Are you an aspiring model looking to get your headshots taken? This model headshots guide will explain what type of images modeling agencies look for and how you can prepare for this photoshoot better.
Don’t be intimidated by the professional model portraits that you have seen before. With our simple tips, you will be well on your way to building your modeling headshot portfolio and off to getting signed with professional model agencies.
Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
WHAT IS A MODELING HEADSHOT?
Modeling headshots differ significantly from the actor’s headshots.
When acting headshots emphasize on the actor’s face, expressions, and role type, modeling headshots concentrate on both the face and the body.
When you are just starting in modeling, one of the first things you must work on is your model comp car. The composite card serves as the model’s portfolio and displays her latest and best pictures. It is also called the model’s business card.
The standard shots for comp card include a full-body shot, a 3/4 image, and a close-up headshot. Don’t forget to include your profile photos as well.
When viewing your model portfolio images, agencies are looking to see you in the most natural way and at all angles. Wear outfits that are highlighting your fit figure and light makeup that enhances your natural beauty. More on this later in the article.
It’s important for new models to be themselves and not try to copy or be like someone else. You must understand that the agency doesn’t want to have another model who is just like someone else in their clothing style or acts a certain way to fit in. They are looking for models who are individual in their looks and character.
Your differences and uniqueness is what will make your comp card pop. Showcase what makes you unique, and that is what will draw modeling agents towards you. Don’t try to act a certain way that you see other models do, this won’t be your true self, and you will soon burn out. The sooner new models realize this, the better off they will be in their model career building.
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DO YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL MODEL HEADSHOTS?
Every model, either new or experienced, needs a good headshot. If you are new to modeling and just starting out, it’s not mandatory to have professional model headshots. You can ask a friend or a relative with a camera to take your headshots. Yes, your images might not look as skilled as some of the other applicants’, but if you are on a budget, this is something to consider.
If budget is not an issue, it’s much better to go with a professional photographer. He/she will have a high-quality camera, great light, and knowledge of posing. The photographer doesn’t have to specialize specifically in model headshots, but if it’s a portrait or a headshot photographer – you are in good hands.
If you are looking for a model headshot photographer in the Sacramento area, California, Bidun Studio Photography specializes in professional headshot photography. You can see more of our portfolio here.
Whether you are a beginner, you need a photographer who will help and guide you to that magical place where it’s captured. It has to be something that is not a blank expression – it has to be real. If you are smiling, you have to smile with your eyes.
Whatever you are doing in your facial expression, as a model, you have to sell something in a moment. How you are feeling and what you are doing is coming out of your eyes. The photographer is essential in capturing that.
KEEP MODELING HEADSHOTS UP TO DATE
Your modeling headshot is like a business card. It’s a good idea to keep the business card up to date, don’t you think?
Not every casting call will request your comp card, but you will appear much better prepared and serious if you have it. Always keep an up to date comp card in your model portfolio.
Your headshot should be your very best photo since it’s the one that will be looked at the most. Choose your model headshot carefully, picking a portrait that you think will make a great impression.
Ideally, it must be a high-resolution image that doesn’t have much editing and will print well. Always strive for your headshot to look natural, with minimum makeup and photo editing involved.
The rest of the photos on your comp card should be powerful shots that show your experience, skills, talents, and portray the type of work you are seeking. If you are interested in being a runway model, do product modeling, or something else – your photos have to show that.
Include all the standard information on your composite card: height; bust, waist, and hips measurements; shoe size; hair color; and eye color. If you have a clean and beautiful comp card, you will be viewed as an experienced and professional model.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR MODELING HEADSHOTS
Modeling headshots are not about showing off a fancy new dress or a suit. You want the agents to see real you, rather than concentrate on what you are wearing. Their main goal is to see your headshot and see your height and proportions.
So what should you wear for a modeling headshots photoshoot? Wear outfits that are body fitting to highlight your figure. Choose simple outfits. Something like a black tank top and skinny jeans with some heels will work just fine.
You want to choose outfits in colors that won’t draw attention away from you. Simple outfits in solid colors are the best and always go for body fitting tops and bottoms. This will help the model agencies to get a better understanding of what type of model they are potentially working with.
Some agencies care about your weight, so it’s better if you work out and are fit. Don’t just lose weight or start working out to get in the door of modeling. Do it for yourself, and for your own good. We all should be mindful of what we are intaking, what our diet is, and how we set our priorities in life.
