There is no yes or no answer to this question. There are advantages to both. Digital imaging can produce good prints up to 13x19. Anything larger, film could be a better choice. Otherwise, digital seems to have more advantages than disadvantages. Take a look at THE DIGITAL EDGE for a more detailed description of the digital process.
What kind of photos do I need?
Depending on what kind of work you are looking to do, generally a typical shoot is 3-5 looks. A good portfolio shows several different “looks.” A good headshot, a body shot, casual “look”, and an upscale “look” (suit for instance) are definitely needed. Your portfolio should also contain various shots of you showing the various types of work you wish to be considered for. For example if you want to do swimwear work, you need to have swimwear shots in your portfolio. If you wish to do fashion, you should have fashion shots and so on. It is a good idea to have many different shots to show a variety and your ability to do several different jobs. Take a look at the MODELING INFO page for more details.
How many pictures do I get in a shoot?
Typically, you want to get one or two “shots” from each look. Normally, 40-50 frames are taken to get those shots. It is not uncommon to find three or four shots from the same look that you may want to use. We can help you choose the shots that would be best for you.
A “look” is basically an outfit or situations. If you were shooting 3 “looks”, you would shoot 3 different outfits and situations. A bathing suit or lingerie shot would be a “look”- a body shot. A sweater with jeans would be another “look”- a casual shot. Etc. A typical shoot is 3-5 looks. A good portfolio shows several different looks. A good headshot, a body shot, casual “look”, and an upscale “look” (suit for instance) are definitely needed. Take a look at the MODELING INFO page for more details.
This is a promotional card used by models and their agencies to send to prospective clients. They come in different sizes, but generally they have a good headshot on one side and 3-4 other various pictures on the other side with your stats, provided (height, hair & eye color, sizes). Models (or their agencies) send these cards out to their prospective clients to generate interest in a model and make contacts for specific assignments. Click here to see an example of composites.
How long will it take to get my pictures back?
When shooting Digital, images are viewable almost immediately. We can have a contact sheet e-mailed to you usually within a day. You can then choose the images you wish to be printed. When time is of the essence, we can have your images ready next day- sometimes the same day in crucial situations. Look at The Digital Edge for more details in the photo process.
What do I do once I get my photos taken?
The next step is to choose the images you want for your portfolio. The images will then be adjusted, and if desired retouched, for printing. Once images are chosen and printed, a composite or promo can be created.
Yes! We have the ability to retouch and manipulate images. We use state of the art programs for image development.
Which is better, Black & White or Color?
When shooting digital, you can choose to convert your images to Black & White at a later date, but for the most part, there is no rule as far as which would be better. If the image looks great in color, then color would be better. If the image would look better in Black & White, then Black & White it is!
Do I need to bring hair & make-up products?
It is a good idea to bring a comb, brush and any hair styling products you normally use. Make sure your hair is not saturated with hair spray or gel- we may need to change it! What you may think is stylish or fashionable may not be necessarily marketable for your look or image. Even if you choose to have a make-up artist during the shoot, it is a good idea to bring whatever make-up you normally use.
The first step is to get good professional photos taken. Snap shots are inexpensive and I’m sure your best friend or brother is an excellent photographer, but there is a big difference in a picture of you and a picture that will represent you in a marketable way. There are many factors involving choosing a model for a job or project. What may be fashionable or in style at school or work, may not be in style in the world of modeling and advertising, so it is important to have a professional with industry experience help you develop your portfolio.
The second step is to get your images printed and start your portfolio. You will need to show clients and agencies different looks and a good portfolio show a good variety. (Look at the Modeling Info page for more info)
The next step is to create a composite or promo to send to agencies or clients. You will want them to have something to remember you by with your photos, stats, and vital information on it.
You will need to do several Go-see’s and castings in order to get work or an agency for representation. Most agencies have open calls at specific times and you can call the agencies to find out the days and times.
Even once you are represented by an agency and are working, you will still need to update your portfolio regularly. Developing a great portfolio is a continuous process and to be successful, you will need a great portfolio. Look at the Modeling Info page for more details.