Portfolios

Your portfolio is the single most important marketing tool that you'll use to present yourself to potential clients. It can make or break your modeling aspirations. Most of the time it is the first thing that people will see about you - and if it is not good enough, it will be the last!

What is a portfolio? Simply put: It is a collection of photos that you put together to show potential clients what you look like. But doing it right is a lot more complicated.

You want to show potential clients:

What your face looks like;
What your body looks like;
What you can do in front of a camera;
What you are willing to do in front of a camera.

A good portfolio shows versatility (a bunch of photos looking the same are boring and unprofessional): You need to show a potential client that you can do a variety of different jobs - and you need to do this with typically no more than 10 photos - too many photos and the client loses interest. But make sure that your portfolio is a true reflection of what you want to do, and what you're willing to do (type of photos, clothes, poses).

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more about portfolios.

Based on feedback we've received from our models and clients, we've changed our portfolio offerings, and now works as follows:

ALL portfolios now come with our highly popular Introduction to Photographic Modeling course. This is a quick but comprehensive 6 hour course (including a test shoot) that will enable you to look professional in front of the camera, even if it is your first photo shoot ever!
The above means that our photo shoots are now a minimum of 1 full day: Training in the early morning, test shoot late morning, feedback session around noon, preparation for final shoot early afternoon, with the final shoot later the afternoon.
All shoots are now done outdoors - photos are more versatile, backgrounds more exciting, portfolio looks more interesting.
All portfolios are customized (within reasonable limits) to fit your specific requirements and requests.
Due to client demand, we focus on natural looking photos (i.e. only minimum photo editing where absolutely necessary).
Pricing is flexible and calculated based on your requirements. We now give up to 50% discount to models whom we believe have good potential (terms and conditions apply). In some instances (where you can help us with some work) we would even sponsor your portfolio, meaning you will pay nothing at all - please contact us if your interested in this.

So the costing now works as follows:

Step 1:

When booking a portfolio shoot with us, you pay a R240 non-refundable administration fee to confirm your booking.

Step 2:

You choose which portfolio you want, and you only pay the portfolio cost when you've seen your photos and you're happy with them. This is effectively a 100% money back guarantee - if you don't want the photos, you don't need to pay!

Type	Standard price	Maximum discounted price	Description
Silver	R1400	R700	This portfolio is typically shot at a single location nearby, and is fairly quick and easy. It is a good option for models starting off. You provide and do your own makeup and hair, or a makeup artist can be provided at an extra R200. Hairstyling cost on request. We typically use 5 different outfits or themes to ensure some versatility in your portfolio. You get a CD with the photos on, but printouts cost extra if you require those (currently R45 per A4 sheet). Typically between 2 and 5 models in the group.
Gold	R2900	R1450	This is recommended for models who have done some camera work before. It is typically done during the course of a day (typically a maximum 2 models in the group) and provides a good variety (at least 10 different outfits with a variety of themes and locations). Good value for models who want a highly professional portfolio at an affordable price. A makeup artist will be available. You get a CD with the photos on, but printouts cost extra if you require those (currently R45 per A4 sheet). Guaranteed 50% discount on training course.
Platinum	R5800	R2900	This is the ultimate package: We typically work with only 1 model at a time, with a professional makeup artist, hair dresser and stylist included. Variety of locations, clothes and themes. It is typically done over a full day or even two if necessary. Photos are touched up in PhotoShop where necessary. You will receive a full 7 page A4 portfolio printed plus CD. Also included is the training course free of charge, a pack of 10 Z-cards and a FREE Caribbean Tan if needed. This is recommended for models who only want the best, personal service.

Step 3:

On arrival, you need to pay the Introduction to Photographic Modeling course fees. This fee is normally R500 per person, but depending on the quality and experience of the model, as well as the type of package selected above, we can give up to 50% discount on this as well (we will quote this fee on booking). Guaranteed 50% discount for the Gold package, and free of charge for the Platinum package. This fee is not refundable - you have to pay before doing the training.

Step 4:

Select which extras you want:

Caribbean Tan - R250 (included free in Platinum package)
Makeup artist - R200 (included free in Gold and Platinum packages)
Hairstyling - cost on request

Please note that extras are payable with admin fee on booking, and are not refundable, as we have up-front expenses to arrange these.

Email us at portfolios@perfectlook.co.za if you're interested in any of the above packages, or have any questions about them.

All the above portfolios are done by our own award-winning professional photographer with 10 years experience in the industry. However, if you would like to look at alternative photographers, feel free to check out our photographer advertising section.