What to wear to a model portfolio photoshoot?

The most common question I get asked ahead of a shoot is “what should I wear to a model portfolio photoshoot?”. With this blog post I will aim to provide you with everything you’ll need to pack your bag and be confident on the day of your model portfolio photoshoot.

Outfit ideas for a model portfolio photoshoot

Capturing the foundational look

It’s essential to include a handful of minimalistic and timeless photos in your modelling portfolio. While it’s tempting to express ourselves through the latest fashion trends, agencies and prospective clients don’t want to see that. The focus should be on you, not the clothing.

Think about it this way: If you were a designer creating a new line of jeans and needed a model, it wouldn’t help to see someone wearing a prom dress (no matter how beautiful it may be). It would be much easier to visualize the model in your jeans if they submitted a few simple photos wearing something like jeans and a t-shirt.

Therefore, I recommend at least one outfit that’s simple, such as jeans or trousers paired with a plain top. Stick to solid colors and avoid patterns or logos.

In short, having a few ‘blank-canvas’ shots in your portfolio will significantly expand the range of opportunities you could apply for. Once we have nailed this look, we can try other aspects of modelling you may be more interested in (fitness, formal/evening wear, jewellery etc).

Things to generally avoid

Avoid anything that will take the attention away from you. This could be large logos/prints, loud patterns, vivid or striking colours, seasonal trends.

As I mentioned earlier in this blog, focus should be on you. However, when you wear something loud or colourful, the attention will go to your outfit instead of your face.

When you’re creating work for your portfolio, the clothing should be as minimal and timeless as possible. Think about yourself as a blank canvas – casting directors should be able to see you in your photos.

How many outfits should I bring?

I always tell my clients to bring as many options as they can! There’s no such thing as too many outfits. Sure, we may not have time to shoot everything, but it’s always better to have more options than to regret not bringing something that could have worked.

Try not to bring too many variations of the same look. Think about utilizing different layers, necklines and accessories to build different combinations of looks.

What about hair &/or makeup?

When it comes to your hair and makeup, my strongest recommendation is to keep things as close to your everyday style as possible. It’s easy to get tempted by the idea of a fresh new haircut or an extravagant makeup look for your photoshoot, but trust me, these changes can often cause more trouble than they’re worth.

Here’s why: the goal is to help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. If you decide to try a brand-new hairstyle or makeup look right before the shoot, it’s possible that you’ll feel self-conscious, especially if it’s the first few days with the new look. This discomfort can make you focus more on how it looks and whether it’s staying in place, which can show in your body language and affect the overall vibe of the photos.

On the flip side, if you stick with the hairstyle or makeup you’ve been wearing regularly, you’ll be much more comfortable and able to adjust things without overthinking it. This natural confidence will come across in your photos, and you’ll feel more at ease during the shoot, leading to better results.

I spoke to a professional makeup artist about all things photoshoot makeup – Photoshoot Prep: Tips from a Pro Makeup Artist.

If you want to keep reading, you will also enjoy:

• Modelling Portfolio for Beginners: Must-Have Photos
• How to Make a Modelling Portfolio
• The Key to a Successful Modelling Porfolio

I hope you found this blog helpful. If you have any questions about what to wear to a model portfolio photoshoot, don’t hesitate to drop me a message!

If you are looking for a professional photographer in Birmingham and would like to book in for a model portfolio photography shoot. Get in touch!