Model Portfolio and Model Comp Card Lighting Setups with Just One Light

Lindsay Adler

Lindsay Adler is a fashion photographer, educator, and author based in New York City. You can follow her work and see her photography on her website, lindsayadlerphotography.com, or on Instagram @lindsayadler_photo.

When you photograph a model for your own portfolio, you can shoot in your own style, get creative, experiment with lighting, and make art. There is one catch! If you paint model blue and make her look like an avatar, it’s probably not super helpful for their portfolio.

This is especially important to consider if the model is shooting for free, or should I say ‘trade’ in exchange for photographs. It’s fabulous to create art together but particularly if a model is working with an agency, you have to consider what type of images are really ‘useful’ to them.

A model’s portfolio is meant to show the model as a canvas– often there is minimal hair and makeup, clean lighting, and a great connection to the camera. Sure, their portfolio may have some slightly more creative looks but honestly, overall it’s just relatively clean and pretty straightforward. Think ‘sellability’– what would get the model work?

Have you ever seen a model comp card? A comp card is basically a business card for the model. It has a couple of shots of them and their measurements that they can leave behind after casting or when meeting with a potential client. One thing you’ll also never see on a comp is crazy makeup or really creative lighting– it obscures the model too much.

In this video, I share three setups that are certain to make your model and the model agencies love you. No, it’s not because they are insanely creative or difficult. It’s because you will help the model be more sellable. These photos are exactly the types of images that a model will need for their comp card.

For that reason, no matter what else I’m doing in a shoot, I’ll always start with a clean look. This helps the model, makes her agency happy, and leaves me free to create more artistic looks the rest of the shoot without worrying if they are ‘usable’ for the model.

In other words, start with these essentials then flex your creative muscles after.

So, let’s take a look at some super useful 1 light setups for model portfolios.

1. Scrim with negative fill (for defined cheekbones/jawline)
2. Beauty dish (processed high contrast black and white)
3. Magnum reflector (feathered to hit the background)

Remember, I’m not saying you can’t get more creative or avant-garde with your model shoot looks. I’m saying if you make sure to get at least one of these shots and lighting setups, the models and model agents will love you… and that means more shoots and more models for you in the future!

You’ll also notice that I used a lot of black and white for these shots. Comp cards can be in color, but I find that black and white ends up being a bit more timeless and allows the viewer to connect with the model more– and that’s what it’s all about.

Interested in learning more about shooting for a model portfolio? Check out these guides on 42 West:

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