Portfolios of aspiring fat models are not much different from those of thin models. However, if you are plus-sized and would love to be a part of the modelling industry, you must first grab the attention of good modelling management agencies.
There are a few things you need to consider and put in place. It is not enough to present pretty photoshoot pictures. If your aim is to really impress an agency, you will have to think about the type of photographs you take, and how they are presented.
The photographs must look as natural as possible. You want to impress but you don’t want to overdo it. Do not present touched-up pictures as they prefer to see more photos showcasing natural looks. That may be the difference between being called in for an audition, or not.
But because you are big-bodied doesn’t mean you should hide your curvy features so, photoshopped photographs must not be a part of your portfolio collections. It is great enough to be called in to audition. And remember you were called for an audition because they need plus-size models. If all they require are skinnier models, they won’t call you.
Does Professional Photography Increase Your Chances?
Does putting together a portfolio of shots taken by professional photographers increase your chances of getting a top modelling job? Certainly not! Model management agencies will rather be presented with simple photographs but not selfies. Pictures in your portfolio must be clean, sharp, and preferably with clear backgrounds. So, the simpler your photos, the better your prospects.
Do not present pictures of yourself with an overly made-up face, airbrushed works, photo shoots under special lights, or anything that artificially conceals your natural looks and skin tone.
One good thing to know is that professional model scouts have trained eyes for good prospects and know when a plus-size woman has potential. They can spot a prospect a mile away.
9 Golden Rules of Putting Together a Good Plus-Size Portfolio
- Your photographs must be taken without makeup on. If you must use makeup, make sure it is very lightly applied. And, never use black eyeliner in your photo shots.
- It is best to include photos taken with your face freshly washed.
- Don’t take pictures with your hair covering a part of your face. Sweep your hair back before taking photos for your plus-size portfolio; if you have long hair, a simple ponytail will suffice.
- Do without oversized, large, or dangling earrings. For your portfolio photo collection, just wear studs in the pictures.
- Do not present photos of you wearing chunky neck chains or statement necklaces.
- Never present a picture of you wearing a loud hairstyle no matter how great you may think it looks on you.
- Wear a good firm bra underneath your top/blouse/dress before you take photos for your portfolio.
- Do not wear body enhancers, corsets, or girdles. Let them view the exact silhouette of your full-bodied figure.
- Your portfolio must include at least two headshot pictures, and one full body shot.
Don’t be like many model hopefuls that don’t know what to expect and don’t care to find out either. Many would-be plus-size models dream of getting great modelling appearances, but not all of them will succeed. To be successful, you must know what to expect.
Your portfolio is your chance to give first impressions that count.
Tips for your photo shoots:
- Wear casual clothes or outfits that are simple but tasteful.
- Don’t wear torn jeans.
- Stick to block colour clothing and avoid heavily patterned or textured fabrics.
- Don’t wear spikes, block heels, or wedge heels.
- Wear simple flat sandal-type shoes or go barefoot.
Make sure your pictures are very clear and always remember that first impressions count, and your plus-size photograph portfolio is the first thing the model scouts will see and use to assess you further.
How to Reach the Modelling Industry’s Top Agencies
You want to look fresh and natural in your pictures so don’t make the mistake of hiding or trying to conceal what the agencies may be looking for.
If you create a portfolio with fluffing, it may work against you. If you are lucky, they won’t set your portfolio aside but will call you to send them simpler natural shots. If you are lucky. There are hundreds of plus-size women aspiring to become models, so, competition is fierce.
An aspiring plus-size model’s portfolio isn’t so hard to put together, once you are aware of what is preferred by the top plus-size modelling agencies.
FURTHER READING