As a personal manager and talent agent, I’ve been exposed to quite a few photos and portfolios, with all the actors having one clear goal — gaining exposure and opportunities for auditions. What actors don’t understand is that a portfolio is an image profile and a working tool of every talent agency, and the agency needs to love and connect with it no less than the actor himself — but no more. So before you sign with an agency, there’s no need to invest in a portfolio that could be controversial. A first approach to an agency should be with clear face photos from your phone, a self-introduction clip, a showreel and a résumé.
Already chosen to go do a portfolio? These are the common mistakes you’d do well to avoid —
- Don’t choose the cheapest photographer. A portfolio is supposed to serve you for a while; don’t skimp on it with a photographer who “gives you a deal,” churning you out like an assembly line — that’s how it might end up looking. Respect the photographer’s work and eye, but at the same time there’s really no need to spend thousands of shekels. An average portfolio should cost about 1,000–1,500 NIS. Don’t pay the full amount in advance until all the work is done, in case you’ve landed on a procrastinating or very busy photographer.
- Got a recommendation from a friend? That doesn’t mean the recommendation necessarily suits you. Do your homework, ask to see a few photographer options, take your time to be at peace with the choice and ask to see materials from both genders and without makeup. Don’t forget it’s a subjective experience and their recommendation should be taken with limited liability.
- The talent agent recommended a photographer to you? Don’t let the agency pay on your behalf. Pay the photographer directly, so you know exactly how much he’s owed. There are really no free lunches and no talent agency covers payments without later reimbursement, so when you pay directly the control is in your hands.
- The agency’s recommendation isn’t acceptable to you? Ask for an additional recommendation that you both agree on. It’s important that the photos be usable for the talent agency.
- Bad timing: If you’re not in a good mood, didn’t sleep well enough, or simply aren’t at your best — you’d do well to postpone the shoot. Even if a postponement means a financial penalty, it’s better to wait for a day when you’re at your peak and will be satisfied than to have a mediocre experience.
- Lack of planning: Send the photographer your old portfolio, if you have one, and have a preliminary video call with him to align expectations and get acquainted.
- Clothes from home: Not every actor knows how to dress, and it’s worth admitting that 🙂 Before a shoot, don’t show up only with the clothes you have at home and “whatever’s there.” Enlist those friends who understand a bit about styling to put a little order into the matches, and after aligning expectations with the photographer and actor, you’ll have a variety of clothes with strong, eye-catching colors and, most importantly — varied and not too routine.
- Over-retouching: A gap between the photo and reality at the audition burns your credibility. Before you let the photographer edit, ask to go over the materials yourself, together with the agency.
- Modeling poses: A portfolio isn’t a fashion catalog; emotional expression beats cold, static aesthetics. You don’t necessarily need to come out looking the most beautiful. On the contrary — the camera is looking for character.
- Heavy makeup: Naturalness is your asset; don’t hide your unique facial features.
- Lack of variety: Dozens of identical photos show a lack of imagination and are boring. Show a range of acting abilities.
- Coming to the set with a friend? Align expectations with the photographer about it in advance. And check with yourself what will make you more comfortable. Note that if you’ve already chosen to come with another person, it should be someone who won’t disrupt the dynamic.
- Vibe: It’s worth starting with light conversation with the photographer before you begin; take into account that he won’t guide you at every moment and don’t expect that. Just bring yourself to the maximum and don’t be afraid to be silly and to change. Make sure you have a playlist that makes you feel good and frees you up.
- Photos at crazy pixelation: Don’t hand over an unreadable portfolio with photos so detailed you can see every pore. Send the photos to your own email before passing them on.
- Not everyone holding a camera is a character photographer: With all due respect to art, a talent agency needs to see face photos. Not at sunset, not against a gorgeous landscape and not you from afar. Close-up photos, and one body photo against a clean background to understand proportions.
- Eyes that don’t speak: A good photo is supposed to grab the talent agent from the first moment; the eyes are everything. Don’t give the same look in all the photos.
- Excessive props: A talent agent in film and television is looking for truth and simplicity. Don’t hand over a portfolio that’s all exaggerated theatricality. They need to see you, not you in characters.
- Black and white: Hand over photos in color. Not only black and white. A talent agency needs to see you without filters.
- Lack of variety in location: Combining studio and outdoors presents different points of view and enriches the portfolio — and of course prefer daylight hours.
- The portfolio isn’t eternal: Has the look changed or have you simply matured? You’d do well to accept the fact that the portfolio simply needs refreshing. A lack of precision in appearance prevents a talent agency from marketing you accordingly.
Want to consult with us about your portfolio? Write to us.
