If you aren't sure what kind of portfolio or shoot you want to do take a look at the table below.

These are approximations that can provide you some guidance. Glamour Modeling can be in evening dresses or posing in lingerie or swim-wear or posing seminude or nude.

WARDROBE
In many modeling jobs, clothing is supplied by the employer. For putting together your portfolio you need your own in-style clothing for use in interviews, portfolio photographs,etc. Have appropriate shoes to complement your outfits.

PORTFOLIO
Most modeling agencies ask to see your portfolio first thing. If you are going to try to work through an agency don't spend to much money on your portfolio, visit the agencies first.  Freelance models need much more complete portfolios.
An ideal portfolio should have 15-30 8x10 photographs. Some modeling agencies will interview a beginning model if you have at least two good photos.   Some photographs you might include:

• Informal head shot.
• Editorial-style photo, in evening dress.
• Full-length photo, in a casual outfit.
• Editorial-style photo, in a sporty outfit.
• Editorial-style photo, in a coat.
• Photo of product-demonstration.
• Full-length photo, in a swimming suit.
• Full-length photo, in a T-shirt and shorts.
• Full-length photo, in lingerie.
• Profile head shot.
• Profile head shot, in a hat.
• Head shot, in perfect makeup and hair.
• Advertising-style photo, in full-length dress.
• Full-length sport-action photo.
• Full-length editorial-style photo, outdoors in a dress.
• Situational shot, creating a "slice-of-life" image. For example, getting surprised.
• Catalogue-style photo, with another model in casual dress.
• Photo featuring the part of your body that you want to model.
• If interested in figure, art, seminude, or nude modeling, a tastefully-done photo showing your figure.

* A NOTE ABOUT NUDE MODELING
Every model, even a High Fashion model, sooner or later is asked if she will pose in the nude. It is very common and the pay rate can be twice as high for nude modeling. Considering nude modeling? Keep the following issues in mind: If you sign a model release without carefully reviewing the content, your photos could turn up anywhere at any time, even though this was not your intention. Make sure and read the agreement or negotiate to make sure your photographs are protected (litefocus's agreement has such a protection clause).

And, it may not be that you are considering nude modeling but realize that a bikini shoot is not far off from being nude in some respects. On the other hand, be aware that there should be some purpose to the shoot being nude. It should not be just for the photographers portfolio (be wary of any studio that overstresses nudity especially without reason).

Some photographers prefer to have an interview or pre-shoot consultation prior to the actual shoot. This is the standard policy for Litefocus photographer/s. This is to meet you and allow some time to know a little about you than a few photos sent via email. It is also for you to meet the person or people behind the cameras of funding the shoot or studio time. Shoots turn out much better when the model is comfortable with the photographer and location as opposed to showing up on day 1 for the shoot without knowing anything about the other person/people. Being comfortable and at ease at the shoot WILL translate to the photos. We want the very best for you in the shots. To obtain this we want you to be at ease and glad to be here. To achieve that we will take the extra time for an interview in order to save time later on and to produce photos that show you the very best.

The reverse is also true - if you are not comfortable or do not feel at ease then your photos will show that when finished. We will always arrange a pre-shoot interview or consult to try and achieve this for you. In addition, if the photographer doesn't feel that you are ready for certain types of shoots then he/she will not schedule the shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHER TO DO YOUR PORTFOLIO
For freelance models a good portfolio is a important. 
When you pose for your portfolio photographs you are building a portfolio and also gaining experience as a model. Choosing a photographer tips:

• You won't be rushed. A beginner's portfolio may take many hours.
• You do your own makeup. In most beginning and intermediate jobs there is no makeup artist and you are expected to do your own makeup.
• Generally there should be no touching-up of the photographs. Touched-up images are useless to the modeling agencies. Photographs without touch-up are less expensive than portrait photographs.
• Provided reasonable opportunity to work on your hair and makeup every time you change into another outfit.
  The photographer varies his style and alters the backgrounds, so that the photographs do not appear too uniform.
• The photographer has the capability to convert photographs into scanned digital images. The popularity of the Internet's modeling agencies is multiplying every month.
• The total cost (or other arrangement) of the portfolio is up front.

After you select your photographer make sure that:

• You bring your makeup kit to the session.
• You bring enough outfits and shoes for at least six changes.
• You vary your expressions during the session. You check your makeup and hair often, or else ask the photographer to check them for you.
• After the proofs are ready, study them carefully with a magnification glass, and pick not more than 10 to be made into 8X10 enlargements.

FREELANCE MODELING
Freelance Modeling is one way to work as a model. You are responsible for your own billings, promotions, safety, etc. Here are some ways you can promote yourself:

• Create a composite and resume.
• Do test shoots. Sometimes a photographer recommends a model to an agency if the test shoots turn out well.
• Visit businesses that use models, telling them of your interest in modeling. Leave them your composite and resume.
• Advertise your services in photography magazines.
• Register with a Virtual Modeling Agency on the Internet (there are several and list by region).
• Consider your favorite photographer if they do managing but be careful about any agreements.

Talk to us about any of these topics if you like. The above are only guidelines and there is much more to it than a few 1-liners. If time is available we'll be happy to discuss further details with you. Note that we take on very few select people to advise or manage due to time constraints. However, if you are unique and personable then we may be able to assist you.

PRECAUTIONS FOR FREELANCE MODELS (or any model for that matter!)

• Don't have your own phone number, address, or real name on your composites and resumes.
• If you get a job offer, find out the address and phone number of the job location. Many models prefer to bring an escort to a shoot or interview if they are unfamilar with the studio or photographer. If the studio or photographer is known to you ahead of time via an interview or pre-shoot consult then an escort is usually not expected nor required (and can actually interfere with you getting the best shots during the shoot).
• Know exactly what kind of modeling you will be doing, the pay rate, and the duration of the session, before accepting the offer.
• Prior to the job, get a copy of the model release agreement. Study it carefully, or seek assistance.

One tip worth noting: Do not accept every offer made, especially TFP.
It is very disheartening to put in the time and effort only to receive substandard photos in return. Do not expect $1,000 worth of professional photos for 2 hours of TFP but you should receive photos that are high quality and professionally done and printed. Be selective. This is difficult when starting out (i.e. - accept every offer presented to you) but you will be better off if you are selective right from the start. It's okay to turn down offers, especially if they do not provide you with tangible advancement for your goals or expectations. So, stay away from amateurs that have never professionally produced products or do not have a professional background in photography (it's okay to ask things like "where were you trained" or "where did you get your degree" or "where is your work displayed" or "who are some of your known clients / companies". You're not looking for snapshot quality photography!

Good luck in your venture and goals.
If Litefocus can help you achieve them or help you on your way we will be glad to.