Portfolios require head shots and full-body photos in color or black and white. However, the head shot is usually made with little or no make-up, allowing the interested clients to view the model's natural look. A model requires six to 20 quality photographs, depending the client's specifications. They should show different facial expressions and poses in order to increase the job opportunities for the model by addressing different client preferences.
A model should use a professional photographer when making his portfolio. It is advisable to use one who has experience in the directing of poses, especially if the model is an amateur. Models use different photographers in the making of their portfolios provided the quality of photographs is maintained. However, different agencies may require a model to use their photographer in preparation of their portfolio.
The outfits and settings used in a portfolio depend on the type of modeling work sought: commercial, runway or high-end fashion. Commercial modeling requires featuring models on television commercials, catalogs and newspaper advertisements, and casual looks in normal settings are required in the portfolio. However, high-end fashion modeling requires a model to be signed by a modeling agency and has strict requirements regarding height, weight and age.
A model needs reprint rights from the photographers allowing him to make more copies of the photos. However, when delivering the photographs to an agency as images on a CD in printable or web formats reprint rights are no longer needed. The model can negotiate with the photographer if the mode of delivery does not allow for reprints.