What types of jobs can you get modeling?
Modeling isn’t just something you do on a runway in Paris or in a photo spread that appears in Italian Vogue. Just like there are many different types of people, there are many different types of models. In Chicago, there is a lot of work modeling for lifestyle ads, which showcase everyday life and sell a product of service. Often times lifestyle models are good looking everyday people who can come in every shape, size and age. An insurance company may need a distinguished senior citizen and a beer brand may need a sexy 25 year old fit male with facial hair, who looks like he drinks beer. I’ve done several shoots where the client requested a good looking soccer mom and kids ranging from newborns to teenagers. A lot of fashion modeling in the Midwest is catalog shoots for stores like Sears, K-Mart and Kohl’s. Some might scoff at doing these types of shoots, but they pay really well. Of course some of the people I have photographed have gone on to make it big modeling everywhere across the globe.

What types of jobs can you get Acting?
Acting in Chicago is similar to modeling. You can work at all levels, from comunity theatre to touring broadway shows. Of course there are companies like Steppenwolf and Second City and TV shows like The Chi, Chicago Fire, PD and Med. Plus Actors can be cast for commercials and lifestyle photoshoots.

What is a Look?
A look is a set of pictures taken in a single scene wearing a single outfit. Some photographers limit the number of pictures they will take per look, but I always shoot until we get the shot and I try to shoot as many llooks as possible during the timed session you have booked.

What is a Compcard?
A compcard is short for composite card and is a collection of five images printed on 8.5″ x 5.5″ card stock. Four vertical images, all of the models stats and contact info typically appears on the reverse. While the front is usually covered with one image that is traditionally a head shot. The purpose of a compcard is to give potential customers of a model’s services an idea of what they look like up close, full body, smiling and not smiling. The images can come from five different looks or as few as three.

What do you mean by Retouched images?
Images that have been color corrected with the contrast and brightness optimally adjusted to showcase the subject. Blemishes, stray hairs and other distracting elements are removed to help the model look their best. Retouching, like make-up, shouldn’t be heavy handed, because no one will hire a model or an actor if they look unnatural in their photos. Retouching an image properly can take around 30 minutes and that’s why photographers limit the number of retouched images and charge extra for additional images. We are a natural retouching company and strive to have you look you best, maybe a bit younger, but probably not lighter.

Prints

Print’s are not included in any of our packages, however we offer prints for an additional price. Images will be cropped to accommodate the proportions of the print size.

What exactly are Headshots?
Headshots can refer to head and shoulder image or the word can refer to a variety of image framing types showcasing a model or actor.

How many images do I need?
Actors often need one or two images, but can use different images for different roles. Aspiring models may wish to just add a few images to their portfolio or they may want to have five images for a compcard. A portfolio can be composed of as many images as you like, but keep in mind less is more and you only want to show your best. A model will also want to have at least one image that shows his or her full body

What should I wear?
I think its best for people to bring twice as many looks to the studio as they would like to shoot. The looks should span a variety of styles but its important that everyone have a t-shirt and jeans look in addition to clothing that isn’t covered in logos. Lifestyle models should have clothing that is classic, solid colors are preferred and the fit and style shouldn’t be too sexy. Actors often look great in Bright solids and neutrals as well.

What should I be doing in the images?
Potential clients may want to hire a model or cast an actor based on how they look in an edgy pose, but others may want to know how the model or actor looks when they’re smiling. Remember to move during the shoot and don’t be afraid to continuously change your poses between images. There are no wrong answers and it’s ok to miss the mark. Remember therewon’t be much to choose from if there are too many images that look the same! .

Do you really need a make-up artist or hair stylist?

If it were me being photographed, I’d want a make-up artist on set. A lot of guys think they don’t need make-up and a lot of girls think they can do it themselves, but we all can look our best with the help of a professional. But an actor may be well skilled at doing their own make up. No one is blemish free and proper makeup is the foundation for proper retouching. It really improves the finial product because some challenges that makeup can fix can’t be properly addressed in Photoshop. Hair styling may not be necessary for shorter haired male models, but changing a hair style and make-up between looks is highly recommended for female models.

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The post Finding a photographer for modeling portfolio in Chicago appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

When you’re planng a model portfolio shoot in Chicago, there is a lot to think about. But there are some standard poses you should consider. Every portfolio needs a headshot and a full body image, and then after that I would add in a variety of headshots 3/4 waist up and full body images, both smiling and not smiling when developing a model portfolio in Chicago.

Finding the best headshot photographer in Chicago can be very difficult. But the biggest thing you should keep in mind is there level of experience and expertise.  But most important of all is whether or not you vibe with their artistic style. Otherwise you’re just not going to be happy with a model portfolio in Chicago.

