Great photos help define the model – and the brand. McBorrough produces portfolio shoots and creative model sessions with direction, styling guidance and photography designed to show range.
MODEL PORTFOLIOS – CREATIVE SHOOTS – CAMPAIGN TALENT
Modeling Portfolio Photography in Northern Virginia
Modeling Portfolio and Shoot Direction
Whether you are building your first portfolio, updating an existing book or producing a commercial campaign with models, we plan the shoot around the images you actually need.
THE PORTFOLIO HAS A JOB
Your Book Is Your Resume.
A modeling portfolio should not be twenty photographs that all say the same thing. It should quickly show what you look like, how you photograph, how you move and the types of assignments you may be right for.
We plan the session around variety: expression, wardrobe, framing, lighting, movement and styling. The goal is a stronger set of images rather than simply a larger number of images.
RANGE – PRESENCE – EXPRESSION – MOVEMENT – STYLE
WHAT WE OFFER
Portfolio Development, Creative Shoots and Commercial Production
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
Show More Than One Version of You.
A useful portfolio demonstrates versatility without making the model look like a completely different person in every photograph. We build variety through styling, expression, movement, lighting and composition.
A PORTFOLIO SESSION MAY INCLUDE
Clean headshots and portraits
Full-length images
Editorial looks
Lifestyle images
Movement and expression
Multiple wardrobe directions
NEW TO MODELING?
You Do Not Need to Know How to Pose Yet.
Many of the people we photograph are still learning what works in front of the camera. Direction is part of the session, not something you are expected to arrive already knowing.
We can coach posture, hands, expression, eyeline, movement and the small adjustments that make a photograph stronger. As the session develops, the goal is for you to become more comfortable recognizing what works for you.
DIRECTION IS PART OF THE SHOOT.
WARDROBE AND STYLING DIRECTION
Plan the Looks Before the Camera Comes Out.
A strong session is easier when the wardrobe has a purpose. Different looks should help create variety without distracting from the person being photographed.
Before the shoot, we can discuss wardrobe direction, colors, accessories and the types of images you need. For more developed creative productions, styling requirements can become part of the larger concept.
WARDROBE – COLOR – ACCESSORIES – HAIR – MAKEUP – SETTING
CREATIVE MODEL SHOOTS
Build Something Beyond the Standard Headshot.
Creative shoots allow us to develop a stronger visual idea around the model. That can mean unusual locations, fashion-driven styling, dramatic lighting, storytelling, movement or a concept built specifically around the images you want to add to your book.
These sessions can also help a model become more comfortable working with direction, changing expressions quickly and adapting to different creative environments.
FOR BRANDS AND BUSINESSES
Models Selected Around the Campaign.
Businesses sometimes need more than a photographer. They need the right person in front of the camera, a visual concept, direction on set and images built around where the campaign will ultimately appear.
CAMPAIGN USES CAN INCLUDE
Product photography
Fashion and apparel
Lifestyle campaigns
Ecommerce photography
Advertising creative
Website and social content
MODEL SOURCING AND DIRECTION
The Right Model Depends on the Brand.
Commercial casting is not only about finding an attractive person. The model needs to fit the product, customer, creative concept and overall visual direction of the campaign.
When model sourcing is included in a production, McBorrough can help identify potential talent, communicate the creative requirements and direct the selected model during the shoot.
CASTING SUPPORT – CREATIVE DIRECTION – SHOOT DIRECTION – PRODUCTION
PHOTO AND VIDEO TOGETHER
A Modeling Shoot Can Create More Than Still Photos.
For models building their personal presence or brands creating a campaign, photo and video can be planned together so one production creates a larger content library.
That can include portfolio photography, vertical social clips, behind-the-scenes footage, campaign video and other visual assets created around the same wardrobe, location and concept.
IMAGE SELECTION AND EDITING
The Best Portfolio Is Not the One With the Most Photos.
After the session, the strongest images are selected with the final portfolio in mind. We want the photographs to work together while still showing useful variation.
Selected photographs are professionally edited and prepared for digital use, portfolio presentation and other agreed applications. The goal is polished photography that still looks like you.
HOW IT WORKS
Plan the Images Before We Make Them.
Every session begins with a conversation about your goals: the images you already have, the looks you are missing and the kinds of modeling or campaign work you want the new photography to support.
1. PLAN
Define the goal, looks, wardrobe, locations and types of images needed.
2. PREPARE
Organize wardrobe, styling direction and any creative requirements before the session.
3. SHOOT AND DIRECT
We photograph the session while coaching posing, expression and movement throughout.
4. SELECT
Choose the photographs that best support the portfolio or campaign.
5. EDIT AND DELIVER
Selected images are professionally edited and delivered in the agreed formats.
A CREATIVE STUDIO – NOT A TALENT AGENCY
We Build the Portfolio. We Do Not Sell Representation.
McBorrough is a creative studio, not a modeling or talent agency. We produce portfolios, photography and campaigns. We do not charge models for representation and we do not promise agency placement, bookings or modeling jobs.
A strong portfolio can give you better material to present when you pursue agencies, castings, clients or independent opportunities, but the images are a professional tool – not a guarantee of representation.
GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY OPENS THE CONVERSATION. IT CANNOT PROMISE THE JOB.
PART OF A LARGER CREATIVE PRODUCTION
Photography Is Only One Piece of What We Can Build.
Because McBorrough also works in photography, video, branding, websites, advertising and content, modeling shoots can be incorporated into larger campaigns when the project requires more than portfolio images.
RELATED SERVICES
Photography
Videography
Branding and Creative Direction
Social Media Content
Advertising Campaigns
Website and Portfolio Design
NORTHERN VIRGINIA MODELING PHOTOGRAPHY
Portfolio and Creative Shoots Across the DMV.
McBorrough works with models, creatives and businesses throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC and the surrounding DMV on portfolio photography and commercial creative production.
CENTREVILLE – MANASSAS – FAIRFAX – HERNDON – RESTON – VIENNA – MCLEAN – ARLINGTON – ASHBURN – LEESBURG – WASHINGTON DC
Studio and location requirements depend on the concept. Tell us what you are trying to create and we can determine the right setting for the session.
MODELING FAQ
Questions About Modeling Portfolio Sessions
Do I need modeling experience?
No. Many people we shoot are new. Direction is part of the service, and we coach posing, expression, posture and movement throughout the session.
Are you a modeling agency?
No. McBorrough is a creative studio, not a talent agency. We build portfolios and produce creative shoots. We do not sell representation or promise agency placements or modeling jobs.
What do I receive after the session?
You receive the professionally edited digital images included in your session, selected from the shoot and prepared for the agreed web, portfolio or print uses.
Can you help me choose what to wear?
Yes. Wardrobe planning is part of preparing for a useful portfolio session. We can discuss the types of looks you need and what clothing will help create the right variety.
Can I use the photographs for agency submissions and online profiles?
The intended uses should be discussed when the session is booked so the appropriate photography and usage terms can be included in the project.
Do you work with businesses that need models?
Yes. McBorrough can produce commercial shoots that require models for products, fashion, lifestyle imagery, advertising and website content. Model requirements and usage should be defined as part of the production scope.
READY TO BUILD YOUR BOOK?
Make It Look Like the Work You Want.
Tell us where you are now, what photographs you already have and the kind of portfolio or campaign you want to create. We will help plan the looks, setting and shoot around that goal.