The best quality-to-value Professional Model Portfolio Photography in London

A well-rounded modelling portfolio should showcase your versatility and ability to work in various styles and environments. The types of photos to include in your modelling portfolio may vary based on the type of modelling you're pursuing (e.g., fashion, commercial, or fitness). Here are some types of photos to consider including:

Headshots

Clear and close-up shots that focus on your face. Include different expressions to showcase your range.

Full-Length Shots

Photos that capture your entire body, demonstrating your overall physique and posture.

Fashion Shots

Showcase photos where you're modelling different styles of clothing. Include a variety of outfits and looks.

Editorial Shots

Photos with storytelling elements, often used in fashion magazines. These shots may convey a specific theme or narrative.

Commercial Shots

Images that demonstrate your ability to promote products or services. These photos should have a commercial and relatable appeal.

Swimwear/Bikini Shots

If you're comfortable, include shots in swimwear or bikinis. These images can highlight your physique. Often unedited polars/digitals can be used for this.

Fitness Shots

Demonstrate your athleticism and fitness level through shots that capture your strength and agility.

Casual/Lifestyle Shots

Candid shots or photos in everyday settings to showcase your natural and relatable look.

Beauty Shots

Close-up shots that emphasise your facial features, makeup, and hair. These are often used in beauty and skincare campaigns.

Runway Shots

If you have runway experience, include photos from fashion shows to demonstrate your ability to walk and pose on the runway.

Close-Up Details

Highlight specific features, such as your hands, eyes, or lips, to showcase your unique qualities.

High-Fashion Shots

Dramatic and avant-garde photos that demonstrate your ability to model high-fashion looks.

Portfolio Variety

Ensure a diverse portfolio with images that represent different moods, styles, and aesthetics.

Natural Light and Studio Shots

Include photos taken in both natural light and studio settings to show your adaptability to different conditions.

Black and White Photos

Classic black and white shots can add a timeless and elegant element to your portfolio. Any of the edited images within my packages can be easily converted to black and white at no additional cost.

Remember, for a great portfolio, the key is to demonstrate your adaptability and range as a model. As an experienced photographer I can work with you to capture high-quality images that showcase your strengths and uniqueness.

If you’re just starting out as a model, both the Essentials and Essentials+ packages are excellent options, designed to help you build a strong portfolio to kickstart your modelling career.

Currently, I don’t provide a makeup artist (MUA) or hair stylist, as there has been low demand for these services over the years. However, if you’d like to arrange your own, there is time within the Pro and Luxe packages. You and your MUA or stylist are also welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes before the shoot start time to prepare. For my shorter packages, I recommend arranging for your MUA and/or stylist to assist you prior to arriving for your photoshoot.

Choosing the right wardrobe for your model portfolio photos is essential, as it directly contributes to the overall look and versatility of your portfolio. Here are some tips on what to wear for your model portfolio photos:

Simple and Solid Colours

Opt for simple and solid colours that complement your skin tone. Neutral tones such as black, white, grey, and earthy tones work well and can create a timeless and versatile look.

Avoid Busy Patterns

Steer clear of clothing with busy patterns, logos, or intricate designs. Busy patterns can be distracting and may take attention away from your features.

Well-Fitted Clothing

Wear well-fitted clothing that enhances your body shape. Avoid overly loose or tight outfits, as they may not photograph well.

Versatile Outfits

Bring a variety of outfits that showcase different styles and moods. Include casual wear, formal wear, and anything in between to demonstrate your versatility as a model.

Consider Your Model Type

Dress in a way that aligns with the type of modelling you want to pursue. For example, if you're interested in commercial modelling, choose outfits that are relatable and have a broad appeal.

Avoid Anything Too Trendy

While you want to showcase your fashion sense, avoid overly trendy or fashionable pieces that may quickly become outdated. Opt for classic and timeless looks.

Layers & Accessories

Experimenting with layers can add depth and visual interest to your photos. Consider incorporating accessories like scarves, jackets, or hats. You can also use sunglasses, jewellery, and belts to enhance your overall look..

Bring Options

The more outfit options you bring the better and as long as it isn’t too much to carry, bring more than you think you'll need. Having a variety to choose from gives us flexibility to decide what does and doesn’t work, along with capturing different looks.

Clean and Well-Maintained Clothing

Ensure that your clothing is clean, well-maintained, and free of wrinkles. I do have an ironing board, but if you have to spend too much time using it, the photoshoot time soon disappears. Also, bring a sticky roller for removing fluff, if you have one.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

If it’s a long shoot where we’ll be capturing full-body shots, bring comfortable and versatile shoes that complement your outfits.

