Model Portfolio Building Tips (from a model photographer)
Last week my modeling agent contacted me about my portfolio. It is time to update with new photos so I took my existing book down to their office. As I watched my agent pull images from my own model port, I took notes about what type of images they liked this time around. I paid close attention to this procedure when I got signed as a model and it has assisted me in being able to offer portfolio worthy images to my clients.
MY NOTES:
Your model portfolio should reflect the market you are in and the market you wish to be in. Exotic and overly themed shoots with lots of makeup, distracting accessories, and unnatural hairstyles will not get you booked by an agency in Memphis. Although they may look great and are fun to do, agents will look over them (or won’t look at all). For booking, more natural photos that are clear images of who you are, show personality, and versatility will get you noticed. They want and need to see how you look BEFORE makeup and tons of photoshop. Remember, less is more and simplicity speaks volumes!
for more information about model portfolio building or to book a consultation email photos@charlisharenata.com
“Old is the new New”~ Vintage fashion trends by Memphis Fashion Photographer, Charlisha Renata
Memphis fashion photographer and stylist, Charlisha Renata, gives tips on emerging vintage fashion trends. She is a vintage apparel curator who is inspired by her mother’s closet which helped her start Couture Pieces Resurrected. CPR is her vintage store that will be online and hopefully located in Memphis sometime the near future.
“Old is the new New” expresses how fashion trends from the past have resurfaced, therefore vintage clothing items are now more desirable.
Vintage apparel is hip, classic,and possess a one of a kind value. Since the life expectancy has risen since baby boomers are reaching over 85+, according to an blog post written by Rachel Ryan, the National Retail Federation’s Director of Finance, fashion houses are responding to the increasing demographic by using vintage models in their shows, designing sophisticated dresses, lowering hemlines, and covering up evening wear with higher necklines and sleeves.
Major fashion designers are alway being inspired by vintage trends but the upcoming 2012 collections display a direct inspiration from the fashion eras of the past. Alessia Sara Domanico reported the noticeable vintage inspirations by era in the 2012 Summer collections of several designers. Domanico described the collections with comparison to trends of the past as followed:
The style of the 1920s will be prominent this summer and fall as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Hermes, and Alexander McQueen drew direct inspiration from that era. According to Domanico, Ralph Lauren is credited with reviving the interest in the 1920s when he designed costumes for the 1974 film adaptation of the “The Great Gatsby”. Now that another remake is due to release fall 2012, Lauren took the occasion to create a spring/summer collection inspired by that movie.
The 1950s style will be seen in a few designer collections this year. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Jil Sander showcase vintage inspirations of girlish fifties flair.
Stella McCartney, Burberry Prorsum, Fendi, Valentino, and Givenchy drew inspiration from 1960s London and the former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. Disco and rock themes are also on the rise this year. Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, and DSquared2 bring back the 70s in their 2012 collections.
The AO Fashion Team reports the trending vintage theme for winter 2012-13 has fabrics rich in woven wool such as twill and tweeds with contemporary touch of color, loose knits with homemade feel, and strong British looks should be for consideration. Herringbone, houndstooth, checks of all sizes, and patterns describes a “windowpane” are desirable looks for years to come.
As written by Rachel Ryan, what is old is new again. Full skirt silhouettes, couture coats with strong shapes will be seen in the future. Apparel Online published an article listing vintage fashions as the biggest theme in years to come. The AO Fashion Team predicts that patterns that are exquisite patterns and trimmed with metallic thread or shiny accents will give the vintage looks a modern appeal.
One of the main appeals of vintage is that it can add much more individuality to your look because each piece seems unique. Vintage pieces can be mixed with modern pieces to add versatility to your look. Choosing vintage accessories such as costume jewelry, scarves, and sunglasses will give you the most use out of your vintage pieces because it can be worn with several garments.
For more information on where to purchase vintage apparel & styling tips, email contact@charlisharenata.com
