Personal Portraits

A good portrait captures the essence of a person. Whether playful, serious, elegant, or shy, we spend time with you to get a better feel for what kind of setting or posing will best suit your personal style. We photograph all kinds of portraits from executive studio portraits to outdoor casual. We do a variety of senior portraits, both indoor and outdoor. We also do comp cards for all types of models. If you are thinking about going into modeling, the comp card is an essential tool.

Model Photography

Business Portraits

What Is a Comp Card?

A Comp Card is a card with one or more pictures on it, with your name, contact information and vital statistics: Height, weight, hair and eye color, bust, waist, hips and dress size. It’s called a comp card because it normally is a composite of several different looks and/or poses. Very often your compcard will have a headshot on the front and several different looks on the back. You can have a one-side or two-sided comp card. The size of the comp card can vary but is typically in the 5x7" range.

Comp cards are designed to be printed en masse so that you can leave them with every agent, talent scout, and photographer you meet. This way they have something permanent to remember you by and also your contact information to get hold you. Some people have these printed in black and white to keep the cost down, but I believe that color comps are more likely to leave a good impression.

How do I go about getting my Comp Card?

Start by booking a photo shoot with a professional photographer. These photo shoots can range in price from $250.00, for a simple head shot, to $750.00 for multiple poses and/or settings.

Have them printed by a professional printer. The price will depend on quantity and format, but a typical 5x7 black and white comp is usually around $200.

Being approached publicly.

If a photographer or talent scout approaches you on the street or in a public area and asks you if you are a model or want to model, by all means take their number and details. Don’t offer out your own phone number until you check them out! Once again do your homework and check up on the individual or agency and check that they are reputable.

How do I succeed as a professional model?

You have to be persistent. Don’t get discouraged after the first few casting calls where you didn’t get chosen. They may just be looking for a particular height, age, or hair color. Make sure you keep sending out your comp cards. It is also helpful to take some modeling courses and/or acting classes.

Show up on time! Don’t show up late for casting calls. If you are going to be late make sure you contact someone as early as possible,

Be friendly. Days can be long and tiring and if you are irritable, not only will it show in the photo, but you may not get a callback.

I am not 5'9" tall - can I still become a model?

Yes! There are many situations that call for someone short, or heavy, or perhaps a senior citizen. You don’t have to look just like everyone else. In fact, being different may be just what the art director is looking for.

Can I become a Hand model?

Yes, if you have nice hands and are good at taking directions you can become a hand model. You can also do other types of modeling or announcing if you don’t feel confident in other areas.

What kind of model fees can I expect as a model?

Highly paid models usually didn’t get there overnight. They typically started out getting $75 to $100 per hour until someone noticed how good they were at certain types of modeling.

Model Agents and Model Agencies

Make sure you use a reputable agency that is licensed. Watch out for ones that ask you for a lot of money promising to “make you a star”. Do your home work and ask other people who are in their book about their experiences.

How do I find local modeling agencies or talent scouts?

Start by looking in the yellow pages. Ask other people who model about their agency. Ask a professional photographer who they like to use. Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out more about the ones you would like to contact.

How do I recognize a model agency scam?

I would advise you to avoid modeling schools. They mostly take your money and fill your head with dreams.

If an model agency asks a registration fee, move on. If a model agency insists that you do their classes, move on. If a model agency insists that you use their photographer or printer for your photos, move on. Find your own photographer and pay him directly. Take your images to your own printer to get your enlargements for your model portfolio.

If a model agency promises you that they can get you work when they have just met you, move on. It takes time to see how you move how you come alive in front of the camera.

How much of my Modeling Fee does an agency keep

Most model agencies will retain between 20 and 25% of your model fees to pay for their services. This is normal. Good agencies are well worth their fee. Ideally you should be encouraging them to make as much money as possible by keeping you booked as much as possible.

Should I sign an exclusive contract with a model agency?

When you are first starting out you should keep your options open and not be exclusive to any one agency.