Remember that your wardrobe is a crucial element in creating a diverse and visually appealing model portfolio. If you are uncertain about any of your choices, I’m always happy to have a chat before the shoot and on the day we can collaborate to achieve the best possible results.

The more the merrier! While there's no fixed number, having a minimum of 10-20 high-quality photos is a good starting point. This allows you to showcase different aspects of your modelling capabilities.

The quality of your photos is more important than trying to include a specific number. Each photo should be strong, impactful, and contribute to the overall appeal of your portfolio. Avoid filling your portfolio with selfies and poorly lit images that will distract from your modelling abilities.

It’s good to have a mix of headshots, full-body shots, and close-ups with diversity in your poses, expressions, and the overall atmosphere of the photos.

Consider your modelling goals and tailor your portfolio accordingly. If you are interested in a specific niche or type of modelling, ensure that your portfolio aligns with those goals. We can discuss this prior to your shoot and there is also the option to attach some example photos when you book the session via the website.

In most cases Standard Retouch is ideal for model portfolios, ensuring a natural, polished look. 99% of the images displayed on the website are with Standard Retouch.

Occasionally, for example, with beauty images, you may wish to purchase the Beauty Retouch add-on, which is £50 per edit.

Having access to all the unedited images from a photoshoot might seem appealing, but it can actually harm a model’s portfolio and professional image.

Here’s why I don’t share unedited images other than ones created for your polaroid’s/digitals:

1. Unedited Images Can Detract from Professionalism

Unedited photos often have minor flaws—like uneven lighting, skin blemishes, or distracting backgrounds—that can detract from the quality of your work. These imperfections can make your portfolio appear rushed or unpolished, which is not the impression you want to leave on agencies, clients, or casting directors.

2. Quality Over Quantity is Key

A portfolio should showcase your best work, not all of it. Including too many images, especially unedited ones, can overwhelm viewers and dilute the impact of your strongest shots. A carefully curated selection of high-quality, professionally retouched photos has far more impact than a gallery of average, unedited ones.

3. Editing Enhances Your Marketability

Professional retouching isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about presenting you in the best possible light. Edits can subtly enhance skin tone, balance lighting, and correct colour inconsistencies, making the images more striking. This ensures you’re shown at your absolute best, which increases your chances of booking jobs.

4. Unedited Images Can Misrepresent Your Abilities

Clients and agencies rely on your portfolio to assess your suitability for projects. Unedited photos might unintentionally highlight things like awkward poses, less flattering angles, or incomplete concepts. By sharing only polished images, you control the narrative of your talent and versatility.

5. Maintaining Brand Integrity

As a model, your portfolio is part of your personal brand. Sharing unedited images can undermine the reputation of not only your own brand but also that of the photographer, who may not want unfinished work circulating. Maintaining a high standard in your portfolio benefits everyone involved.

6. Time and Expertise in Editing

Photographers invest significant time and expertise in editing images to create a cohesive look that aligns with their style and the industry’s expectations. Unedited photos may not represent the photographer’s or your work accurately, potentially sending the wrong message about your professionalism.

The Solution: Choose the Best Edited Images

Focus on selecting a diverse range of professionally retouched images that highlight your versatility, personality, and adaptability. A smaller, carefully chosen portfolio is far more powerful than an uncurated gallery of raw images.

By prioritising quality over quantity and trusting the editing process, you’ll elevate your portfolio and stand out in the competitive modelling industry.

Copyright

Along with the reasons above, as the creator I retain all intellectual property rights of all images I capture, along with any edited images provided. This includes the sole Copyright.

All packages are priced based on the shoot length and the specified number of edits, which are provided with a licenced for personal, non-commercial use.

For more information on copyright and licencing, please see clause 4 and 5 of the Terms and Conditions.

While I provide guidance during the photoshoot, such as tips on posing and expressions, it’s important to note that I can’t teach you to be a model—just as I can’t teach an actor to act. A certain level of posing ability and confidence in front of the camera ultimately comes down to you. If I were to spend the entire session teaching you how to pose, the time would quickly disappear, limiting the number of usable images we could capture. Additionally, it would divert some of my focus from ensuring that the lighting, composition, and other technical aspects are just right.

That said, my sessions are always relaxed, and I make every effort to ensure they’re fun and enjoyable. My goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable, so your natural personality shines through in the images. If you’re new to modelling or unsure of your abilities, it may be better to book a longer session to allow more time for guidance and experimentation. The Essentials+ package is a great starting point, offering additional time to help you get comfortable and achieve the best results. Alternatively, you might consider one of the longer photoshoot options, such as the Pro Package, which is 3 hours long, or the Luxe Package, which extends to 4 hours, providing even more time to refine your poses and capture a wide variety of stunning images.