HAIR AND MAKEUP IDEAS FOR MODEL PORTRAITS
Hair is one of the model’s assets, and it matters how you display that in your headshot portfolio. It’s best to wear your hair in the natural way as you do in everyday life. Don’t go for any crazy hairstyles or something that you’ve never tried before and don’t feel comfortable with.
We suggest you get some shots with hair down and some with hair pulled back. When you pull your hair back, agencies will get to see your face shape and jawline, which is very important.
As for makeup, keep it simple and to a minimum. Go for natural-looking makeup with some mascara, light lipstick, and maybe some highlighter.
A lot of models are pretty good at doing their own makeup, and it’s a really big advantage. You know yourself best, so just practice perfecting the ideal makeup look that suits you the most.
When you are looking for a photographer to take your modeling headshots, don’t skip the option of doing a collaboration shoot. Sometimes, when you contact a portrait photographer, they can agree to a collab shoot in order to build their photography portfolio. And if you can get a hair & makeup artist to participate in this collab – then maybe you hit the jackpot!
Collaboration shoot can be a great opportunity for the photographer to build their portfolio, and for you to get professional pictures for your comp card. The only thing to keep in mind is to keep makeup more natural if you are planning to use these pictures for your modeling portfolio.
Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
HOW TO POSE FOR MODEL HEADSHOTS
A lot of times, when models are just starting out, they don’t have many skills in posing or being in front of the camera. Although this is normal, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t practice posing.
It’s not enough to have the height of the model and all the measurements if you don’t know how to act in front of the camera. Posing is key in a modeling career.
My biggest tip for you is to watch model shows on TV or YouTube and pay attention to how they do their runway walk and overall posing. Notice how delicately models move their hands and how they position their heads toward the camera. One of the TV shows that will give you a real glimpse of how to become a professional model is the Project Runway show.
Professional models need to know where the light is coming from and how to turn their head and body toward the light for a perfect picture.
Once you get some ideas from models that you look up to, start practicing their poses in front of a mirror. The best way to see if you are doing it correctly is when you see yourself in a mirror. When you feel that your posing skills have improved, then you are ready for your modeling headshot photoshoot.
During the model photoshoot, it’s the model’s responsibility to know how to turn their body and pose for the shot. The photographer’s job is to capture those shots while giving some guidance as needed.
For more visual ideas on hands, body, and head posing, I recommend you to see our post Posing Tips for Portrait Photography.
MODEL HEADSHOTS IN THE STUDIO
Getting your model headshots taken in the studio will make them look more professional. I strongly suggest that if you have an opportunity for a studio photoshoot – don’t pass it up.
Studio headshots will not only look crisp and clean but also give a positive impression that you went in for a professional headshot photoshoot. As you get more experienced in modeling, you would want to include more studio portraits in your portfolio.
Portrait headshots in the studio have a lot of benefits for models. You will be taking portraits in a weather-controlled environment with access to a changing room and a mirror, which is very important. Bring in a few different outfits to your model shoot, for a more versatile portfolio.
In the studio, there is no need to worry about not having enough light or getting a surplus of it. Your photographer knows how to control the light and how to use this tool to highlight your best features. Eyes are one of your strong features, and a skilled photographer knows ways of drawing emphasis on that.
MODELING HEADSHOTS OUTDOORS
Lifestyle modeling shots outdoors is another wonderful option for you. The best location for pictures is in the city, where it resembles fashion model shots the most.
Just like in a studio photoshoot, you want to choose solid backdrops for your pictures. A good example of photo backdrops would be building walls in neutral colors.
It’s important to choose outfits that complement the given location. Consider your skin tones to choose outfit colors that will help to bring attention to you and your face instead of distracting from it.
If you can get access to a cute coffee shop lounge or hotel lobby, definitely try out these options. These places are excellent for creative environmental model shots. If you ask the owners ahead of time, you have a big chance of them allowing you to take pictures there.
CONCLUSION
Every model needs to have high-quality headshots if she/he wants to pursue modeling professionally. No matter if you want to be a beauty model, a fashion model, or a runway model – you need headshots that represent your true self.
This model headshots photography guide explains what type of pictures agencies look for from the new models. When you carefully pick out your outfit, style your hair, and do light makeup – your portfolio will show the dedication that you have.
Start practicing your posing and model walk; it will be a huge advantage in the modeling career. Amazing posing skills will set you apart from many other beginner models.
We hope that with the help of these tips and ideas, you will have a successful headshot photoshoot and well on your way to pursuing modeling!
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
Bidun Studio Photography is based in Sacramento, California.
