Photos you took with your cell phone
Photos you took in the bathroom mirror
Photos you took by holding a camera at arm’s length
Photos from a night out with your friends
Photos where you had to crop out another person
Photos from a wedding, even if the photographer was a professional
Okay, don’t throw them away, but don’t use them for modeling. Put them on Facebook. Your friends like seeing all kinds of pictures of you.
How to get good photos for free
1. Get a friend
If you don’t have one of those, a family member will do. In a pinch, find an acquaintance with 10-15 minutes to spare. If you don’t have any of the above, you may need to spend some time in other areas of your life other than modeling.
2. Get a camera
And not a phone camera or webcam. Very few of those are of high enough quality not to look like phone or webcam photos, and those sorts of photos don’t make you look serious. It doesn’t have to be a professional camera, but taking pictures should be its primary purpose.
3. Get a clean space
Yes, I know you live in a tiny apartment and you throw your clothes everywhere. Spend a few minutes clearing a small area so we don’t have to see your mess. Clutter is ugly. You don’t want your photos to be ugly, do you?
4. Let there be light
If possible, shoot these photos during the day, in a place where there’s a lot of indirect sunlight. When you’re standing in direct sunlight, you’ll probably be too bright in some places and too dark in others. If you must shoot at night, turn on all the lights. If possible, don’t use the flash on the camera. That usually flattens features and is notorious for causing red eye.
5. Wash your face
Don’t wear makeup. Think of your face as a blank canvas. People want to know what they’re working with. Don’t worry, though. Everyone has blemishes. That’s why makeup and Photoshop were invented. Also, keep your hair simple and natural. If you want to play with makeup, do so after you have the basic photos finished.
6. Wear simple clothes
These photos are about you, not your credit card statement. Jeans and a t-shirt or tank top are excellent. Swimwear is also good, especially if you expect to be modeling in that (or less). People need to know your body type, and bulky sweaters, puffy jackets, and hoop skirts prevent that from happening.
7. Take these four shots:
Head and shoulders, straight on
Head and shoulders, turned at an angle
Full length, head to toe
Something to show your personality. Smiling, brooding, laughing, whatever.
THEN
8. Be professional in submitting, use proper spelling and grammar, or have someone else submit for you.
