When a new model sets out to create a portfolio, there are a few 'key ingredients' that, even if you get everything else right, failing to nail these down could cost you many lost jobs - and possibly your dream job. So if you're serious about making an eye-popping portfolio for your modeling pursuits - one that stuns the agents, leaves the clients drooling, and drowns your competition - here's what you need to know and put into practice right now:

Great Modeling Portfolio Secret 1:
Know What Market You Want to Model In

"Get good at one thing first!"

"Get good at one thing first!"

I'll say it one more time (in case you didn't catch it) - "Get good at one thing first!"

Sounds like apple pie & ice cream advice, I know. But whether apple pie or American Pie; it's advice that's been repeatedly proven and put to work every day by world-class models and supermodels.

Really think about what market you most want to work in. Do you dream of gracing the covers of Vogue and Cosmo? Seventeen or YM? Are you into commercials? Catalog modeling? Wish you were a Victoria's Secret Angel next to Giselle and Adriana? Is your goal to be published in a chic coffee table book or have your own web site? Do you watch America's Next Top Model or Make Me A Supermodel and think to yourself, "Why is SHE there?! I could do SO much better!"?

Not sure yet?

When you are staring up at the ceiling at night and your mind starts to paint those exciting images of you in front of the camera, take it a step further. Imagine the photo shoot is over and now you are opening the envelope with your proofs and tear sheets. What do you see? How do your photos look in your mind's eye?

What gets your blood pumping?

Do you see yourself strutting down the cat walk, cameras flashing, people in $2000 suits and dresses clapping and nodding approval? Or would you be thrilled to land some nice commercial shoots promoting the latest health trend with you as the center piece? Do the fingertips of electricity dance across your skin at the idea of stretching sensuously in artistically nude photos, bathed in warm light with your toes drawing circles in the crystal waters of a hidden Tahitian Lagoon?

The choice is yours - and ONLY yours. Knowing what you really want is the first major step to getting it.

Great Modeling Portfolio Secret 2:
Blow them away...RIGHT AWAY!

A friend and model who was notorious for landing big paying jobs right from the start of her career once told me a great piece of advice: "Damien, when you are standing in the checkout counter at the grocery store, do you ever watch people while they scan the magazine rack? They scan fast! Either a cover grabs them instantly and gets picked-up, or it's ignored and forgotten within seconds. The magazine cover has to almost literally reach out and grab them by the eye balls or risk being tossed aside!"

The modeling industry is built on the "first impression" probably more than any other industry in the world. Every potential client, photographer and art director you give your portfolio to pulls the old 'Cover Scan' routine. They have to. They have a thousand other portfolios to look at that day other than yours. You get that first shot at 'grabbing them by the eye balls'. And don't play nice, don't worry about being 'over the top'; do your thing and do it hard. Be the fish hook they can't get out of their eyes.

Demand high standards from yourself and whoever is helping you build your first modeling portfolio. Use a very critical and intelligent eye when deciding which photos make the cut and will grace the pages of your portfolio. Always...always strive to WOW agencies and potential clients. You are only as good as your worst image. I know that's tough to swallow, but if you're going to eat your competition and see your dreams become reality - then swallow it; choke on it if you have to. Photographers and agencies WILL remember the worst image. Unfortunately it's human nature.

Your modeling portfolio pages should be crafted with only the Stunning, the Daring, the Unforgettable, and the WOW photos. Burn the Bad and trash the mediocre. Be remembered for your very best portfolio images - ones that burn a lasting impression into the retinas and the minds of all who dare to look upon them.

Be patient and pursue what makes your happy...always.

Damien O'Riley

©2008 Damien O'Riley