Portfolio help!!

[Ldvaughan]

Ok, so maybe these questions have been answered in previous posts so Im really sorry if this is a repeat...hahaha.

Im getting started on my portfolio shortly and needed help with a few things:

1. As far as the pictures go...should they be taken of JUST the face? Or could they be editorial looking like in a magazine? Does it matter that much?

2. Should I do men and women? Different ethnicities? Just to show I can?

3. Do I need to include, somewhere, what products I used?

4. Does it matter is the pictures are glossy or not?

5. Does the hair matter? Do I need to get someone to do the hair professionally?

Thanks so much to ANYONE and EVERYONE that can help!

xoxo
Lauren

 

[TIERAsta]

1. As far as the pictures go...should they be taken of JUST the face? Or could they be editorial looking like in a magazine? Does it matter that much?
I don't think it would hurt to include a full body shot or two, but keep in mind that you're trying to sell your skills as an MUA. You don't want to distract from that too much or have your portfolio lose focus. Unless, of course, there's body MU!

2. Should I do men and women? Different ethnicities? Just to show I can?
I think it is a good selling point to feature the fact that you have a diverse set of skills! But you should only be featuring your BEST work, regardless of what gender or color the face is.

3. Do I need to include, somewhere, what products I used?
No, this isn't necessary. Some secrets are better left to ourselves!

4. Does it matter is the pictures are glossy or not?
I would say that this just adds another level of clarity (and, somewhat, quality) to the photos. I think this really varies. There are some photos that look better matte or glossy, but I think you should try to keep the photos uniform - so go all matte or glossy if you can. But just do whatever is necessary to make the photos look their best!

5. Does the hair matter? Do I need to get someone to do the hair professionally?
The hair comes secondary to the MU (unless you're a hairstylist too, and even then, there should be some division of focus among portfolio pics). I don't think it's necessary to hire a primo stylist, as long as the overall look in the photo is as presentable and professional-looking as possible and mesh together (you obviously wouldn't want a full face with a fresh-out-of-the-shower ponytail).

This could also depend on the circumstances of your shoot. Are you planning creating a photo shoot for your portfolio? If so, it might be worth it to work with a good hairstylist if you know one... perhaps you both could pitch in on the cost for the photographer, or all 3 could work on a trade agreement. If you're putting together your portfolio a little at a time, then it would again depend on the circumstances of each shoot and your own budget if the hairstylist's pay would come out of your pocket.

Sorry so long, HTH!

 

[Ldvaughan]

OMG!!! Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! All of your answers are a big help! You are awesome!

 

[__allie__]

i totally agree with and would echo everything said above.

a few additions-

i'd recommend against glossy prints because it can get hard to see the photos once they're in the book behind the plastic. the reflection of light can be distracting or can just make it difficult to see the work.

make sure when you get your prints that they are sized to 9x12 or 11x14 for a fashion focused portfolio. sizing isn't quite as important if you're primarliy going for film work. also make sure that you use- or don't use- borders consistently throughout the book. make a decision to either use them or not and then stick with it.

i'd recommend learning some basic studio hairstyling- even if it's just flat ironing or using hot rollers or a marcel curling iron for some basic looks. polished hair will tie your photos together. this way you don't always have to rely on a separate hair stylist for every shoot. and actually being able to do some basic hair will help you get jobs since low budget shoots/productions often expect you to know some hair with your makeup. even just for your book you wouldn't want to show around a photo where the model has beautiful makeup but whose hair looks like she threw it up to go to the market. the more cohesive your overall look (including wardrobe if you're including full body shots) the more polished and professional your photo will be.