Modelling
If you are a model or wish to enter into the world of modelling for fashion and glamour, then you need to create your book and a composite or compcard to present to agencies and photographers. Your book and composite must be updated as you progress to show your best and most recent work.
If you're just starting, a good way to gain experience and get some good photos cheaply for your book is to do sessions TFP/TFCD. In TFP sessions you exchange time for photos, both model and photographer can use the photos for their books and portfolio - everybody wins.
The book
The book is your visual curriculum which you present to prospective agencies and photographers. This should show a variety of types of photography and normally include photos from various sessions. The book must continuously be updated as your carrer progress.
Normally the book consists of 15 - 20 photos, usually 20x30 cm in top quality print. You may have 5 copies of your book so you can leave it for review at the agency, the book will be returned later. It is worth investing in nice binding and make it flexible so you can easily add new photos and remove the old ones. Your book must contain all personal details and contact information.
The composite
The composite is your first step to present yourself to prospective agencies and photographers. The composite is a single card about the double size of a standard postcard with 3 - 4 photos and your personal data and measures. The photos must show the very best you have and should include portrait, half-shot and full shot. You may print 100 or more copies you can send to photographers and agencies.
Promoting yourself
Along with your printed book and composite, you should have a web site with your photos, or create a profile on the various web sites promoting models. It is possible to upload more photos than is usually included in a book, but beware: more is not necesarily better.
You may also consider creating a video that can be hosted on one of the various video streaming sites such youtube or vimeo. This should be at most 2 minutes long and incorporate both photos and video from your sessions. Make sure to clear the rights for any music or sound track you use for the video.
In all cases, whereever you promote yourself you should take care to promote yourself for the kind of job you're looking for. If you do not wish to do nude or lingerie sessions, do not include any such photos. Also, make sure to specify on your web page which kind of work you're willing to do. Once you know the photographer, you can always discuss the possibility of other kinds of projects.
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