Model Development

Whether you call it model development, portfolio building, or test shooting, one thing is clear: getting quality camera time is essential.

Test shoots and portfolio sessions are a great way to practice in front of the camera and build your confidence. It’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with different poses, expressions, and looks—without the pressure of a job.

Are you ready to refresh your portfolio or bring a new idea to life? Click the button below to get started!

Questions?

Include a variety of images: headshots, full-body shots, and editorial-style images. Aim for diversity in poses and expressions to showcase your versatility.

If you have a specific type of modeling you’re interested in, tailor your portfolio to reflect that. For example, if you’re aiming to become a swimsuit model, photos in sweaters won’t help convey your suitability for the job. It’s important to focus on the right type of imagery for a specific modeling niche. For a general modeling portfolio, a mix of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and commercial shots is ideal.

Generally, 10-20 strong images are recommended. However, if you’re newer to modeling and haven’t done many shoots yet, resist the urge to include multiple photos from the same look. Select only the best of the best, and let your portfolio evolve over time. If you feel the need to showcase more than one photo from a particular look, make sure they highlight different angles, expressions, or moods so they don’t feel repetitive.

  • Short Session (1–2 hours): Basic headshots and a couple of looks, suitable for a quick update or simple portfolio needs.
  • Standard Session (3–4 hours): A solid range of images with a few outfit changes and varied locations.
  • Full-Day Session (6–8 hours): A comprehensive shoot with multiple looks and locations, allowing for more creative exploration.
  • Extended Session (10+ hours): High-end or large-scale productions for advanced models, requiring significant time and multiple team members.

For most models building their portfolios, a 3–4 hour session is often the sweet spot. It provides enough time to explore different looks and locations without feeling rushed, but it’s still manageable in terms of cost and energy. If you’re just starting out, a shorter session might be enough, while experienced models may benefit from a full day to truly showcase their range.

What you wear will depend on the looks we’re aiming for. We’ll discuss this before the shoot to ensure we have the right outfits to meet the goals of the session.

In general, choose outfits that complement your body type and skin tone. Bring a variety of clothing options: casual, formal, and statement pieces. Neutral colors often work well, as they allow your features to stand out. Ensure that your outfits fit well and reflect your personal style. Please also make sure everything you bring is neat and clean.

Yes!  In the studio, I shoot tethered to a laptop which is connected to a big-screen TV.  We will review the photos as we go, making adjustments as needed.  

On location shoots, we can review the photos on the camera LCD screen.

Yes, absolutely! Depending on the look(s) you’re going for, I have several talented makeup artists I can recommend. Makeup artistry fees are typically paid directly to the MUA, with the standard cost around $150. Please note that more complex or multiple looks may incur additional charges.

Yes, of course! If you have a preferred makeup artist, you’re welcome to bring them along for your session.

I do ask that we have a conversation beforehand to discuss the look(s) we’re aiming for to ensure we’re all aligned.

Please note that while I’ll do my best to support the process, I can’t guarantee your satisfaction with the makeup, as I’m not familiar with the artist’s style.

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