1. One can look at some of the top modeling agency websites and see that most modeling headshots listed there are professionally shot. There are at least five reasons you will want to also get professional modeling shots done. Here are the reasons:
2. You want to be a professional model, to be shot by professional photographers – so the photos in your portfolio should be professionally made so you are seen in that light.
3. Too many other models cut corners using a smartphone and that gives you the chance to stand out with stronger images.
4. Being taken seriously as a professional means you always put your best foot forward.
5. It helps creative directors more easily visualize how you might appear to them in a shoot they are planning.
6. Because working with a professional photographer will make you look much better.
   
   

Beyond this, what shots might you want to focus on? There really is no limit to the number of photos you can have in your arsenal. Some agencies have just a few per model and some have near 20. Some models also have their own website and more than a hundred photos posted.

It is a good idea to not overwhelm while also making sure you have enough shots to help people decide how they might work with you. While you might not want to post every professional photo of yourself you have made, having extras will provide an opportunity to cycle through some over time to see which ones are more popular. However, there are some essential shots you should seriously consider having at a minimum.

Create a Full Professional Modeling Portfolio

A basic Modeling Digitals will usually start with at least one headshot, a full-length body shot, a half-body or three-quarter body shot, and a swimsuit shot. These shots are basically your core modeling digitals. More on this later. The headshot is a close-up and you might consider having two different types – more on this to come.

The full-length body shot is usually taken against a solid or uncluttered background. Clothes should be form-fitting so the shape of your body can be easily discerned. It can be a good idea to have a front and back full body shot. A half-body or three-quarter body is a complementary shot to the full body one. It can be with the same look, just a different pose or perhaps different hair styling. As for the swimsuit shot, it can be a three-quarter body shot. The goal is to showcase your body but to not do so in an overly sexy way.

Start with a Great Natural Shot

An all-natural close-up of your face is important. You should consider doing this shot with very little or no makeup. It is ideal to do this shot in a studio setting with studio lighting. A professional photographer can then use this gear to help make this shot look good too. As for retouching, it is perfectly okay to do light retouching on this shot. This might include removing any blemishes that are not your essence – a stray hair, red eye, minor acne that eventually will go away anyway, and so on.

Add a Beauty Shot

Next, consider adding a beauty headshot. Working with a professional photographer will be important for this shot. It will likely be best to do so in a commercial studio. This is also a close-up of your face, but make-up can be used as desired. Retouching is also okay. Basically, the natural shot is what you would look like when you arrive to a photo shoot and this beauty shot is what the finished product might be after a commercial shoot and post-production is complete.

The Other Shots You Should Have

It is also a very good idea to have lifestyle or editorial shots. This can be in a studio, but it is also good to have some at locations. For example, if you want to be considered for fitness campaigns, having lifestyle shots in workout gear is good. But you might also want these shots to be outdoors as if you are working out. If you want to be considered for swimsuit shoots, beach shots in your swimwear are important. Looking to do fashion shoots, then shots with your best outfits will be important.

The types of lifestyle or editorial shots you can create are practically limitless. If you work with an agency, ask them what 3-4 different looks you should focus on and start there. If you do not have an agency yet, figure out the 3-4 different types of shoots you would like to be considered for.