About Us

Models, actors and everyday people choose Chicago headshot photographer and portrait photographer John Gress, located at 1945 S Halsted ST #300, Chicago IL 60608, to shoot great headshots, build their professional portfolios or celebrate one of life’s milestones. With years of experience in lifestyle and fashion photography, John Gress brings a creative approach to head shots that will set your LinkedIn apart, or that casting directors & agents notice.You can shoot in his studio or nearby outdoors. To view his headshot portfolio, please visit our gallery.

Our pricing and packages are designed to give you the flexibility to get exactly what you need, without having to pay for options you don’t want. Whether you are looking for a single finished image for your LinkedIn, or 20 images for your Instagram, you can get exactly what you need. All sessions include at least 1 retouched image with additional images available for purchase.

After the shoot I will send a link to a web gallery with all of the photos, minus the terrible ones, with a watermark on top. Then you will go through them and pick the images you would liked retouched. Once you send us the file names, we will retouch them, taking in to account any notes your have. Then, we will upload high resolution versions of the retouched images without watermarks for you to download.

Click here to book your shoot!

Whether you decided to book John Gress for a model portfolio in Chicago, we wanted to share with you what you should know before working with photographers for model portfolios

What types of jobs can you get modeling?
Modeling isn’t just something you do on a runway in Paris or in a photo spread that appears in Italian Vogue. Just like there are many different types of people, there are many different types of models. In Chicago, there is a lot of work modeling for lifestyle ads, which showcase everyday life and sell a product of service. Often times lifestyle models are good looking everyday people who can come in every shape, size and age. An insurance company may need a delicately matured senior citizen and a beer brand may need a sexy 25 year old fit male with facial hair, who looks like he drinks beer. Ive done several shoots where the client requested a good looking soccer mom and kids ranging from newborns to teenagers. A lot of fashion modeling in the Midwest is catalog shooting for stores like Sears, K-Mart and Kohl’s. Some might scoff at doing these types of shoots, but they pay real money. Of course some of the people I have photographed have gone on to make it big modeling everywhere across the globe.

What is a Look?
A look is a set of pictures taken in a single scene wearing a single outfit. Some photographers limit the number of pictures they will take per look, but I always shoot until we get the shot.

What is a Compcard?
A compcard is short for composite card and is a collection of five images printed on 8.5″ x 5.5″ card stock. Four vertical images, all of the models stats and contact info typically appears on the reverse. While the front is usually covered with one image that is traditionally a head and shoulder shot. The purpose of a compcard is to give potential customers of a model’s services an idea of what they look like up close, full body, smiling and non-smiling. The images can come from five different looks or a few as three.

What do you mean by Retouched images?
Images that have been color corrected with the contrast and brightness optimally adjusted to showcase the subject. Blemishes, stray hairs and other distracting elements are removed to help the model look their best. Retouching, like make-up, shouldn’t be heavy handed, because no one will hire a model if they look unnatural in their photos. Retouching an image properly can take around 30 minutes and that’s why photographs limit the number of retouched images and charge extra for additional images.

Prints

Print’s are not included in any of our packages, however we offer prints for an additional price. Images will be cropped to accommodate the proportions of the print size.

What exactly are Headshots?
Headshots can refer to head and shoulder image or the word can refer to a variety of images showcasing a model or actor.

How many images do I need?
Actors often need one image, but can use different images for different roles. Aspiring models may wish to just add a few images to their portfolio or they may want to have five images for a compcard. A portfolio can be composed of as many images as you like, but keep in mind less is more and only want to show your best. A model will also want to have at least one image that shows his or her full body

The post A model portfolio shoot in Chicago appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

Finding the Best Photographers for Model Portfolios in Chicago

Finding the best photographers for model portfolios in Chicago can be a daunting task. However, the most crucial factors to consider are their level of experience and expertise. Equally important is whether or not you connect with their artistic style.

When choosing a photographer for your model portfolio, it’s essential to review their portfolio to understand their style and ensure it aligns with your vision. John Gress, a renowned Chicago-based photographer, has a diverse portfolio that showcases his ability to capture stunning images that highlight a model’s unique features and style.

About John Gress Photography

Models, actors, and everyday people choose Chicago headshot photographer and portrait photographer John Gress to shoot great headshots, build their professional portfolios, or celebrate one of life’s milestones. With years of experience in lifestyle and fashion photography, John brings a creative approach to headshots that will set your LinkedIn apart or catch the eye of casting directors and agents. You can shoot in his studio or nearby outdoors. To view his headshot portfolio, please visit our gallery.

