Your Next Portfolio Shoot: Don’t Just Take More Pictures — Fill the Gaps

When it’s time to update your modelling portfolio, don’t simply book a photographer and start shooting.

First, look at what you already have — and, more importantly, what you’re missing.

A strong modelling portfolio isn’t about having hundreds of beautiful photographs. It’s about having the right photographs.

Your portfolio should show clients and casting directors that you are versatile, adaptable and capable of working across different environments, styles and briefs.

So before your next update shoot, take a good look at your portfolio.

Look at Your Fellow Models

One of the best ways to understand what your portfolio might be missing is to look at other models.

Not to compare yourself personally, but to look at their portfolios objectively.

Ask yourself:

• Do they have more editorial images than I do?

• Do they have stronger lifestyle images?

• Do they have great location shots?

• Do they have strong studio portraits?

• Do they have fashion-focused images?

• Do they have natural, commercial-looking images?

• Do they show different expressions and moods?

• Do their images tell a story?

• Do their images demonstrate versatility?

Then look back at your own portfolio.

Where is the gap?

If your portfolio is already full of studio portraits, perhaps your next shoot should be on location.

If you have plenty of lifestyle images but very little fashion or editorial work, perhaps that is what you need to develop.

If your portfolio is very serious and fashion-focused, you might need more natural, approachable commercial images.

The goal isn't simply to add more images.

The goal is to add images that make your portfolio stronger.

Build a Versatile Portfolio

Your portfolio is your visual CV.

A client should be able to look through it and quickly understand what you can offer.

That doesn't mean every model needs exactly the same portfolio. In fact, they shouldn't.

Your portfolio should reflect you, while also demonstrating that you can adapt.

Think about creating a balance between:

Editorial
Strong fashion imagery that demonstrates your ability to work with more creative concepts.

Lifestyle
Natural, relatable images that can work for commercial and advertising clients.

Location
Images that show you can work naturally in different environments and situations.

Studio
Clean, controlled images that allow your features, expressions and versatility to come through.

Commercial
Approachable, believable imagery that demonstrates your ability to connect with the camera and sell a product or idea.

Movement and personality
Images that show more than a static pose and give clients a sense of who you are in front of the camera.

You don't necessarily need all of these in one shoot.

You need to identify which pieces are missing from your portfolio and build from there.

Bring Your Own Concept

Don't be afraid to come to a photographer with your own idea.

If you have a particular concept, location, styling idea or creative direction that you think would work well for your portfolio, develop it and present it to the photographer.

Create a moodboard showing the type of images you would like to create.

Your moodboard could include references for:

• Lighting

• Poses

• Hair and makeup

• Styling

• Location

• Clothing

• Expressions

• Overall mood

• Colour and visual aesthetic

You don't need to copy the images on your moodboard. The purpose is to communicate the feeling and creative direction you have in mind.

And there is another benefit to doing this.

A photographer may be interested in shooting your concept because it gives them something new and creative to add to their own portfolio.

The same applies to makeup artists, hairstylists and stylists.

Your idea could give another creative professional an opportunity to create work that they wouldn't normally get to produce.

This can turn a simple portfolio update into a genuine creative collaboration, where everyone involved has something to gain.

Think About the Whole Creative Team

Once you've decided what you want to shoot, think beyond the photographer.

Do you need a makeup artist?

Would a hairstylist add something to the concept?

Would a fashion stylist help bring the idea together?

Look at their previous work and find people whose style fits the direction you want to create.

You may also find creative professionals who are looking to build their own portfolios and would be interested in collaborating on a strong concept.

But approach collaborations professionally.

Have a clear idea.

Create your moodboard.

Show the team what you want to achieve.

Discuss what everyone will contribute.

The more prepared everyone is, the better the final result is likely to be.

Choose Your Photographer Carefully

Once you know what you need, the next question is:

Who is the right photographer for the job?

Not every photographer is equally strong at everything.

Some photographers are exceptional at studio lighting. Others produce incredible location and lifestyle images. Some have a strong editorial eye, while others understand commercial photography particularly well.

That's why choosing a photographer should start with their portfolio, not simply their price or popularity.

Look at their previous work and ask:

Can this photographer produce the type of images I need?

If you need strong lifestyle images, look at their lifestyle work.

If you need editorial, look at their fashion work.

If you need studio portraits, look specifically at their studio portfolio.

Don't book a photographer simply because they took a beautiful photograph of someone else.

Book them because their style and strengths match what your portfolio needs.

And if you're unsure, ask your agency.

Ask Your Agency

You don't have to figure everything out alone.

At AURA, we see our models' portfolios regularly and understand what different clients and casting directors are looking for.

We can help you identify where your portfolio may be strong, where it may be lacking, and what type of images could make it more versatile.

We can also help you consider which photographers are particularly strong in different areas — whether that's studio, location, editorial, lifestyle or commercial work.

Sometimes the best advice is simply:

"You don't need another shoot like your last one. You need something different."

Don't Shoot Just Because You Think You Need New Photos

This is perhaps the most important point.

Before booking an update, ask yourself:

What am I trying to improve?

If you don't have an answer, you may not be ready to shoot.

A portfolio update should have a purpose.

You should come away from the shoot with images that add something new, strengthen your existing portfolio and give clients a better understanding of your potential.

Think strategically.

Look at your portfolio.

Look at other models.

Identify the gap.

Develop a concept.

Create a moodboard.

Find the right photographer and creative team.

Ask your agency for advice.

Then shoot.

The best portfolio isn't necessarily the one with the most photographs. It's the one where every photograph has a reason to be there.

The AURA Approach

At AURA, we believe development doesn't stop when you become a model.

Your portfolio, skills, experience and understanding of the industry should continue to evolve.

Take responsibility for your development. Be curious. Look at what is happening around you. Find inspiration. Develop ideas.

And when it's time for your next portfolio update, don't just ask:

"What pictures should I take?"

Ask:

"What does my portfolio need?"

That is how you build a portfolio that becomes stronger, more versatile and more useful to your career.