Kevin Thom - Hamilton, Toronto, Ontario Photographer

If you're just starting out as a model, or planning to become a model, it will help you to have a diverse set of photos to begin your portfolio. Modeling is a competitive business, and by looking great in your photos, you're already a step ahead of the competition!

When we create a beginner model portfolio for you, our goal is to create as many diverse photos as possible. This means different poses, wardrobe and makeup looks so that it looks like you've had several photo shoots over a long period of time instead of just one.

You can bring these photos with you when you go to agencies for your initial interviews. Seeing you in professionally shot and produced photographs helps the agents envision your style, and what different looks you can achieve. Even in the beginning, it's these little details that can make or break your modeling career.

I've worked with lots of beginners, so don't worry if you don't have a lot of experience. I'll be glad to help coach you towards the best angles, poses and expressions to make you really stand out from the crowd.

My beginner modeling portfolio package includes the following:

• A photoshoot of approximately two hours
• Two or three outfit changes.
• Approximately 50-100 exposures
• A password-protected web gallery of proofsProofs are web-sized versions of the photos that you can use to select your final choices. They will have a watermark on them to protect them from being copied or printed.
• You choose three images from your proofs to licenseAn image license gives you permission to use the photo for promotional purposes. Promotional use includes headshots, posters, Internet web sites, flyers, show programs, print and TV media advertising and other features.. From these choices, I will prepare three color-calibrated and fully retouched high-resolution files. You will have a license to use these for your own promotional purposes, including comp cards, headshots, magazine features, etc.
• The optional professional hair and makeup artist costs $100.

Here are the four steps necessary for booking a modeling portfolio shoot at my studio.

1. Call me or email me. My contact information is at the bottom of this page. We'll set up a time to meet before your shoot. If you can't make it to my studio personally for this meeting, we can have our meeting over the phone.
2. Show up at the pre-shoot meeting. We'll discuss your look and what you'd like to achieve during the shoot. We'll also arrange a shoot date at this time.
3. Pay your deposit. A 50% deposit is required at the pre-shoot meeting to secure your shoot date. The deposit is non-refundable.
4. Confirm. After your deposit is received, I will confirm with you that your shoot is booked.

You must give 48 hours notice if you wish to rebook your shoot. If you do not give 48 hours notice, your deposit will be lost. Deposits are non-refundable, but may be applied to another shoot as long as you have given at least 48 hours notice of cancellation.

I work with a number of very talented and skilled hair and makeup artists. Even if you do your own hair and makeup every day, I recommend that you hire a professional for your photos. The pros know how to get your look "just right" for the camera. Makeup for photography is slightly different and requires more perfection than everyday makeup. The cost is generally around $100 per look per person for this service.

If you'd like to hire a hair and makeup artist, please allow me a week to coordinate the dates and make sure we can have someone available for you.

• Several different outfits covering a variety of looks. I can help you choose which ones to use for the shoot. Think about themes: professional, sexy, casual, trendy, etc.
• Accessories to dress up your look.
• If you have red eyes, consider bringing some eye drops, like Visine.
• If you've arranged with me for a hair and makeup artist, show up with clean hair and no makeup on. If you are doing your own hair and makeup, please arrive with your styling already done no sooner than 15 minutes before your appointment. You can bring hair products and makeup to do touchups and adjustments here if you wish.
• If the photos are going to be nude or partially nude, arrive at the studio in loose clothing. Do not wear bras or underwear that will leave pressure marks on your skin.
• Bring some music that you like to listen to. It's not mandatory, but it's fun!
• The balance of the payment for the photo shoot and the hair and makeup if you've chosen that option.

Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions about modeling portfolios.

Kevin Thom
73 Garfield Avenue South,
Suite 2C
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8M 2S3

Phone: 905-544-2600