Build a modeling portfolio with Miss Missouri Teen USA 2020
Miss Missouri Teen USA 2020 walks into the studio looking to build a modeling portfolio….
We love a good pageant photoshoot, full of glam and rhinestoned crowns. But not every pageant photo can easily translate into something you can bring to a modeling agency. Often modeling portfolios are a full range of light makeup to glam looks. and going without makeup is something that’s uncommon—and sometimes even uncomfortable—for pageant girls to do in front of the camera.
However, it’s critical to show a modeling agency your raw looks. The reason is that you’ll be booking work based on the potential match of your looks to a client’s concept. For example, if Target is looking for a juniors model for a brand like Wild Fable which is very Made-well/street style inspired, it’s near impossible for them to imagine you without your pageant makeup and earrings, and then see if you’d be a fit for their vision. The basics of a modeling portfolio should show you as a “blank page,” free for clients to envision you as a fit for their work. As you develop your modeling portfolio further, you can customize it to show off your ability for certain types of work like swimsuit, commercial work, beauty, fashion etc.
The industry term for your limited or makeup-free look is called “Digitals.” These digitals are often combined into a “comp card” that lists your basics (height, gown size, eye color etc.). Digitals are a modern term for “polaroids” which used to be literal polaroids that would be taken at the modeling agency. With iPhones and digital cameras, they’re now known as Digitals. Although you can take digitals at home, it’s often much easier to have someone who knows lighting and posing to help guide you to represent your features the best. This is the first step for models, almost like a cover letter for a job application.
Digitals were the first thing we did for Holly. Wearing neutral colored, tight fitting clothes to show her body shape, we snapped a few images showing all sides of her features. I then took those snaps, hardly edited them at all, and put them together into a Comp Card along with her measurements.
After digitals, we had fun styling a handful of modern look you’d find on websites or in magazines. We started with minimal makeup to create a fresh, young look. We then transformed her into a mod glam look.
A limited makeup look, showing how Holly would look for commercial work
A beauty-focused look, great for getting work with beauty & fashion brands
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
Brittany
