Andy Hornby - Model Portfolios

Whether you're considering a career in modelling or you're a professional model needing to update your model portfolio, Andy can provide a range of photo shoot options as well as helpful inside advice for beginners on how to break into the industry.

I'm excited to be able to share this inside knowledge with you and guide those with no previous experience through this process step by step.

With nearly two decades working as a portrait/fashion photographer, Andy looks forward to sharing with you what he's learnt along the way as well as hopefully providing you with a set of portfolio pictures that will open up some pretty exciting doors for you in the future.

Price

Booking a photography shoot for your model portfolio is easy. Simply email me today for my available shoot dates. Most shoots are undertaken at a photography studio in Hampshire. I also travel up and down the UK. Payment can be made by cash, on-line bank transfer or credit card.

Model Portfolio sessions typically include a series of beauty shots or headshots (created in studio) followed by 5 fashion looks / setups that are shot on location (usually around the Portsmouth, Hampshire). In total you receive up to 35 high resolution (printable) image files. The price for both the photo session(s) and all images is just £425 + expenses.

SHOOT PREPERATION

Andy often gets asked for advice from new models wondering what they can do to prepare for their model portfolio session. Start by narrowing down your wardrobe selection. Prioritise the items that suit your body type and select colours that compliment your complexion. Allow time to buy any accessories you may need. If you're stuck for ideas browse through some current fashion magazines or instagram pages for inspiration on styling as well as posing.

If you're getting a hair cut it's best to do it a week before. This way your hair will have time to settle.

On the days leading up to your shoot you'll want to check your clothes are in optimum condition and allow time for dry cleaning if necessary. You'll want your skin and lips to be well moisturised so if you don't have a regular routine start one as soon as possible. Remember to hydrate as much as possible as this will reduce dark rings under your eyes and make your skin more radiant. Your nails should also be clean and in good condition. Women should remember to remove any old nail polish.

On the day before your shoot, double check the address of the studio or location on Google Maps. Make sure your shirts or dresses are ironed and placed on coat hangers.

Before arriving at the location of your photo shoot or casting remember to take off your sunglasses. This way you'll avoid marks on the bridge of your nose.

In reality professional models are rarely given much notice before their next photo shoot or casting. It therefore pays for new models to start developing good habits earlier on. The great thing about undertaking a model portfolio session (known in the industry as a paid test), is that it's a safe environment where you can experiment with ideas, gain experience and learn from your mistakes along the way.

WARDROBE ADVICE

Andy recommends bringing along a range of different outfits from which you can mix and match a variety of combinations from. If it's your first model portfolio shoot you may want at least 5 different looks. Depending on your physique this may include fashion, corporate, casual, swim wear lingerie and activewear. At least 2 of these looks will be full length shots so consider including footwear.

For women, a good set of heels can really help to elongate your figure. Accessories like hats and small handbags can be useful props. Props are also great because they give you something to do with your hands.

Wear outfits that compliment your figure and clothing that reveals your best features. Just because an item of clothing is currently trendy does n't mean it will look good on every body type.

On the days leading up to your shoot you'll want to check your clothes are in optimum condition and allow time for dry cleaning if necessary. You'll want your skin and lips to be well moisturised so if you don't have a regular routine start one as soon as possible. Remember to hydrate as much as possible as this will reduce dark rings under your eyes and make your skin more radiant. Your nails should also be clean and in good condition. Women should remember to remove any old nail polish.

On the day before your shoot, double check the address of the studio or location on Google Maps. Make sure your shirts or dresses are ironed and placed on coat hangers.

Keep jewellery simple. Quite often a great shot can be spoilt by the wrong choice of earrings. If you're unsure or anything leave it out.

For Men, I highly recommend you start with a suit or at least a blazer and jeans. This will frame your torso and give you good shoulder definition. Keep your other outfit choices clean and simple. If you work out, make sure you include a 'wife-beater' (singlet). Definitely iron all collared shirts and arrive with them on a hanger.

Occasionally, Andy gets asked by first time models about whether clothing is provided on model portfolio shoots. Although Andy works regularly with professional fashion stylists on editorial and advertising jobs, the budget for these shoots usually begins at ten thousand pounds. Due to the expense, models doing self funded portfolios usually don't work with a full crew and fashion stylist. As a working model you will need your own clothing that you can wear to castings and even certain jobs. While some photography studios may offer to supply clothing as part of their model portfolio package the outfits are usually not fashionable, not suitable for modelling and are only available in one size.

At the end of the day, a model portfolio shoot is about showing you off, not your clothes. While it needs to be done by a fashion photographer, it is not a fashion shoot (where the focus is on the clothing) or a glamour shoot (where the focus is on transformation). Keep your clothing choices clean and simple, and make sure everything fits you well.

HAIR & MAKUP

If you're looking to approach a model agent for the first time you'll get a better response using pictures that look like you (on a good day). Your look just needs to be fresh and natural. Consider using things like freckles to your advantage. These can very much be a part of your personal appeal.

For male models a hair & make up artist is not necessary for a model portfolio shoot. Instead I recommend bringing along some hair product and lip balm. Drink lots of water and moisturise your skin well ahead of time.

For girls who are new to modelling, you simply need enough makeup to enhance your look. It need only be eyes and lips. If you're young and you have good skin you don't even need foundation. The most common mistake Andy sees most first time models make is using too much makeup.

Make up for model portfolio shoots is far more subtle when compared to fashion photography, where the makeup is used to create a specific look for an editor or a designer. Clients and model agents will want to see you as a blank canvas. Later, when you’re a working model you can build diversity into your portfolio with shots from actual jobs and campaigns.

Andy recommends staying away from artificial tans, as on camera they can look unnatural (think Tandoori chicken). Should you feel confident though, it's best applied 3 days before your shoot. A more effective solution however is to allow a makeup artist to achieve this look through the use of bronzer, contouring and shading.

Let Andy know in advance if you would like a professional hair & make up artist. He uses industry to industry freelance artists. The rates will vary. You are also welcome to make your own arrangements before you come to the shoot.

COPYRIGHT USAGE

The rates quoted for your model portfolio session allow for your images to be used for the purpose of promoting you as a model, artist or entertainer. You are free to print multiple copies from your high res digital files as well as send them to your agent who is welcome print them onto agency comp cards or upload them to the agency website. If however you wish to use the images for advertising, merchandising, product endorsements, point of sale and well as TV, theatre and film posters you will need to inform me beforehand so as we can work out an appropriate usage rate and file size.

If you're new to working with professional photographers it may come as a surprise to learn that even though you are paying for a photography session the intellectual rights to the images remain the property of the photographer. It's much the same as if you were to purchase a book or a DVD. You may own a physical copy of the material, however the author or the film production company still owns the rights to that material. This is standard practice in most countries around the world. A photographer may also on occasion use the images as samples of their work in a portfolio context. Your images however can not be sold on to third parties or be used for advertising unrelated products without your written consent. You also have the option of buying the images outright for an additional fee. This is called a 'buy out'. In this situation the photographer has transferred all ownership rights to you