Your modeling portfolio works as both your resume and your sales pitch, so it must be done professionally. This is not the place for amateurish penny-pinching. Young models have many opportunities open up to them simply because of a high quality online modeling portfolio or a well constructed comp card. In the same way, poorly put together portfolios can eliminate any career possibilities as a child model, simply because you have not marketed yourself well enough. Also, be sure to invest in an attractive portfolio case that will showcase your photographs.

Industry Standards

By looking at online modeling portfolios, you will see that the industry standard young model portfolio consists of ten to fifteen 8" x 10" glossy photographs that include a headshot, a ¾ body shot and a full body shot, among others. Use both color and black-and-white photographs. You will want to include several different poses, backgrounds and outfits to demonstrate your full range of ability and adaptability.

The clothing you wear for your young model portfolio shoot should neither be baggy nor too revealing. It is important to have your hair and make-up professionally done, keeping in mind that it is better to demonstrate your natural beauty, rather than appear heavily made up.

Different aspects of the young model world dictate that different types of photographs are included in your portfolio, depending upon which direction you want your young model career to go. If you are focusing your young model career toward commercial and print, your portfolio must contain those types of photographs.

If you prefer the high fashion route for your teen model career, then your portfolio must reflect that image. Your portfolio, or book, must meet the industry standards if it is to be looked at. If you are already signed with an agency, follow their recommendations. If you are a freelance model, there are many online modeling portfolio opportunities.

Tear Sheets

As your young modeling career develops, you will begin to collect published images of yourself. These images are torn from the magazine or other publication in which they were published and added to your portfolio. These pages are called tear sheets and they are a vital component of your portfolio, proving to prospective clients that you are able to get the job done and that other clients have found your work useful and marketable.

Comp Cards

Comp cards, also known as composite cards, z cards or set cards, act as your business card by providing prospective clients with a convenient, 8.5" x 5.5" card that displays a full sized portrait on one side and one or more smaller shots on the reverse, along with contact information, height, weight, bust, waist and hip sizes, shoe size, eye and hair color and nationality.

Your comp card is an inexpensive and highly effective marketing tool for your career as a teen model. They should be kept with you at all times. You simply never know when you are going to meet the next most important career contact. Be prepared.

Your career as a child model or teen model can be made far more successful if you have an up to date, professionally prepared portfolio that includes a range of photographs, your tear sheets and comp cards. Your poise and professionalism will result in more frequent and higher paying modeling jobs.