Whether you are submitting to a St. Louis agency for the first time, updating your book with fresh images, or building a portfolio that opens doors in larger markets — your photos are your product. They are the first and most important thing any agent, casting director, or client sees. Before your personality. Before your measurements. Before your resume. Your images do all the talking.
St. Louis has a thriving modeling and talent community. Agencies like West Model & Talent Management, Images Agency, In Vū Model and Talent Management, Menagerie Models, and Barbizon represent models for commercial print, fashion, runway, film, television, and live events and every single one of them wants to see a strong, current, professionally shot portfolio before they consider signing new talent.
Model Portfolio Photographer St. Louis
Shari Photography has been photographing St. Louis models — from first-time submissions to agency-represented working talent — for over 15 years. We understand what agencies want to see, what casting directors respond to, and how to produce images that get you noticed.
What Kind of Model Portfolio Do You Need?
Not every model needs the same portfolio. Your session at Shari Photography is built around your specific situation, your market, and your goals.
First-Time Agency Submissions If you are submitting to a St. Louis agency for the first time, agents want to see your natural potential — not heavy makeup, not elaborate styling. They want clean, simple images that show your features, your skin, your bone structure, and your range of expression. We specialize in exactly this type of submission-ready portfolio work.
Commercial Print Portfolio Commercial print is one of the most active modeling markets in St. Louis catalog work, advertising, corporate campaigns, and product photography. Commercial portfolios require a wider range of looks than fashion — friendly and approachable, professional, lifestyle, and character-driven images that show versatility.
Fashion and Editorial Portfolio For models pursuing fashion print, runway, and editorial work, your portfolio needs to demonstrate your ability to take direction, hold strong poses, and embody a mood or concept. We create striking, editorial-quality images that compete at the level agencies and casting directors expect.
Agency Update and Tearsheet Additions Already represented? Your portfolio needs to grow with your career. Fresh images keep your book current, demonstrate your range to new clients, and give your agent stronger material to submit on your behalf.
Comp Card Photography Your comp card — also called a zed card — is your calling card in the modeling industry. It typically features one strong primary image on the front and three to four varied looks on the back, along with your measurements and contact information. We photograph complete comp card packages in a single efficient session.
Wardrobe Guide for Your Model Portfolio Session
What you wear to your session has enormous impact on the quality and versatility of your portfolio. Here is exactly what to bring:
For Agency Submission and Natural Look Shots
- Form-fitting basics in neutral colors — white, black, grey, nude, light tan
- A simple fitted white t-shirt and well-fitted jeans — the industry standard for natural shots
- A fitted black dress or top
- Minimal jewelry — none is often better
- No busy prints, logos, or heavy patterns
- Hair clean, natural, and away from the face for at least some shots
For Commercial Print Looks
- Business casual — a blazer, a smart blouse, a collared shirt
- Lifestyle casual — a relaxed but polished everyday outfit
- A brighter color option — coral, cobalt, emerald — that photographs with energy
- Seasonal appropriate options if you have them — a light jacket, a cozy knit
For Fashion and Editorial Looks
- One strong, fashion-forward statement outfit — something with visual interest, texture, or strong silhouette
- A structured jacket or coat
- Bold accessories used intentionally — not piled on
- High-waisted or tailored trousers
- Shoes matter — bring options including heels if applicable to your market
What to Avoid
- Clothes that don’t fit properly — too loose reads as sloppy, too tight reads as uncomfortable
- Loud logos or brand names
- Overly casual items like hoodies, athletic wear, or flip flops unless specifically requested
- Colors that clash with your skin tone — we can advise on this before your session if needed
General Rule: Bring more options than you think you need. Variety in your wardrobe equals variety in your portfolio. We recommend a minimum of four to six complete outfit changes for a full portfolio session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need modeling experience before booking a session? Not at all. Many of our best portfolio sessions are with models who have never worked professionally before. Expression coaching and posing direction is included in every session — that is part of what you are paying for. You do not need to know what to do in front of the camera. We handle that completely.
What do St. Louis agencies want to see in a first submission? St. Louis agencies want to see your natural potential — clean images that show your features clearly, your range of expression, and your ability to take direction. Agents are not looking for heavy retouching, elaborate hair and makeup, or complex concepts at the submission stage. They want to see what you actually look like and how you photograph. We specialize in exactly this type of clean, submission-ready work.
Should I hire a makeup artist for my session? For natural and agency submission shots, minimal makeup — or none at all — is often preferred. For commercial and editorial looks, professional makeup can significantly elevate the images. We can recommend trusted St. Louis makeup artists who work regularly with models if you would like to add one to your session.
How many images will I receive? This depends on the package you select. You will choose your favorites during same-day image selection before you leave, so you always know exactly what you are getting. We do not send you a gallery of hundreds of images weeks later and make you guess — you are in control of the selection process from the start.
What is a comp card and do I need one? A comp card — or zed card — is a small printed card featuring your best images, measurements, and contact information. It is the standard calling card in the modeling industry and is submitted to agencies and casting directors alongside your portfolio. We photograph complete comp card packages and can advise on layout and printing.
How long does a portfolio session take? Most portfolio sessions run between one and two hours depending on the number of looks and the scope of the package. We keep sessions focused and efficient — we know that strong images come from a relaxed, well-directed session, not from spending four hours in front of a camera.
Can you help me prepare my portfolio for a specific agency? Yes. If you are targeting a specific St. Louis agency — West Model, Images Agency, In Vū, Menagerie, Barbizon, or another — let us know before your session. Different agencies have different aesthetics and submission preferences, and we can tailor your session accordingly.
I am a parent booking for my child — do you photograph younger models? Yes. We photograph models of all ages including children, teens, and young adults. Parent or guardian presence is welcome and encouraged for all minor sessions.
How is a model portfolio session different from a headshot session? A headshot session focuses on a single strong professional image — typically for corporate, LinkedIn, or acting use. A model portfolio session produces a range of images across multiple looks, expressions, moods, and sometimes locations — designed to demonstrate versatility to agents and casting directors. The two serve very different purposes and are priced accordingly.
Do I need to be signed with an agency to book a portfolio session? Absolutely not. Many models book portfolio sessions specifically to get signed. Others are already represented and simply need fresh material. Both are equally welcome.
What to Expect from Your Session
Before your session you will receive complete preparation guidance — exactly what to bring, how to prepare your skin and hair, and what to expect on the day.
During your session you will receive:
- Full posing direction for every shot — you will never be left standing in front of the camera wondering what to do
- Expression coaching that produces genuine range — from strong and editorial to warm and commercial
- Lighting adjusted to your specific features and the look you are going for
- Multiple outfit changes with direction on how to make each look work on camera
- Same-day image selection — you choose your favorites before you leave
View the headshot and portrait gallery →
Pricing
Portfolio session packages for first-time submissions, full commercial books, and comp card photography.
Serving Models Throughout the St. Louis Region
Shari Photography serves aspiring and working models throughout the St. Louis area including Clayton, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, Webster Groves, Ladue, and the surrounding region including St. Charles, Belleville, and Metro East Illinois.
Ready to Build Your Portfolio?
Your images are your career. Let’s make them work for you.
Questions about packages or what is right for your situation? Contact Shari →