A model's portfolio - or
book - is a collection of the model's best, professionally produced
photographs.
Depending on where you
are in your career, your model portfolio would contain photographs
produced specifically for your portfolio, tear sheets (published
photographs from past assignments, torn out of magazines) or a
mixture of both.
If you have decided that
you do need a portfolio, remember that your model portfolio is your
calling card, your showcase and your single-most important
investment in your career. Do the work: Research your options
thoroughly and choose wisely.
Be prepared to spend
some money. The cheapest photographer you can find may well not be
your best option. Success is the result of solid investment and hard
work, not just luck. It is unrealistic to assume that you can have
success and money from investing nothing at all.
A portfolio can consist
of prints, it can come on a CD or be online.
Comp Cards (or Zed
Cards), if well designed, are an impressive and relatively low-cost
marketing tool that you can use as a door opener and a reminder of
who you are.
Whether prints, CD,
online or Comp Cards - you want your portfolio to stand out. Avoid
giving the impression that you tried to assemble your portfolio on
the cheap or that you could not be bothered to make an effort.