Building Your Portfolio

If you’re interested in becoming a model, you have to build your portfolio. I was lucky enough to have my aunt, Debbie Kniprath, a budding photographer, take my first photos. Of course, this was before I had any plans of becoming a model. Here are some photos from this photo shoot:

 I jumped into modeling by creating a Model Mayhem account and posting those photos in my portfolio. NOTE: Since I am a minor, my mom takes care of my professional accounts (Model Mayhem, FaceBook page, Twitter). Please be safe if you decide to open a Model Mayhem account.

My mom found a wonderful brilliant photographer on Craigslist who was looking for a model. She sent her one of my photos; we met with her and scheduled the photo session. I recommend that if you’re looking for a photographer in the Denver area, contact Krista Watzel Photography. Not only is she a great photographer, she was delightful to work with. By working with Krista I was able to build my portfolio. Thank you Krista J

If you have good photos, you should be able to find a photographer who is willing to trade their time and talent in exchange for photos or digital images of your photos.  This is called TFP (time for print) or in my case TFCD (time for CD). Krista was generous enough to give me a CD of all of the photos she took. This is a good learning opportunity because you can see where you can work on your posing, facial expression, etc. Just know that not every photographer is able to do that, so make sure you come to an arrangement of the number of images you will receive prior to the shoot. You will more than likely be responsible for your own hair, make-up, and styling so be prepared.

Put some thought and effort into your look. Try out different styles so your hair looks the way you want it to before the shoot.

Bring plenty of outfits. You should keep in mind the look the photographer is looking for and the look that you need.

Above all, be patient. Building a good portfolio takes time. I am always looking for images for inspiration.

Until the next time!

       

First Paid Modeling Gig

I experienced my first paid photo shoot this week courtesy of Nxt|Model of Denver. In spite of being nervous while getting ready, I had a lot of fun. The hardest part was worrying about it before it happened! I had to show up with makeup and hair done in a style to portray a fairy. My mom was able to help me get my hair and makeup done before she left to work. Here is a photo of me after she finished my hair. I removed the bobby pins before the photo shoot; they were placed there to train my hair to stay side swept.

Once I arrived, I was worried until we started taking photos, then I was very relaxed. I had a great time and did what I enjoy doing – posing in front of a camera!

Excuse the photographer in the photo - my brother (thanks Doug!) took these with his camera phone. He was nice enough to be my escort for the shoot so I'm not complaining.

I'm supposed to look like I'm ready to take flight here - I think I succeeded. 

If you're beginning to model, my advice is to wear nude of black colored underwear to the shoot. Do not wear any nail polish unless it's clear or a very natural color. I normally wear skinny jeans and a black or white tank top.

All in all, it was a great experience and I'm grateful that I was given the opportunity to participate in this photo shoot. There were many girls there, so it made it a little easier.

Until the next time...