Flexible Pricing and Packages

Our pricing and packages are designed to give you the flexibility to get exactly what you need without having to pay for options you don’t want. Whether you are looking for a single finished image for your LinkedIn or 20 images for your Instagram, you can get exactly what you need. All sessions include at least one retouched image, with additional images available for purchase.

After the shoot, John will send a link to a web gallery with all the photos, minus the outtakes, with a watermark on top. You can then go through them and pick the images you would like retouched. Once you send the file names, John will retouch them, taking into account any notes you have. Then, you will receive high-resolution versions of the retouched images without watermarks.

Click here to book your shoot!

What You Should Know Before Working with Photographers for Model Portfolios in Chicago

Whether you decide to book John or not, we want to share with you what you should know before working with photographers for model portfolios in Chicago.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get Modeling?

Modeling isn’t just something done on a runway in Paris or in a photo spread that appears in Italian Vogue. Just like there are many different types of people, there are many different types of models. In Chicago, there is a lot of work modeling for lifestyle ads, which showcase everyday life and sell a product or service. Often, lifestyle models are good-looking everyday people who can come in every shape, size, and age. For example, an insurance company may need a delicately matured senior citizen, and a beer brand may need a fit 25-year-old male with facial hair who looks like he drinks beer. John has done several shoots where the client requested a good-looking soccer mom and kids ranging from newborns to teenagers. A lot of fashion modeling in the Midwest involves catalog shooting for stores like Sears, K-Mart, and Kohl’s. Some might scoff at doing these types of shoots, but they pay well. Some of the people John has photographed have gone on to make it big, modeling across the globe.

What is a Look?

A look is a set of pictures taken in a single scene wearing a single outfit. Some photographers limit the number of pictures they will take per look, but John always shoots until they get the shot.

What is a Compcard?

A compcard, short for composite card, is a collection of five images printed on 8.5″ x 5.5″ cardstock. Four vertical images and the model’s stats and contact info typically appear on the reverse, while the front usually features one image, traditionally a head and shoulder shot. The purpose of a compcard is to give potential clients an idea of what a model looks like up close, full body, smiling, and non-smiling. The images can come from five different looks or as few as three.

What Do You Mean by Retouched Images?

Retouched images are color corrected with the contrast and brightness optimally adjusted to showcase the subject. Blemishes, stray hairs, and other distracting elements are removed to help the model look their best. Retouching, like makeup, shouldn’t be heavy-handed because no one will hire a model if they look unnatural in their photos. Properly retouching an image can take around 30 minutes, which is why photographers limit the number of retouched images and charge extra for additional images.

Prints

Prints are not included in any of John’s packages; however, prints are offered for an additional price. Images will be cropped to accommodate the proportions of the print size.

What Exactly Are Headshots?

Headshots can refer to a head and shoulder image or a variety of images showcasing a model or actor.

How Many Images Do I Need?

Actors often need one image but can use different images for different roles. Aspiring models may wish to add a few images to their portfolio or have five images for a compcard. A portfolio can be composed of as many images as desired, but keep in mind that less is more and only the best should be shown. A model will also want to have at least one image that shows their full body.

What Should I Wear?

It’s best for people to bring twice as many looks to the studio as they are scheduled to shoot. The looks should span a variety of styles, but it’s important that everyone has a t-shirt and jeans look in addition to clothing that isn’t covered in logos. Lifestyle models should have classic clothing in solid colors that aren’t too sexy.

What Should I Be Doing in the Images?

Potential clients may want to hire a model based on how they look in an edgy pose, but others may want to know how the model looks when they’re smiling. Remember to move and don’t be afraid to change poses continuously between images. There are no wrong answers, and it’s okay to miss the mark. Remember, there won’t be much to choose from if all the images look the same!

How Long Will the Shoot Take?

Each look will take around 45 minutes, excluding changing clothes, hair, and makeup.

Do You Really Need a Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist?

It’s highly recommended to have a makeup artist on set. Many guys think they don’t need makeup, and many girls think they can do it themselves, but everyone can look their best with the help of a professional. No one is blemish-free, and proper makeup is the foundation for proper retouching. It significantly improves the final product because some challenges that makeup can fix can’t be properly addressed in Photoshop. Hair styling may not be necessary for shorter-haired male models, but changing a hairstyle and makeup between looks is highly recommended for female models.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Photographers for Model Portfolios in Chicago

Finding the right photographers for model portfolios in Chicago can make a significant difference in your modeling career. John’s expertise, artistic style, and flexible packages ensure you receive stunning images that showcase your unique features and professional potential. Whether you need headshots, compcards, or a complete portfolio, John Photography is your go-to choice for high-quality, captivating visuals.

