How to Choose a Photographer for Your Modeling Portfolio

David Silverberg
2 hours ago
3 min read

Your modeling portfolio is your visual resume — it’s the first impression agents, clients, and casting directors will have of you. Choosing the right photographer to build or update your portfolio is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make in your modeling career. It can be the difference between getting noticed or getting overlooked. That’s why it’s essential to approach this process thoughtfully and strategically.

Start by identifying your goals and the type of modeling you want to pursue. Whether it’s fashion, commercial, fitness, editorial, or plus-size modeling, your portfolio should reflect that specific niche. Look for photographers who specialize in that area or have a strong track record of working with models in similar fields. A good photographer will understand industry standards and know how to bring out your best angles, expressions, and poses that align with your modeling path.

Review potential photographers’ portfolios carefully. Pay attention to the quality of their lighting, composition, retouching, and their ability to capture different moods and styles. Diversity in their work is a good sign — it shows they can adapt their vision to highlight each model’s unique strengths. If all their subjects look the same, it may not be the best fit for building a personalized, standout portfolio.

It’s also crucial to do a little homework on their reputation. Read reviews, check their social media presence, and ask for references if needed. Many models also reach out directly to others who’ve worked with the photographer to ask about their experience. Professionalism, communication, and comfort on set are just a important as technical skill. A photographer who puts you at ease will help you relax and perform better during the shoot — and that confidence will show in the final images.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you've found a few photographers you like, reach out and ask questions about their process, packages, and experience. Important questions include:

What does the portfolio package include (e.g., number of looks, outfit changes, edited images)?
How much do they charge, and what is their turnaround time for delivering final photos?
Do they offer guidance with posing or facial expressions?
Do they work with a hair/makeup artist or stylist, or do you need to bring your own?
Do they have experience shooting for agency submissions or modeling comp cards?

Asking these questions early will help you compare your options and find someone who fits your needs and budget. More importantly, it shows the photographer that you’re serious and professional about your career.

Ask the photographer how many images the photographer will give you. If they proudly say between 1,000 – 2,000 run away. Unfortunately, this is quite common in the digital photography field today. This is the sign of a shooter that uses the “Spray and Pray” method of shooting. This translates to mean, in his mind, that if he shoots a huge number of images you are bound to find a few that you like that accidentally came out.

Be sure that the photographer is shooting in “Raw”. This format allows you to get a low resolution, compressed file “jpg” as well as a much higher resolution and uncompressed “tiff” file. If you plan on making a printed portfolio book, the standard model’s book is 9 x 12” prints. To make the best print possible you need a Tiff file of 28 mb minimum for a 9 x 12” print. Any photographer that tells you he makes great prints from jpg or smaller tiffs, run away from. They are lazy and only looking for images for themselves for posting. It is common to show you a “fine” print they did from a jpg. If you also print the same image from a tiff file, generated from the same Raw file, and put them side by side, you will rip up the jpg print.

Ultimately, choose someone who believes in your potential and wants to help you succeed. Your first portfolio should be a solid mix of headshots, full-body shots, and a few different looks that showcase your range and versatility. With the right photographer, your portfolio will not only reflect who you are as a model, but also open doors to future opportunities in the industry.