Model Portfolio Photography – What to Expect

Getting ready for your model portfolio session is simple. This guide will help you arrive relaxed, prepared, and ready to create strong, natural images for your portfolio or casting submissions

What Kind of Photos Do I Need?

If you’re working with a casting agency or applying for roles, it’s important to understand what they’re asking for. Different agencies and roles require different styles—natural digitals, clean headshots, or more styled portfolio images. If you’re unsure, feel free to send through examples or requirements before the shoot. That way we can make sure everything we create is aligned and usable.

What Should I Wear?

Keep it simple. Bring a small selection of clean, well-fitted clothing in neutral tones. Think:

• Plain t-shirts or tops

• Jeans or simple trousers

• Minimal patterns and branding

The goal is to keep the focus on you, not the clothing. If you have a specific look or style you’d like to explore, bring it along—we can always test it. Make sure everything is clean and ironed. Small details matter in photography.

How Many Looks Should I Bring?

For most sessions, we’ll focus on a few clean, strong looks rather than lots of changes. A typical session might include:

• A simple headshot look

• A mid-length or full-body look

• One slightly different outfit for variation If you’re building a larger portfolio, we can expand this—just let me know beforehand.

What Kind of Images Will We Create?

The focus is on clean, natural, and honest images. Depending on what you need, we can create:

• Casting-style natural portraits

• Clean headshots

• Simple portfolio images with subtle variation The aim is to create images that feel like you—nothing over-processed or overly styled.

How Do I Choose My Photos?

You’ll be able to view images during the shoot and select your favourites. If not, I’ll send through a gallery shortly after, and you can choose from there.

What Does Editing Include?

All selected images are professionally edited. This includes:

• Colour and exposure balancing

• Skin cleanup (blemishes, distractions)

• Small refinements to keep everything looking natural The goal is to present you at your best—without over-editing or changing how you actually look.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Photos?

You’ll usually receive a gallery within 24 hours, and final edited images are delivered within a few working days after selection. If you’re working to a deadline, just let me know.

Where Is the Studio?

SKY PETCH STUDIO. St. Asaph Collective. Unit 10/400 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch.

Do I Need Makeup or Styling?

Natural is best. You’re welcome to do your own makeup, or I can organise a professional makeup artist if needed. The goal is to keep things clean and realistic—especially for casting and agency submissions. Hair should be tidy and natural. Avoid heavy styling unless it’s intentional for a specific look.

I’ve Never Done This Before—Is That Okay?

Absolutely. Most people I photograph aren’t professional models. I’ll guide you through the process with simple direction so nothing feels forced or overcomplicated. We’ll keep things relaxed, and you’ll be able to review images as we go so you feel confident in what we’re creating.