For more information, feel free to follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest projects and offers:

• Instagram: @johngressmedia
• Facebook: John Gress Photography
• LinkedIn: John Gress

The post Photographers for Model Portfolios in Chicago – John Gress appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

People need photos for a variety of reasons and there seems to be a never ending line-up of overpriced shoots and $25 photographers on craigslist, either way you’re probably getting ripped off. When I started shooting headshots, it was always my goal to treat clients fairly and ethically, while helping them meet their goals.

Last week I spoke to the woman about headshots for her daughter and she had a lot of questions, questions in which the answers to, industry people may assume to be common knowledge, but this call reminded me how things are not as well known to many perspective clients, as one may think. After spending some time with her on the phone, I felt the call eased some of her stress and helped her feel less overwhelmed by her navigation through a world ultimately foreign to her. Photographers and others, who work with actors and models, like to throw around words like : look, compcard, retouched images and headshots, without ever defining them. I’m sure such jargon may be a bit overwhelming for a newbie, so here are some question I hear most when talking to a perspective client who may be a little new to the industry basics:

What types of jobs can you get modeling?
Modeling isn’t just something you do on a runway in Paris on in a photo spread that appears in Italian Vogue. Just like there are many different types of people, there are many different types of models. In Chicago, there is a lot of work modeling for lifestyle ads, which showcase everyday life and sell a product of service. Often times lifestyle models are good looking everyday people who can come in every shape, size and age. An insurance company may need a delicately matured senior citizen and a beer brand may need a sexy 25 year old fit male with facial hair, who looks like he drinks beer. Ive done several shoots where the client requested a good looking soccer mom and kids ranging from newborns to teenagers. A lot of fashion modeling in the Midwest is catalog shooting for stores like Sears, K-Mart and Kohl’s. Some might scoff at doing these types of shoots, but they pay real money. Of course some of the people I have photographed have gone on to make it big modeling everywhere across the globe.

What is a Look?
A look is a set of pictures taken in a single scene wearing a single outfit. Some photographers limit the number of pictures they will take per look, but I always shoot until we get the shot.

What is a Compcard?
A compcard is short for composite card and is a collection of five images printed on 8.5″ x 5.5″ card stock. Four vertical images, all of the models stats and contact info typically appears on the reverse. While the front is usually covered with one image that is traditionally a head and shoulder shot. The purpose of a compcard is to give potential customers of a model’s services an idea of what they look like up close, full body, smiling and non-smiling. The images can come from five different looks or a few as three.

What do you mean ‘Retouched’ images?
Photos that have been color corrected with the contrast and brightness optimally adjusted to showcase the subject. Blemishes, stray hairs and other distracting elements are removed to help the model look their best. Retouching, like make-up, shouldn’t be heavy handed, because no one will hire a model if they look unnatural in their photos. Retouching an image properly can take around 30 minutes and that’s why photographs limit the number of retouched images and charge extra for additional photos.

What exactly are ‘Headshots’?
Headshots can refer to head and shoulder image or the word can refer to a variety of images showcasing a model or actor.

How many photos do I need?
Actors often need one image, but can use different images for different roles. Aspiring models may wish to just add a few images to their portfolio or they may want to have five images for a compcard. A portfolio can be composed of as many images as you like, but keep in mind less is more and only want to show your best. A model will also want to have at least one image that shows his or her full body

What should I wear?
I think its best for people to bring twice as many looks to the studio as they are scheduled to shoot. The looks should span a variety of styles but its important that everyone have a t-shirt and jeans look in addition to clothing that isn’t covered in logos. Lifestyle models should have clothing that is classic, solid colors are preferred and the fit and style shouldn’t be too sexy.

What should I be doing in the photos?
Potential clients may want to hire a model based on how they look in an edgy pose, but others may want to know how the model looks when they’re smiling. Remember to move and don’t be afraid to continuously change your poses between images. There are no wrong answers and it’s ok to miss the mark. Remember there isn’t much to choose from if there are many images that all look the same! .

How long will the shoot take?
Each look will take around 45 minutes, excluding changing clothes, hair and make-up.

Do you really need a make-up artist or hair stylist?
If it were me being photographed, I’d want a make-up artist on set. A lot of guys think they don’t need make-up and a lot of girls think they can do it themselves, but we all can look our best with the help of a professional. No one is blemish free and proper makeup is the foundation for proper retouching. It really improves the finial product because some challenges that makeup can fix can’t be properly addressed in Photoshop. Hair styling may not be necessary for shorter haired male models, but changing a hair style and make-up between looks is highly recommended for female models.

So I hope this post will shed light on the little areas, assumed to be ‘common knowledge’. Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!

The post FAQs: Headshots & Modeling 101 appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.