Professional photography for a modeling portfolio typically costs between $200 and $1,500, with higher prices for packages offering more photos. For example, RO Photography in West Haven, CT, offers a variety of packages ranging from $350 for the beginner (one photographer and 100 images) to $1,400 for the grand professional package (two photographers and 500 images). For $990, Dan Harris Photo Art[1] in Jacksonville, FL, offers a package with 3 to 4 hours of shooting, 4 to 5 set and outfit changes, photo retouching, 25 8x10 portfolio cards for auditions, and ten 8x10 prints in a portfolio book.
Portfolio cases or books typically cost $15-$70, depending on the quality of materials. For instance, a hardback expandable-width portfolio book sells for $50 at online retailer Calumet[2] .
Comp Cards, photo business cards used by models, typically range from $70-$165 for a set of 100 printed cards, in the standard size of 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Minnig Media in Pennsylvania charges $100 for 125 cards, offering larger discounts on sets up to 1,000 cards.
A modeling portfolio should include the model's best 10-25 photo prints in a professional-looking photo album. Displayed in plastic sleeves or leather-framed pages, the photos may be 8x10 or 9x12 and should display a variety of different looks including headshots (with and without makeup), body shots, and outfit and set changes.
A model carries comp cards, also called zed cards, to hand out to potential clients. The comp cards are typically printed in full color and include a grouping of several images of the model on the front and back of the card. Comp cards should include the model's name, agency, and contact information, like the examples at I Model U Model and Comp Card Express[3] .
Additional costs:
If not included in the package, modeling portfolio add-ons can include photo prints and retouching. For example, S. Carmody Photography in Missouri offers extras like photo prints ($1.75 to $75, based on size) and digital retouching ($35 per hour). A $75 reservation deposit is also required.
Styling fees are typically $35-$40 per look and up to $200 for the entire photo session.
Discounts:
Ask about getting comp cards, headshots and portfolio book prints included in the same order to save on shipping, and possibly printing. For example, Photoscan in Orlando, FL, offers combo deals[4] with comp cards, headshots, and business cards to save the buyer an average of $10-$20 per order.
Shopping for a modeling portfolio:
Acting Magazine lists tips for putting together a modeling portfolio, including questions to ask a photographer before signing up for a photo shoot.
Modeling Advice lists links to online comp card printers[5] and portfolio book retailers[6] .
Jurgita offers more information[7] on what should be included in a composite card. They advise against ordering more than 100-200 cards at a time, because comp cards should be updated each year.
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