7 Tips for Your First Portrait Portfolio Building Session by Pamela Topping
Are considering going from hobbyist to professional? If so, you will need a portfolio. One great way to build a portfolio is to offer sessions to family, friends and even people you meet while out. Once you schedule a portfolio building session, here are tips for what to do next…
- Tip 1: Prior to the session, email and explain the Model Release to the client to save time. Make sure the Model Release is signed before you start shooting.
- Tip 2: Look through fashion magazines beforehand for creative posing, makeup and wardrobe inspiration. You can even put these into a small notebook to keep while you shoot.
- Tip 3: Accessories and props can add an interesting factor to an image. Popular choices include hippie headbands, knit hats, scarves, parasols, pettiskirts and jewelry. For a clean and simple look, use less than three accessories at a time.
- Tip 4: Bring a portable chair or step stool to obtain images from above. This is a flattering angle for all subjects.
- Tip 5: To make sure no ideas are left out, refer often to your pre-written list of poses.
- Tip 6: For children’s portraits, maintain a balance between balance taking charge and going with the flow. Use their high energy level to your advantage. For example, the subject in the portrait below walked away, but I fell in love with her tiny toddler footprints. I cropped out my helper – rest assured that this little one was safe.
- Tip 7: And most importantly, when your subject moves into the most perfect beautiful light, hold them hostage in that spot!
Pamela Topping is a bilingual natural light portrait photographer and USC alum. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three year old daughter. Check out Pamela’s blog www.pamelatopping.com and Facebook page.
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