How to build your first portfolio
Which photos your portfolio should include, how many you need and how to order them for a professional first impression.
Your portfolio is your calling card in this industry. It is how a casting team decides, in a matter of seconds, whether to get in touch.
What goes into a good portfolio?
- Two or three headshots with different expressions.
- A full-length shot that shows your frame and height.
- Commercial-style images: a natural smile, a product or an everyday moment.
- One or two fashion or editorial-style images, if that suits you.
Order matters
Lead with your strongest image, then alternate between close and wide shots and between light and dark tones. Finish on a strong image too, because the last picture is the one people remember.
Quality over quantity
A selection of eight to twelve images is enough. Avoid near-duplicates and heavily edited photos, and make sure every image is recent and looks like you do today.
Ask the photographer's permission before posting any image from a past shoot, and credit them in the caption. It is basic professional courtesy.
More advice
- 3 Digitals: the simple photos every agency asks for Photos without heavy make-up or editing that show you as you are. Here is how to take them properly at home. Read article
- 4 How to prepare for a casting From reading the call to walking out of the room: what to do to leave the best impression. Read article