Model headshots are your first shot at impressing agencies and brands, but a weak photo can sink your chances of landing modeling jobs. As a Sonoma County headshot photographer specializing in model headshots, I’ve helped models book more gigs with quality images that shine through the noise. I consider these 4 tips below essential to creating headshots that grab attention and get you hired.
Key Takeaways
- Target Brands First: Research agencies and brands for your model headshots—create a list, gather inspiration from their marketing, craft a mission statement, and build a versatile look book to show you fit their vibe and boost hiring odds.
- Get Two Essential Headshots: Capture a bare-faced, well-lit agency shot first, then a stylized branded version reflecting your mission; this dual approach appeals to talent scouts and brands directly for more modeling jobs.
- Plan Wardrobe Strategically: Align outfits with target brand styles—wear their clothes or similar, coordinate colors to complement your features—and turn average model headshots into portfolio standouts that help clients envision you in campaigns.
- Polish Your Appearance: Start with fresh hair and grooming (teeth whitening, brows, facial hair), shoot bare-faced for agencies, then enhance with makeup for comp cards; use my Sonoma County model headshots checklist to nail prep and look camera-ready.
- Choose the Right Photographer: Seek pros with respected portfolios matching your goals—check agency-approved lists, use chatbot searches for local modeling headshot experts, and connect personally for collaboration that delivers impactful Sonoma County model headshots.
Entice the Brands And Agencies You Want To Work With
To begin, it’s important to first do your homework in preparation for your model headshots. To get the most out of your photo shoot, I recommend doing some research to first figure out what modeling agencies and brands you’d like to work with. Once you have a list of the brands and agencies you’d like to work with, you can then use the following method to build a targeted portfolio that resonates with your intended audience!
- Start by creating a list of brands you want to work with. This could be anything from high-end fashion brands to sports companies.
- Once you have your list, visit their websites and social media accounts to gather inspiration for the type of images they display in their marketing materials. Pay attention to the poses, expressions, clothing, and lighting used in the images.
- Based on the inspiration you’ve gathered, create a mission statement that reflects the type of images you want to create for each brand. For example, if you’re interested in working with a sportswear brand, your mission statement might be “I want to create images that showcase athleticism, strength, and confidence.”
- With your mission statement in mind, start creating your look book. This can be a physical or digital book that showcases your modeling skills, featuring images that align with your mission statement. Make sure to include a variety of poses, expressions, and styles that demonstrate your versatility as a model.
- As you create your look book, keep in mind the preferences of the brands you want to work with. Make sure the images align with their marketing materials and show how you can fit into their brand’s image.
Note that if you want to maximize your chances of landing modeling jobs, I recommend getting two headshots. The first headshot should be a well-lit photo of you with a bare face (most agencies will want this when you apply to them). The second headshot should be stylized to target the brands you want to work with, reflecting your mission statement. By having two headshots, you can appeal both to talent agencies and directly to brands to increase your odds of getting hired.
Comparing The Two Headshots You’ll Need
| Aspect | Agency Headshot (Bare Face) | Branded Headshot (Stylized) |
| Makeup | None – natural look | Enhanced to match brand aesthetic |
| Lighting | Even, flattering, no drama | Customized for mood (e.g., dramatic for fashion) |
| Purpose | Agency applications | Direct brand outreach, comp cards, social media |
| Example Use | Submission forms | Model comp card (learn more here) |
Planning Your Wardrobe
Wardrobe planning is key to quality model headshots—it can elevate your portfolio and help brands envision you in their campaigns. In fact it’s so important that there are professionals that style people for campaigns as their primary job. The right styling will instantly turn an otherwise mediocre shot into a job magnet.
Here’s a few tips to help you style a better look:
- Align with Brand Style: Study the brands you want to work with by reviewing their marketing materials. Dress in their clothes or those of their competitors to mirror their aesthetic—this helps clients instantly envision you wearing their line, showing you understand their vibe and boosting your hiring odds.
- Color Coordination: Always coordinate colors so outfits complement each other and enhance your features. This creates a cohesive, visually appealing look that flatters on camera.
- Rent clothes to diversify your look on the cheap: use services like Rent the Runway and Armoire to rent looks for photo shoots rather than trying to buy everything.
Preparing Your Appearance For Your Model Headshots
Model headshots need a polished look to shine for agencies and brands. The best approach? Start with great hair—freshly cut and colored—then capture a bare-faced headshot under high-quality light. This shot is crucial since agencies typically demand photos without makeup or retouching.
Once your bare-faced headshot is captured, my makeup artist enhances your features for a stylized version perfect for your model comp card, Instagram, or website. Beyond hair and makeup, prioritize teeth whitening and grooming—facial hair for guys, eyebrows and eyelashes for women.
Nailing your appearance upfront is the secret to standout model headshots. Plan your personal care appointments with my headshot session checklist and my guide on how to look good in pictures, which outlines all the prep steps models should consider before a session.
Finding a Photographer That Will Create The Model Headshots You Need
Choosing the right photographer for your model headshots can make or break your portfolio’s impact. A poor choice leads to images that miss the mark with brands. The solution? Select a photographer whose work aligns with your target audience.
Here’s how to find the perfect photographer:
- Find a Photographer With Portfolio You Respect: Start by using Use a chatbot prompt like “find photographers within 1 hour of my city that have modeling headshot experience.”
- Check Agency Lists: Review approved photographer lists on agency websites you’re targeting. Their images are already trusted, boosting your application’s odds.
- Connect Personally: Meet potential photographers in person or via call to discuss your goals. A compatible personality ensures better collaboration and stronger images.
For more on crafting impactful photos, see my guide on what makes a good portrait.
Hire Me For Your Sonoma County Model Headshots
Struggling to land modeling jobs? A weak portfolio might be holding you back. I specialize in impactful model & actor headshots that will separate you from the crowd and help you connect you with your favorite brands.
I create bold model headshots for your comp card, look book, website, or socials, each customized to your unique style. I offer different headshot styles like studio headshots or environmental looks to deliver photos that demand attention.
If you have any questions you can check out my headshot session FAQ or contact me to book a call and talk details!
