Model Needing Comp Cards

So, my cousin asked me to take some photos of her daughter (who is actually my 3rd cousin) to use in Comp Cards. I've never done a comp card but looking at the samples on the internet they look pretty simple to do so I am not to worried about that. I'm also guessing that this will be an all day event with outfit changes and all.

How does everyone here gear up for a comp card shoot? Do photographers usually shoot all of the photos for a comp card or is it better for the model to choose a couple different photographers for different looks on their comp cards?

One other thing, my cousin has already had some comp cards done but she had to put her agent's information on the card. The samples that I've seen do not have the agents information on them. Is this a requirement from the models agent that the agent be prominently displayed on their models comp cards?

that's up to the model if she want you to shoot them all and put them together. As far as the agent goes, again that's up to the model and how her contract works. if her agent isn't on there she will be contacted directly.

CameraMan wrote in post #16183251
Do photographers usually shoot all of the photos for a comp card or is it better for the model to choose a couple different photographers for different looks on their comp cards?

Given how few shots will be on the card, and the fact she is starting out, I am sure images from one photographer will be fine.

She should check the agency contract. Obviously if she signed with an agency they are going to want to make sure that people know they rep her and how to contact them.

Well, I did a quick Comp Card as a sample. I'm thinking I may have to put the agent information on it as well somewhere. I couldn't find any samples with agent information on them so I wouldn't know where to put that info.

Front

I'm sure that front photo isn't a great photo with the branch running across her face but then again, it's only a sample of editing or creating a Comp Card. These might be better samples.

Front

Couple thoughts:

Discuss what style of modeling she wants to pursue, and tailor the shoot to that style. This especially applies to the wardrobe - if she wants to be a fitness/bikini model, you don't want a bunch of shots in street clothes.

Some people will recommend using a full-face shot (such as the one in the top left of the last image you posted) as the front of the card, then your variety shots on the back. I suppose this varies depending on what kind of modeling she wants to do.

i shoot, design, and print a lot of modelling comp cards. i would definitely put her agent on. casting directors don't want to deal with individuals.

i don't think either of those front pics are suitable. garbage cans and koala in the tree. i would use the top left head shot for the front (remove strays - its the first image they see), and the blue shirt for the back. go with a simple white background with black text on a thick stock paper.

but... why are you designing it? her agent should be taking care of it all. typically their comp cards for all the models will look very similar to each other. the agent should also be choosing which pics to use.

She wants to do Runway, Catalog and Fashion modeling.

As far as the comp cards I did I was just throwing something together just so I could see how easy they were to make. I will certainly put better photos on there and I will key in to what the models needs are and pay more attention to the background better when I shoot these.

Thanks for the tips and info everyone. I am trying to square up a MUA hair stylist for this shoot as well.

My understanding of a comp card consists of 3 shots: head shot, half body shot and full body shot.
All shots should be done against a very clean background such as a light grey back drop.

Great thread as I was asked this question today. What format and who prints out your crds? How do you charge?

You are asking these very basic questions because you lack experience in the modeling industry. Your lack of experience shooting models, the photos you display here, the comp card graphics, the lack of MUA/hair, and a 5'6" model trying to do runway- are all signs that you will not produce photos that will actually be competitive in the model industry in Chicago. The agents pick the photographers and final photos for their talent.

Your best move is simply to help your cousin find a very experienced model photographer as recommended by her agency or other top agencies in town.

sspellman wrote in post #16719291
You are asking these very basic questions because you lack experience in the modeling industry. Your lack of experience shooting models, the photos you display here, the comp card graphics, the lack of MUA/hair, and a 5'6" model trying to do runway- are all signs that you will not produce photos that will actually be competitive in the model industry in Chicago. The agents pick the photographers and final photos for their talent.

Your best move is simply to help your cousin find a very experienced model photographer as recommended by her agency or other top agencies in town.

As i read this reply at first i thought it was harsh but it is not. It is a reality check. Build your skill level and shutter time before jumping heads first into the deep waters. I was adked to do one today too, but after seeing this response I am saving my time and working my family portraits. Fashion is a completely different animal requiring make up artists and such unless your doing documentary/journalist photography

I've never done cards, but I've seen a bunch recently, all without makeup, wearing something simple, in front of a white wall. Head, half, full body shots. Seemed like they were to show the 'blank canvas' if you will, so the agency can find the right type for MUA and hair and fashion people to decorate with their ideas. These were from Germany, might be different here, I don't know.

And from what I read here, it seems that if her agent does not select the photos and has the cards made to fit their company look, she might be better off finding a different agent. One that pulls out stacks of wildly different cards to show to clients is probably not on the top of their game?

ian_socool wrote in post #16719922
As i read this reply at first i thought it was harsh but it is not. It is a reality check. Build your skill level and shutter time before jumping heads first into the deep waters. I was adked to do one today too, but after seeing this response I am saving my time and working my family portraits. Fashion is a completely different animal requiring make up artists and such unless your doing documentary/journalist photography

True. I actually didn't do the shoot but I am sort of regretting that. I do engagement shoots, family portraits, etc... but I was really unimpressed with the quality she received from someone who specializes in comp card model shoots. Could I have done better? Possibly. But I am not a comp card shooter.

phantelope wrote in post #16719978
I've never done cards, but I've seen a bunch recently, all without makeup, wearing something simple, in front of a white wall. Head, half, full body shots. Seemed like they were to show the 'blank canvas' if you will, so the agency can find the right type for MUA and hair and fashion people to decorate with their ideas. These were from Germany, might be different here, I don't know.

These are referred to as "Polaroids," even though they're generally not shot on Polaroid any more.