobby for fun.
   c) Posing for artists who may need a model to pose for a painting, or an artistic photography session.... work that may or may not end up in a book or art gallery.

Category (a) is extremely difficult and competitive, and to be honest very few have the height, look, and weight required by most agencies for this kind of work. It typically takes multiple years of work, starting in their teens pursuing commercial modeling, to achieve success in this area -- plus a significant gift in the DNA department that few have.

Category (b) is what, I am guessing, most ModelMayhem models who are getting paid gigs are getting booked for.  And many of those hiring are men, and usually are looking for someone to pose in swimwear or lingerie if a model doesn't do nudes. Many of these photographers are not very talented, so the end result is not very good, but they have money to pay.

Category (c) is probably fairly rare, but exists as well.

I ask because if you are willing to pose in swimwear and lingerie for men doing this for a hobby or to learn, you will want to add photos like that to your port. Really good, quality photos that tell someone 'I want to shoot with this person.'

If you do not want to pose in swimwear or lingerie for your average hobbyist male shooter, it might be a lot harder to find paying work, but might still be possible if you can put some really stunning photos in your port that scream "I'm awesome! Hire me!"

As an example, look at the non-nude photos by this model:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/astridvonwinter

Some of those photos are AMAZING works of art, such as this one:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/44725386
or this:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/42195974

Photos like that make a photographer want to work with a model, because it demonstrates she can create beautiful art. (Assuming a team is involved to provide make-up, hair, wardrobe, etc. The model can then handle the posing and emotional expression to create a compelling image.)

A lot of this impact was created by the skill of the photographer and his team.

In the end it comes down to this: once you know what kind of work you want to do, hire two or three really good photographers to take amazing photos of you to start your port. Currently your port doesn't have a single good photo that shows you clearly. The photos are all edited badly... the work of an amateur. While they do give a small idea of what you look like at a person (behind a ton of blurr), they don't give any "I must hire this model -- she can create amazing artwork" or "she would be great for a swimwear shoot" impressions.

If you don't have several hundred dollars to hire a professional photographer to get your port started, you can attempt to build it doing TFP, but this is hit-and-miss.... some photographers will never deliver to you the photos they promised, and others will deliver bad results... because those doing TFP will often be themselves more on the beginner side. You CAN find good photographers willing to do TFP, but it will require investment of a lot of time in a lot of sessions (aim for 10-20 photoshoots) to get a few good results. If you are willing to do that, there is a decent chance you can start to build a decent port with TFP. Just be prepared for a lot of work and investment of time and travel costs to pursue this.

Hopefully some of this is helpful. Good luck!

Hello Mercedees,
You are beautiful with almost perfect stats. But your images don't do you justice. Cut down the images to the best four, avoid any image that gives you the 'melted Barbie™ look'. Remember you are selling yourself to possible employers (photographers). The wider the range you appeal to the more potential business for you. Keep it simple and straightforward.
Good luck,
JT