It’s the fabulous festive season and what better time than this to think about nailing a few great photos for your e-portfolio!
Keeping an online portfolio up to date is essential for male and female models wishing to give themselves the best possible chance of being selected by our clients for their assignments.
Keeping images refreshed proves the pictures we see really are representative of you as you look today and also show us just how dedicated you are to doing well in modelling.
Seasonal shots are not only timely and of the moment but also offer the opportunity to do something a little different, perhaps.
So, how can models and those keen to start modelling sparkle and shine at this time of year?
What will put you at the top of the Christmas tree and help you move closer towards opening that very special present of a modelling booking as soon as possible?
Here are our top festive photography tips:
1. Consider your clothing
Ideally, you want to wear an outfit that shouts Christmas but at the same time is not too blingy and overblown. Consider sophisticated single, festive palette colours – racing green, deep red, shimmery silver or even gorgeous gold, for example. There is nothing wrong with choosing a dress, shirt, top or skirt in a strong, single, block colour as long as it looks stylish and eye-catching. Avoid patterns and colours that clash with or lose you against your background.
2. Accessorise
If your clothing is simple yet chic, you could afford to dress things up a little with some festive sparkle via your earrings, necklace or hair accessories. A gently Christmas-themed broach or scarf might also work. Try a few quick snaps first and then examine them carefully. If the accessories are too much, pare them back. For the guys, a shimmery tie could look great, but avoid anything too tacky and garish looking.
3. Think background
You will want something festive as your backdrop for your Christmas-themed shoot – but again, try not to overdo it. A Christmas tree can work very well but often the less laden it is, then often the better. Remember, backgrounds that are too busy distract the eye. You may do better beside a pile of presents, next to a chimney hanging with one or two stockings, looking at a colourful gingerbread house or outside on a crisp, winter’s day, wrapped up in something suitably Christmasy.
4. Light your shot with care
In the darker, winter months, you might also have to play around with the light a little. If you do want to use a lit Christmas tree as your backdrop, try taking the lights in and out of focus and making sure your flash is switched off. This can result in a very dreamy – and extremely festive – blurred background effect. For other indoor shots, if there is little natural light in the room, you may need to bring something artificial in. Try working with adjustable desk and standard lamps. Move the lights around until you achieve a level that really works, lighting you as the subject to ensure the levels are not harsh but we can also see you clearly. If you are using a camera or a sophisticated phone, try adjusting the exposure. You can also try working with fairy lights along a mantelpiece or fixed around a doorway. For other shots, however, it is also definitely worth taking yourself outside during the daylight hours. The winter light can look amazing in certain photos and, with a little practice, natural light can also be a fabulous tool.
Good luck with your festive photo shoot!
Don’t forget to be very selective about the pictures you choose to upload and remember to replace them in a few weeks’ time.
Christmas photos can look fantastic – but as soon as spring is on the horizon, they start to look a little dated and ready to be replaced once again…
