I work quite a bit with new models (people new to modeling).  I find that it helps me to come up with new ideas, it keeps me on my toes, and–let’s be honest–it’s a lot cheaper than working with professionals. 

When I’m looking through online profiles and portfolios, there are a few things I like to see–things that help me to determine if a model is appropriate for the type of work I’m doing.

• Full-body shot. I like to see at least one image that shows your entire body and your shape.  A simple jeans & t-shirt shot is great for this.  It can be a simple snapshot taken by a friend against the living room wall, I don’t care–as long as it lets me get an idea of your shape.  I understand that this type of shot isn’t glamorous, it isn’t flattering, but it’s probably the single most important shot in your portfolio. This image is the blank canvas that lets the photographer see what he’s starting with.   I don’t want to see what other artists have painted; I want to see the blank canvas I have to work with.
• A head shot without photoshopping or make-up. You may have had the opportunity to work with some amazing MUAs–and you should certainly show off those images–but those MUAs won’t be at my shoot.  I need to know what the “real” person looks like so I can determine what’s needed for my shoot.  Some of the most in-demand professional models have, in their portfolios, a “This is me without make-up” shot posted blatantly.  They do it for a reason.  This is, once again, the “blank canvas”.  I, like any photographer, understand that you’re a real person with blemishes, pale skin, frizzy hair, and all those other things that come with being an actual human being.  Let me let you in on a little secret:  we don’t care! We know how to make those things go away–or use them to our advantage.   If all you show are fully made-up, photoshopped, “glamorous” images, you’re making it difficult for photographers to tell if you’re right for their style.
• A variety of looks. I know this can be difficult if you’re just starting out or haven’t done any serious shoots yet, but even if all you have are snapshots taken by a friend, show some range.  Different outfits, different poses, different expressions–all of these let me see what you can do.  I’ve had enough experience to be able to extrapolate from there, but I need more than one data point to do that.  Most importantly to me:  don’t be afraid to smile! There’s nothing more boring than a model who’s every image has an identical facial expression.  If that expression is “trying to look sexy” or “trying to look glamorous”, it becomes an active turn off.
• Viable contact information.  If you have a link to your MySpace page but it’s locked as “friends-only”, that does me (and you) absolutely no good.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  When I’m sent to a website I’m not allowed to view, it tells me that you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing.
• Relevant information in the profile. I really don’t care about your favorite band, your last boyfriend, or your happiest childhood memory.  What I do care about are your goals and limits in regards to modeling, your location, your availability, and what to expect when (if!) you show up for a shoot.  If you’re posting to an established modeling site, PLEASE fill out the age, height, weight, and measurements sections accurately.  If your profile says you’re 0′ 0″ tall, 10 lbs, and 99 years old… It’s pretty obvious that you’re lying.  I don’t work with liars. I doubt any respectable photographer will.  And if you’re not willing to list your  basic stats, you can forget about any professional work.
• Reasonable linguistic skills. All-caps, text-speak, lack of basic spelling and grammar; all of these indicate a lack of seriousness and maturity.  If you want to attract professional-quality photographers you need to present yourself in a professional manner. Have fun with your profile and show off your personality (no need to be stodgy), but do so in a way that says you’re grown up.  As I’ve stated in an industry forum, “Your words make you ugly”.  Modeling–professional or amateur–is a business.  How you present yourself in words can be far more important than how you look.  If your words make you come across as immature, unprofessional, or stupid, photographers won’t be willing to take a chance on you.
• A non-aggressive stance. This one is a bit sticky.  I understand that models have to deal with a lot of jerks and pervs and that can cause you get rather defensive in your profile, but that attitude can (does) push away respectable photographers as well.  If I see a profile that says “I’m not willing to do [whatever].” I respect that and keep the model in mind for other projects.  If I see “I WILL NOT DO [whatever]  SO DON’T INSULT ME BY ASKING!!!”, I won’t work with that model on anything.  Be positive in how you present yourself.  List your limits, but don’t get defensive about them.  List what you are interested in working on.   You’re selling your services; tell me why I should work with you.  Why should I hire you?  Why are you valuable to my portfolio?

  This is very important.  Your website, profile, and/or portfolio are your way of selling yourself.  You want to make people want to work with you.  You want to draw them in.   You’re selling yourself.  You’re more than just a face or a body–you’re a person.  If your profile focuses on the things you won’t do, people aren’t going to pay attention to what you will do.

I claim to speak for anyone but myself; however, I’ve found that many (most?) photographers I’ve talked with express many of the same ideas or agree with me when I express them.  Take it as you will.

Presenting an online profile and/or portfolio is an aspect of presenting yourself as a business with a valuable product.  The best way to get the most out of it is to learn how to present yourself in a way that attracts the types of people with whom you wish to work.  There is no right way or wrong way, just a lot of preferences.  If you understand what other people want, you’re already ahead of the game.