Do you need professional photos to start modelling?

  • Postedby Abby

Quite simply, no!

It is a myth that you need a portfolio of professional images before dipping your toe into the world of modelling.

And any agency that tells you otherwise – or insists that you have to pay for a professional portfolio before signing up with them – should be treated with extreme caution.

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There is no reason at all that you should not commission a set of photographs from a reputable, professional photographer whose work you really like if that is what you really want.

But, in all honesty, it really is completely unnecessary.

Models Direct has been operating at the very heart of the modelling industry for over 35 years now.

We have placed thousands of models, based right across the UK, on assignments with clients ranging from local businesses and niche brands to some of the biggest names in the world.

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Just have a look at our client list and spend a little time looking at our social media platforms and reading our blogs to see exactly who these companies, corporations and organisations are.

The vast majority of the male, female, child and pet models who were chosen for these bookings did not have professional photographs.

They were selected from photos that they or a friend had taken on a phone or digital camera.

So, how do you ensure the photos you submit will be good enough if they have not been taken professionally?

Well, to start with, read our top tips for taking and submitting photographs.

In short, we and our clients need to see pictures that are sharp, well framed and show the subject very clearly.

You need to make sure there is good lighting, the background is not too busy and that the camera is held very steadily.

Edit down your pictures carefully so you are only uploading the very best ones; do not put them through any filters or editing apps and ensure they stay at their original size.

A good picture is certainly worth a thousand words, but, with the phones and cameras we all have today, these photos can certainly be taken by you.

We and our clients simply need to have a good idea of what our models look like, along with their body stats and information about any relevant experience or skills.

And, of course, as you attend photo shoots through us and receive any final images of your work, you should, of course, add these to your portfolio too.

But, to begin with, simply ask someone you know to take lots of great snaps of you in different poses and certainly one or two will be perfect for getting started!