Why Models Need a Book

A model’s book, is a portfolio of work that serves as a resume’. I think every aspiring model should create a book to submit to agencies. While a book is not required to submit to agencies, I believe it greatly increases an aspiring model’s chances of getting signed by an agency.Imagine trying to apply for a job without a resume’. 

You can certainly find a job that doesn’t require work experience, but it is not likely that job will be well compensated. Companies want to see a work history, skills, and accomplishments. Your resume’ should highlight those skills and accomplishments to set you apart from the other applicants. A model’s book should highlight your look, your ability to pose and express emotion, and previous work. This will set you apart from the other aspiring models submitting selfies and high school senior portraits. Established models will constantly update their books with new photos, highlighting work for clients with Tear Sheets.

The term “Tear Sheet” comes from the practice of models tearing the published advertisement they were featured in from a magazine. That tear sheet would then be placed in a model’s printed portfolio, or book. But, what if you don’t have any experience or photos?

Fortunately, experience can be had quickly and easily for aspiring models. Here are some ways:

Time for Print (TFP) photoshoots

Time for Print, or TFP, is the industry term for a model posing for a photographer who is developing their own portfolio. A model exchanges their time for photos, and it is mutually beneficial for the model and photographer. The term has been adapted to mean “Time for Photos” in an age that favors digital portfolios instead of printed books. The term “collaboration” is commonly used instead of TFP. 

While no money is exchanged in a TFP, that is not an indication of quality. Supermodels still do TFP shoots withs a photographers they know will produce great images for them. I occasionally see a model call by famous photographers looking for a model. Of course, these are the best models and photographers choosing to work with each other. Aspiring models will likely need to work with inexperienced photographers until they develop their book. Everyone has to start somewhere.

A model simply needs to reach out to a photographer and ask if the photographer needs a model for any personal projects. Having a concept and inspiration photos will help you, and offering to cover any costs such as location fees will set you apart from other aspiring models. Remember you are applying for an opportunity!

I can almost guarantee there is a photographer willing to photograph you. Be selective in who you reach out to and make sure the quality of the photographer’s work is consistent with your goals. Don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers because you fear rejection. Reach out to good photographers because you might just be what they are looking for at that moment.

Here are some images I created during TFP shoots for my portfolio:

Last year I was contacted by a stunning aspiring model who only had bathroom selfies on her social media. She asked me how to get started I’m modeling and I gave her the same advice I’m giving you. She needed to develop a portfolio and show she had experience posing and emoting. I could tell she didn’t know how to pose and I simply couldn’t offer her a TFP shoot where she was in her journey. 

She said she couldn’t afford my rates and found some photographers for TFP shoots. But, these were inexperienced photographers and the results worked against her. I truly believe if she invested in herself and dream, she could certainly be signed with an agency today.

Hire a Photographer

The photographer you love isn’t accepting any TFP or never responded? 

Established photographers will always prioritize a paying client over a TFP shoot. So ask the photographer their rates and book a photoshoot. The photographer will deliver the same great images that attracted you to them and you can use those in your book. While you still might not have much experience, you will have something.

With your new book, you can see if other photographers for TFP opportunities and begin shooting with increasingly better photographers. You can even submit these images to modeling agencies. But, never rely solely on TFP shoots to develop your book. Sometimes to access talented photographers, you will need to pay for the service. It is also possible the photographer sees potential in you, they might consider you for their personal projects in the future.

If you want to develop your modeling book, please contact me at alan@alansouthard.com