Modeling for the Job vs. the Feed: Best practices & Tips
- Perla Diaz
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
BLOG OVERIEW
If you’ve ever shot with me, you already know that I’m not just here to give you pretty pictures. I’m thinking about how these images will work for you.
One of the biggest things I notice, especially with developing models, is how easy it is to default to “Instagram posing.” And TBH, of course that happens. We’re all consuming that kind of content 24/7. We see what works on social, we see the likes, the comments, the influencers with massive followings and it makes sense that your instinct would lean that way.
But modeling for social media and modeling for a working portfolio are two very different things and the following are my best tips.
Influencer Energy vs. Working Model Tips
Let's be clear. There's nothing wrong with being in your influencer bag and there's a real lane there. Some people do it beautifully. But it's not the same lane as building a portfolio that gets you signed to an agency or hired for editorial, commercial, or fashion work.
When someone comes into a test shoot and only knows their “best angles” or insists on shooting in spots they think will look good for their feed, it tells me they’re used to performing as themselves. That’s great if you’re an influencer.
But when I work with experienced, working models, they’re asking questions like, “What role do I need to step into?” or “What are you looking for in this shot?” That's the difference between a pretty girl on Instagram and a working model. Working models know how to step outside themselves and embody something else. It’s closer to acting than anything else, but you still have to bring your own presence and energy to the role.
So no, you’re not a blank canvas or a doll. You’re the one bringing the role to life. Your personality doesn’t disappear but rather it shows up in the subtle ways you carry the clothes, the attitude you bring to the character, the vibe you help create.
Instagram vs. Portfolio Posing Tips
Instagram posing is usually about you. Your vibe, your angles, your aesthetic. And while that works great for social, it doesn’t always translate to booking real jobs.
When we’re building your book, the goal isn’t just to look good, it’s to show you can transform. That you can adapt to a brand’s vision while still bringing something real and magnetic to the table. Strong portfolio images, although the hair and makeup and styling can be simple, they still have the power to make casting directors and clients say, “I can see her in our next campaign,” or “He’d be perfect for this lookbook.”
Think Like a Brand, Perform Like an Artist
When I’m shooting, I’m thinking: Could this image live in a campaign or editorial spread? Could this easily sit on a brand’s moodboard?
It’s not about the loudest expression or the most extra outfit. It’s about what reads in a photo. That might be a soft face, a powerful stance, or a subtle interaction with the clothes.
We want to see you wear the outfit and not the other way around. Your personality is what brings the look to life, but in a way that supports the story we’re telling, not just draws attention. That’s the difference. Instagram posing is often about being seen as it’s based on attention. But modeling for a portfolio is about creating a narrative a brand can step into. I incorporates both storytelling and self expression.
Yes, There Are Models Who Are Also Influencers
Of course there are signed models with massive followings. The trendy It-girls. The ones who know how to radiate confidence and style. They often have their go-to poses and signature energy on their feeds.
But here’s the difference: when they’re booked for a job, they can turn it off. They know how to shift into whatever role the brand needs. They’re not just vibing for their audience, they’re executing a vision for someone else.
They’re not posting final campaign images all over their grid either. Usually, it’s BTS, snippets, or a moment of the process. Their personal brand supports their work, but it doesn’t overshadow their ability to be directed, to embody new moods, or to disappear into a character.
Want Your Book to Land—And Last?
The models who consistently get booked are the ones who understand the assignment. They know how to move between styles, moods, and brand identities—without losing their sense of self. They’re adaptable. Collaborative. Directed, but still magnetic.
If you’re not sure what your book is saying, or you know it’s time to elevate it—I got you! My test shoots are designed to help you create imagery that gets noticed by agents, casting directors, and brands. We'll focus on story, mood, versatility, and what makes you hireable—not just followable.
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